Kate’s 2¢: “Thank You For My Service” by Mat Best, Ross Patterson, and Nils Parker

“Thank You For My Service” by Mat Best, Ross Patterson, and Nils Parker

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

Yes, I heartily thank you for your boots-on-the-ground service. Perhaps, more of the Generals, Admirals, and those “running” the war(s) should have progressed up through the ranks, beginning with getting their boots muddied before advancing.

If the reader can over-look all the childish potty mouth language and immature, sexual exploits, then the details of the war stories, the graphic nitty-gritty of true combat, horror of being shot at, and killing another human up close are invaluable and need to be told. The description of the body in the burned out car as meat fried on the grill was especially memorable. It is something most of us have never had to deal with.

Knowing a soldier can’t leave a war zone “cold turkey” will help others to find meaningful transition strategies. Check out Best’s post military endeavor the Black Rifle Coffee. It is also useful to acknowledge that all vets are not created equal…They are, first, people.

Best narrated the version I listened to. His multiple character voices cracked me up. The sense of humor expressed is priceless and, I think, gallows humor has its place at certain times.

I recommend reading “Vietnam:  Three Battles by   Samuel  Lyman Atwood Marshall, Previously published as: The fields of bamboo: Three Battles Just Beyond the China Sea. 1971, Da Capo Press, Inc/ Plenum Publishing Corporation;  paperback reprint January, 1986.

Samuel Lyman Atwood Marshall (July 18, 1900 – December 17, 1977) was a chief U.S. Army combat historian during World War II and the Korean War. He authored some 30 books about warfare, including Pork Chop Hill: The American Fighting Man in Action, which was made into a film of the same name.

My father was in the Navy, my brother was in Vietnam, my husband was in the Army, and my grandson is currently a United States Marine. Yes, indeed. I heartily thank you for your military service.

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From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Thank you for my service DB97009

Best, Mat; Patterson, Ross; Parker, Nils. Reading time: 7 hours, 13 minutes.

Read by Mat Best.

Biography

World History and Affairs

A memoir from a former Army Ranger, private military contractor, and social media phenomenon, discussing his time both abroad and at home. Gives insight into life on the front lines and civilian life for veterans. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2019.