Chaos of War, Balance of Life: A Soldier's Journal from Afghanistan

I am the author's mother. When he returned from Afghanistan, he surprised me with his homecoming and handed me this journal. It took me almost 3 months to read it for the first time and it was the impetus for us to be able to talk about his experiences at war, without him having to voice the words again. When he spoke to me about his dream of publishing the journal, in order to help others, I selfishly had to seriously consider his request, as I always held it close to my heart and did not share it lightly. We finally both agreed, it could be a good thing and began the journey toward publishing. My only wish is that he could have been on this earth longer, to see how the seed he planted has grown. I hope that in heaven, he is looking down and giving us a thumbs up, for finishing his dream.

As this book was a chronicle kept by a soldier to his mother, I felt deep admiration to the relationship that he and his mother shared. This journal tells of battles fought in war, the internal struggle to keep going and the chaos that follows when a soldier must return home.Although the author is telling his story daily from the battlefield, he shares it in a way that anyone (soldier or civilian) can relate. I feel this way because daily we all fight battles, we all struggle with faith and we all overcome demons in our lives that help us grow into the people we are today.The wisdom of such a young man is astounding! Soldier, civilian or veteran; This book will no doubt have a great impact on those who read it.

I knew this young man for almost a quarter century. His mother raised him with strong core values and his strength would always come from God. He always thought of others and took care of his two sisters and brother. His love for his mother and step father was unequaled. When I read the book I read it as a love story to her and him. When I went to the funeral in Coolidge Arizona turn out and the send off by the Golden Knights it is a memory that I will take to my grave. Good Bye, Dub. You are in the arms of God now preparing a place for us. Your friend Mac

This book gives a unique perspective of some of the challenges faced by our military.Add to that, having known Will the way that our family did, these stories really pull on your emotions.We are grateful that Will's family chose to follow thru with the plan to publish this writing, I can see where it would have been difficult to share this very personal journal with the public.Hopefully it will accomplish what Will and his family had hoped and that is to help other soldiers and their families that have gone thru war.I recommend it to anyone.

Having known Will's Mom for so many years, I knew I wanted to read this book, I just never realized how deep it would affect me. I read it in one setting. It is one of the most honest, heartfelt, and painful reminders of what war really is, and what it can do. I loved Will's frankness, his prose, his drawings, his never failing faith and obvious love for his Mom. I am so glad to see his work published and hope that many will find something in Will's book to help them in their life. My sincere appreciation to his family and friends who helped to bring his desire to a reality!

Insight into a soldier's feelings as he defends our country and the ones he loves. Such agony of spirit our service people endure. Sure makes me thankful for all they do to keep the enemy away from our home ground . Seems like an unending battle, futile and thankless, not doing what it was intended to do. Gives insight into the mind-set of the middle east mentality.

Read it; laughed, cried. Have a personal relationship with the author. My husband worked with him. He introduced our granddaughter to her first helicopter ride. He was a very special person and this book portrayed that.

Very heart wrenching details from this soldier's snapshots of life on the battlefield. Kudos to his mother as it was his love for her that created the desire to journal, and her teachings of God and love are apparent throughout.