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.

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

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.

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.

This book will evoke every emotion possible. Sgt Higginbotham gives you an inside look at what he went through during a tour in Afghanistan something most people will never understand. He provides a real look into the emotions high and low of what the chaos of war does to our military members. Having served myself this young man is a hero and for him to allow us all a look inside his world is amazing. So thankful for his mother to publish his thoughts and help others get a glimpse inside this soldiers journey. RIP Will.

Will's journal written to his mom is the true story of an American Sniper's courage, commitment and determination in fulfilling his military obligations during the Afghan war. As a sergeant assigned to "Special Forces", his main goal was the safety of his troop and bringing them home unharmed, while putting his own life in jeopardy on several occasions. His heroic dedication is a true reflection of his character while fighting his own inward battles related to the war and the peace of mind he so desperately fought for. As his grandmother, it was extremely difficult for me to read the book; but,it has helped me to have a better understanding as to why he would never discuss the war with me. He would always say, "Grandma, things happened over there that you really wouldn't want to know ...and.that I wouldn't want you to know"! The book has had a positive impact on veterans in our area and is being utilized by veteran counselors as well as local hospice counselors to assist them when dealing with veterans and their families, as well as other clients who are suffering from PTSD.

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.

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.

Written by my close friend, this journal takes the reader through the mind and emotions of a soldier experiencing war while the person inside fights for balance and understanding. Reading this book helped me to see inside his mind and in turn open up my own self to understand what my own spouse may have experienced.Please purchase, as a percentage of the funds go to assist veterans in need as stated in the journal.

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.

This is a amazing recap that will help nearly anyone better understand our soldiers and war. The art is a big part of this book. His mom Teri should be held in high esteem for getting this book together and getting it printed. I also have the two books listed right below this one. All three have 5 stars! You won't be disappointed - this is real stuff from a real U. S.soldier.

This book is the journal of Sergeant William Higginbotham, from the front lines of fighting in Afghanistan, until returning home. It is a first hand account of the difficulty that soldiers experience while fighting for our freedom during war time. The journal was written, first person, while in Afghanistan. It is raw, inspiring, and thought provoking. It makes us all think about our freedom, how much it costs and how many soldiers have fought and laid down their lives protecting it. It also raises important questions, about the motives of war, and ensuring that when we send our soldiers to war, that our objectives and motives be honorable. Will, returned from the war, and overcame his demons. It was a long and difficult journey, and inspired everyone around him. "Life is Good." was his motto, and he fought every day to believe it, embrace it, and live it. He overcame the hardships of war, and found "clarity in the chaos." This journal should be a part of every history class. And it will inspire all of us, to support and look after our troops, before and after the war. The proceeds from this book, go to help wounded warriors and veterans. And we have many. Chaos of War, Balance of Life is moving and compelling, and I highly recommend it.

Very moving. Very brave young man. Will is the son of a dear friend and that made this harder to read. Took me longer than normal. I appreciate mom sharing his story. If you're fortunate enough to have a veteran in your life. Hug them, talk to them, and cherish them. They are the real heroes.

My husband was deployed with Higginbotham. Based on my experiences, this book does a fantastic job of explaining the turmoil soldiers experience. Really good read about the life of an infantry soldier during a deployment.