Tour of Duty: 50 Inspiring Stories from Our Men and Women in the Armed Forces

by Milo James and Lynne Marie Rominger

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1592330126
• ISBN13: 9781592330126
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Fair Winds Press (MA)
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

wonderful americans

who serve their country with honor and who would do it again....i love all the stories because they take you there....it makes me appreciate the military even more.....i would like to read more stories........hope there will be more tour of duty books.....................

Captures reality!

Short of actual service in the military, this book is the best, closest way for someone *existentially* to know and understand what it is like. Tour of Duty presents the most compelling - and readable - collection of narratives I have ever seen. Though someone who has not read the book may be put off by its military association, let me say that it is not militaristic triumphalism nor is it political in nature. The book captures the reality of military service in human terms, not just the surface-level fighting and weapons (as so often is the case). The relatively brief passages present the fullness of the human experience: from friendship to panic, from frivolity to horror, from sadness to joy. Through riveting narration, the reader actually enters into the stories. Their experiences become our experiences. Do not be surprised if you find yourself laughing out loud or crying when you read some of the stories. Their power is overwhelming-- because it is all so very real! But, much more than a wonderful emotional ride or a mere litany of personal experiences, the stories give the reader an insight into what these men and women in the service think and feel. From the humanitarian chaplain working with those in need, to the fighter pilot fighting for survival, we are given access to their common motivation: love of freedom, love of county, and a sense of service. Tour of Duty is not only a book that I can respect; it simply has become one of my favorite books!

Anytime Reading

Within the pages of this inspiring book are real life experiences of the people who make our country free. Few of us will ever be celebrities, but each of us has a story or two that is of interest to others. The first story in TOUR of DUTY grips the heart --trapped in an underwater tomb on December 7th, or the story of the Marine pilot out of ammunition heading straight for an oncoming Zero. Nail biters for sure. Yet, there are stories of compassion mixed with danger, and love of husbands and wives seperated by miles and dangers.The length of these stories makes it possible to read one during a bus or train ride, or when getting ready to fall asleep. The authors are kind to the reader--they exercise our minds and hearts at the same time, but in a manner that doesn't exhaust the reader. Encore.

Tour of Duty

Milo James and Marie Rominger have put together an excellent collection of short stories about the men and women of our armed forces. I spent 25 years in the Marine Corps and could relate to many of the stories. The real life accounts in this book brought back many fond memories of places I have severed and the many friends that I made. Many of the stories reminded me of the war stories my father use to tell me as a small boy when he would recount to me his adventures during World War Two. The stories were all well written. As I read many of these real life accounts I felt in several cases like I was actually there with the service member reliving these events. As a former member of the military and a history buff I would highly recommend this book.

Riveting, timely, compelling

This is a really great read, especially with what's goin' on in the world right now. I admit I'm a pretty patriotic guy, but I loved reading about these "ordinary Americans in extraordinary circumstances" (as the introduction says.) Its fascinating to read the experiences of these guys (and gals) in their own words ... gives you goosebumps in some of them. It just made me more grateful than ever for our military and for being an American.My girlfriend got me the book for my birthday after hearing the author interviewed on the radio. She liked it just as much as I did. Dad's definitely getting a copy for father's day. Kudos to the authors for putting this collection together!