From Basic to Baghdad
Testimonials
As the 'soldier wrote home' I found it interesting to see him go from boy to man...a journey that is repeated countless times by the young men who join our armed forces. For me, the epilogue of JB's book is my favorite part - poignant and 'quoteworthy'...
Betsy - DE
Having read JB's accounts all along during the course of preparation and combat itself (before he made it a book), I think he's captured the daily inanity, tedium, hilarity and camaraderie that I've recognized as baked into the Army. JB provides a window that, while colorfully tinted sometimes (and more darkly tinted at others) most readers will receive real insight into what constitutes life in the field as a soldier. It's also the struggle to retain individuality in a huge, unwieldy monolith that can and will thrust you into the history and adventure JB so richly shares. And while experience is indeed cool, JB really concentrates on people - how they lived together and their reactions to common experiences including combat. JB talks about events, but I think he shares more with another combat storyteller, Pvt. Sam Watson of the Confederate Army, who quickly and constantly reminded readers in his slim Company H masterpiece that there was enough to tell from a soldier's perspective that he didn't need to recount "great events." That said, from my personal experience in Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the same time as JB's, he also accurately dishes out all the dust, heat and hardship of the AOR.
Get and read the book is all I can say!
Jon Anderson, Lt Col, USAF (Ret.)
First, I must say that I met JB for the first time when he graduated BCT with my son. We immediately liked him. So when I heard that he had written a book I knew that I had to read it. I took it with me to read while on vacation. I loved it! It was one of the best books I have read in a while. It gave me an insight into a soldier's life that no news release ever could. It was very refreshing to learn about the war in Iraq first hand and to read about it from a soldier's perspective. I have recommended it to several of my friends. I have also purchased copies for my children who are both in the Army.
JB, thank you for a wonderful book.
God's Peace
Lorie Anderson
I could write about the absolutely impressive wit JB demonstrates in his writing, thus making his updates an eagerly looked forward to event . . . But more important to me is the insight JB has provided me about the life of a young man facing some of the most serious of events anyone can face, and all because he volunteered to help defend my family's freedoms.
[Through his letters] I enjoy hearing about the routine Army activities that seem so mundane and boring, and watch as under JB's hand they become absolutely hilarious in their apparent uselessness. And then, reading one or two more lines I realize that while JB is making light of [these events], underneath his humor is a deadly seriousness, as if this young man knows that his safety and the safety of his comrades requires that they give mature attention to what otherwise looks like childishly inane activities. . .
JB's letters have had a huge impact on my life. I treasure every one and use them as a tool to pray for not just him, but all our men and women in harm's way.
- A Homeschooling Dad
I just wanted to share that I really enjoyed J.B’s book, From Basic to Baghdad. I prayed for him during the time he was initially over in Iraq and my husband just got back from deployment so the book was very special and meaningful, besides being extremely funny! I shared it with my brother who was 10 years in the Army before crossing over to blue and he really enjoyed it as well. Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us!
Robin