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A Mission Without Borders: Why a Father and Son Risked it All for the People of Ukraine
Author, speaker, and former Force Recon Marine Chad Robichaux offers an honest, no-holds-barred account of what has really been happening in Ukraine and shares powerful stories that are soaked in resiliency and determination, faith and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming opposition.
When Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, former Force Recon Marine Chad Robichaux knew that innocent people were about to be exposed to untold brutality. He also knew that God was inviting him to get involved. With little idea of the trials that would follow, Chad's response was simple and "yes." As he gathered a team of elite special operations veterans, he invited his twenty-five-year-old son, Hunter--also a Marine combat veteran--to partner with him in Ukraine. Over the course of seven trips, Chad saw a change in Hunter as his confidence grew and he exceled among the team. Chad's own faith also grew as he learned to relinquish control and trust God with his son and what he witnessed in the brutality of war.
A Mission Without Borders is a powerful account of the lessons we can learn whenever we say yes to God. Chad's experience will help readers
understand what the conflict in Ukraine was like for everyday citizens beyond the political fog;discover how a bond can grow between a father and son as they face hardship together; andrealize that God doesn't just call us to go to the aid of the people we know and love, sometimes he calls us to help strangers--because it's the right thing to do.
A Mission Without Borders will take readers deep into the war in Ukraine. From Russia's use of ballistic and chemical weapons on civilians, to the inspirational story of the role that the Ukrainian church has played in the war, Chad's story of courage and hope needs to be heard. It is rich in human and spiritual truth and will connect deeply with readers of all walks.
When Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, former Force Recon Marine Chad Robichaux knew that innocent people were about to be exposed to untold brutality. He also knew that God was inviting him to get involved. With little idea of the trials that would follow, Chad's response was simple and "yes." As he gathered a team of elite special operations veterans, he invited his twenty-five-year-old son, Hunter--also a Marine combat veteran--to partner with him in Ukraine. Over the course of seven trips, Chad saw a change in Hunter as his confidence grew and he exceled among the team. Chad's own faith also grew as he learned to relinquish control and trust God with his son and what he witnessed in the brutality of war.
A Mission Without Borders is a powerful account of the lessons we can learn whenever we say yes to God. Chad's experience will help readers
understand what the conflict in Ukraine was like for everyday citizens beyond the political fog;discover how a bond can grow between a father and son as they face hardship together; andrealize that God doesn't just call us to go to the aid of the people we know and love, sometimes he calls us to help strangers--because it's the right thing to do.
A Mission Without Borders will take readers deep into the war in Ukraine. From Russia's use of ballistic and chemical weapons on civilians, to the inspirational story of the role that the Ukrainian church has played in the war, Chad's story of courage and hope needs to be heard. It is rich in human and spiritual truth and will connect deeply with readers of all walks.
- GenresNonfictionBiographyWar
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2024
29 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Chad Robichaux
9 books49 followersChad Robichaux is a former Force Recon Marine and DoD Contractor who served on eight deployments to Afghanistan as part of a Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) Task Force. After overcoming his personal battles with PTSd and nearly becoming a veteran suicide statistic, Chad founded Mighty Oaks, a leading non-profit serving the military and first responder communities with highly successful faith-based resiliency and recovery programs.
Having spoken to millions of people worldwide, over 500,000 active-duty troops, and having led life-saving programs for approximately 7,000 warriors at Mighty Oaks Ranches around the nation, Chad has become a go-to resource and is considered a subject matter expert on PTSd, veterans care, and national security, having advised Presidential Administrations, Congress, Senate, the VA, the DoD, and was appointed to serve as the Chairman of a White House Veterans Coalition.
Chad serves as a board member for the Center for Security Policy and is the Co-Founder of two non-profits focused on the rescue of Americans and vulnerable people groups trapped or captured in conflict zones around the world. In 2021, Chad led the largest civilian evacuation in American history, rescuing over 17,000 people who were trapped during the Afghanistan withdrawal, including his long-time interpreter and friend, Aziz and is now leading operations in Ukraine and other high-risk areas around the world.
Chad is regularly featured on a wide range of national media and is a Fox News Contributor. Chad's life story was notably shared in a short film by I Am Second, along with a sequel, and is the focus of the documentaries Never Fight Alone, Send Me, and Escape from Afghanistan. Currently, a motion picture movie is being produced based on Chad's award-winning Wall Street Journal best-selling book, Saving Aziz. Chad is also the USA Today best-selling author of A Mission Without Borders, highlighting rescue efforts and humanitarian aid missions he led on ten trips to Ukraine since 2022.
Chad is also a former Special Agent, having served with the US Federal Air Marshal Service and the US State Department Surveillance Detection Program. He holds an MBA from the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), is a board-certified pastoral counselor with the AACC, and is completing a graduate nonprofit management program at Harvard University.
Chad is a lifelong martial artist, Professional World Mixed Martial Arts Champion, and 4th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. Chad is a devoted Christian and resides in Texas. He and Kathy have two daughters, two sons, and five grandchildren. Through his resilience, passion, and selfless heart to serve others, Chad remains an inspiring figure to many worldwide as the host of The Resilient Show.
source: Amazon
Having spoken to millions of people worldwide, over 500,000 active-duty troops, and having led life-saving programs for approximately 7,000 warriors at Mighty Oaks Ranches around the nation, Chad has become a go-to resource and is considered a subject matter expert on PTSd, veterans care, and national security, having advised Presidential Administrations, Congress, Senate, the VA, the DoD, and was appointed to serve as the Chairman of a White House Veterans Coalition.
Chad serves as a board member for the Center for Security Policy and is the Co-Founder of two non-profits focused on the rescue of Americans and vulnerable people groups trapped or captured in conflict zones around the world. In 2021, Chad led the largest civilian evacuation in American history, rescuing over 17,000 people who were trapped during the Afghanistan withdrawal, including his long-time interpreter and friend, Aziz and is now leading operations in Ukraine and other high-risk areas around the world.
Chad is regularly featured on a wide range of national media and is a Fox News Contributor. Chad's life story was notably shared in a short film by I Am Second, along with a sequel, and is the focus of the documentaries Never Fight Alone, Send Me, and Escape from Afghanistan. Currently, a motion picture movie is being produced based on Chad's award-winning Wall Street Journal best-selling book, Saving Aziz. Chad is also the USA Today best-selling author of A Mission Without Borders, highlighting rescue efforts and humanitarian aid missions he led on ten trips to Ukraine since 2022.
Chad is also a former Special Agent, having served with the US Federal Air Marshal Service and the US State Department Surveillance Detection Program. He holds an MBA from the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), is a board-certified pastoral counselor with the AACC, and is completing a graduate nonprofit management program at Harvard University.
Chad is a lifelong martial artist, Professional World Mixed Martial Arts Champion, and 4th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. Chad is a devoted Christian and resides in Texas. He and Kathy have two daughters, two sons, and five grandchildren. Through his resilience, passion, and selfless heart to serve others, Chad remains an inspiring figure to many worldwide as the host of The Resilient Show.
source: Amazon
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August 10, 2024
“I did not go to Ukraine to support Zelensky, Biden, or any other politician. I went to help.”
Former Force Recon Marine Chad Robichaux and a team of elite special operations veterans along with his twenty-five-year-old son, also a Marine combat veteran, partnered to provide aid to Ukraine. Chad has been on 7 missions to Ukraine, his son, Hunter has been on 9 missions, and now his younger son, Hayden has joined his brother, Hunter.
Robichaux asks the tough questions:
❓How far away does someone have to be before we lose our compassion to help them?
His training and position meant he had the ability to help and he was joined by good people from all over the world; people showing up in the midst of a crisis.
❓Does it have to be worth it to do the right thing?
❓What kind of father takes his son on a road trip into a war zone?
❓How can someone put their eyes on Jesus when their life is being ripped apart? How can they trust God and pause the panic?
❓When you are tested in ways you never thought possible, how do you respond?
Times I had goosebumps while reading:
❗The German man who pulled his piano behind his car so that he could play as people crossed the border to safety. He wanted them to hear something beautiful even though rockets and bombs soared.
❗People from multiple ethnic backgrounds and religions cooking gallons of curry and handing out coats and boots
❗The rescue of American journalist, Benjamin Hall
❗The deal made to get Pierre Zakrzewski’s body out of Ukraine
❗The rescue of 47 disabled kids who had been left behind when their facility in Kyiv closed
❗The devastation in Bucha and the soil samples tested positive for chemical weapons,
I haven’t been able to get Anna’s words out of my mind since reading them:
“𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑮𝒐𝒅, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒊𝒔 ‘𝑰 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍…’ 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒏 𝒖𝒑, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎, 𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝑯𝒊𝒎 𝒕𝒐. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒐 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆. 𝑰𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒖𝒑 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔.”
If all I read out of this book was Anna’s statement, I would have enough to feed my soul and prayers for months. Robichaux’s choice to introduce readers to Ukraine citizens whose lives were anything but comfortable, who weren’t running away, who were risking it all and finding God in the midst of the fear and risk, was inspiring.
While Robichaux and his team were determined to rescue those who couldn’t rescue themselves and support the efforts of the NGOs and the underground church network by training them to defend themselves and getting supplies to the frontlines, he ended up also strengthening the father-son bond through the shared hardship. I was amazed at the display of unity and the focus on the powerful lessons we learn when we say yes to God.
This is a powerful book about facing risks for the sake of freedom and truth.
I was gifted this copy by Nelson Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Former Force Recon Marine Chad Robichaux and a team of elite special operations veterans along with his twenty-five-year-old son, also a Marine combat veteran, partnered to provide aid to Ukraine. Chad has been on 7 missions to Ukraine, his son, Hunter has been on 9 missions, and now his younger son, Hayden has joined his brother, Hunter.
Robichaux asks the tough questions:
❓How far away does someone have to be before we lose our compassion to help them?
His training and position meant he had the ability to help and he was joined by good people from all over the world; people showing up in the midst of a crisis.
❓Does it have to be worth it to do the right thing?
❓What kind of father takes his son on a road trip into a war zone?
❓How can someone put their eyes on Jesus when their life is being ripped apart? How can they trust God and pause the panic?
❓When you are tested in ways you never thought possible, how do you respond?
Times I had goosebumps while reading:
❗The German man who pulled his piano behind his car so that he could play as people crossed the border to safety. He wanted them to hear something beautiful even though rockets and bombs soared.
❗People from multiple ethnic backgrounds and religions cooking gallons of curry and handing out coats and boots
❗The rescue of American journalist, Benjamin Hall
❗The deal made to get Pierre Zakrzewski’s body out of Ukraine
❗The rescue of 47 disabled kids who had been left behind when their facility in Kyiv closed
❗The devastation in Bucha and the soil samples tested positive for chemical weapons,
I haven’t been able to get Anna’s words out of my mind since reading them:
“𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑮𝒐𝒅, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒊𝒔 ‘𝑰 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍…’ 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒏 𝒖𝒑, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎, 𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝑯𝒊𝒎 𝒕𝒐. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒐 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆. 𝑰𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒖𝒑 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔.”
If all I read out of this book was Anna’s statement, I would have enough to feed my soul and prayers for months. Robichaux’s choice to introduce readers to Ukraine citizens whose lives were anything but comfortable, who weren’t running away, who were risking it all and finding God in the midst of the fear and risk, was inspiring.
While Robichaux and his team were determined to rescue those who couldn’t rescue themselves and support the efforts of the NGOs and the underground church network by training them to defend themselves and getting supplies to the frontlines, he ended up also strengthening the father-son bond through the shared hardship. I was amazed at the display of unity and the focus on the powerful lessons we learn when we say yes to God.
This is a powerful book about facing risks for the sake of freedom and truth.
I was gifted this copy by Nelson Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
September 11, 2024
(The English review is placed beneath the Russian one)
Данная книга получила огромную поддержку (в США) от сторонников республиканцев и, в особенности, от телеканала FoxNews по той причине, что если представлять себе как выглядит типичный сторонник республиканской партии (или даже Дональда Трампа), то это будет человек, похожий на автора этой книги – показушно-верующий христианин с чёрно-белым восприятием мира и верящий в то, что Америка всегда несла миру только демократию (а не продвигала свои собственные интересы, не особо считаясь с мнениями других стран). В каком-то смысле, это даже карикатурный образ, если бы не наличие у автора психологических проблем, о которых он упоминает в книге. Ну, ладно, всё это косвенные причины, почему книга понравится далеко не всем, но что конкретно можно сказать об этой книге?
Один из главных недостатков этого произведения, это невероятно частое упоминание себя, т.е. автора в этой книги. Автор постоянно пишет о себе и с моей точки зрения, ему больше интересно рассказывать о себе и о своих проблемах, чем непосредственно об Украине. Честно сказать, мне трудно поверить в утверждение автора о том, что он нашёл в Украине братьев по вере и взглядам. С моей точки зрения, автору по большому счёту наплевать, кому и где помогать, главное чтобы там была война. Но для начала, стоит отметить, что уже в самом начале автор обрушивается с острой критикой на Байдена и его политику в отношении Афганистана. Так как я частенько смотрю телеканал FoxNews, я знаю, что это любимая тема республиканцев - критиковать администрацию Байдена за бегство из Афганистана, мол, сверхдержава так не поступает.
The moment that President Biden announced the total American withdrawal from Afghanistan, I knew it would be a disaster. Having served eight tours in the country as a Force Recon Marine and DoD contractor on a Special Operations Task Force, I knew the withdrawal would affect the future of America on a global scale and place at risk the thousands of Americans and allies who would eventually be left behind for slaughter.
Опять же, мне трудно поверить в искренность этих слов, т.к. кроме общих слов о важности присутствия американских войск в Афганистане, я не увидел ничего. Я увидел в книге убеждения автора о том, что любая проблема может, а возможно и должна, разрешаться с помощью силы. Я не увидел веских оснований, почему это было катастрофической ошибкой вывести войска из Афганистана, так же как не увидел, почему это была хорошая идея их туда ввести и более того, что присутствие американских войск в Афганистане было эффективным, в плане приближения Афганистана к демократии (хотя бы по меркам данного региона). К сожалению, автор этой книги попадает в категорию бинарной системы, которая сегодня так широко распространена в США, где Байден делает всё плохо, а Трамп является спасителем мира, либо всё то же самое, но наоборот, т.е. когда Трамп представляется исчадием ада, потенциальным диктатором, а Байден той единственной силой, которая способна противостоять "новому фюреру". В этой книге, вполне логично, автор находит слабость Байдена и в отношении Путина, тем самым как бы намекая на слова Трампа, что при мне (т.е. при Трампе) Путин бы не вторгся в Украину.
Biden’s not going to show any strength and will cave, and Putin knows it.”
Я всё это к тому написал, что с моей точки зрения, автор является очень большим поклонником республиканской партии, вследствие чего он не объективен. Автор пишет книгу для таких же ярых сторонников республиканской партии, каким является и он сам.
Вторым огромнейшим минусом стало невероятно часто упоминание Бога. Такое чувство, что половина своего путешествия по Украине прошли в молитвах и воспеваниях Господа. С моей точки зрения, истинный верующий не будет упоминать всуе Бога (в которого он верит и которому он молится), т.к. это очень интимное, это разговор в котором присутствует только и исключительно только двое. Но автор это книги хочет показать всем, какой он яростный христианин, настоящий фанатик и это отталкивает. Послушать автора, так это перст Бога направил его в Украину. Что это напоминает? Крестовые походы, которые тоже якобы были "волей Господа". Я не против религии, но я против её использования за пределами церкви. Я считаю неправильным использовать Бога в качестве "затычки для каждой бочки".
Я писал выше, что с точки зрения психологии, вполне понятно, почему автор так рвался в Украину. Кстати, в книге нигде не сказано о том, почему автор не поехал в Украину в 2014, ведь военный конфликт между Россией и Украиной начался вовсе не в феврале 2022 года, а именно в 2014. В любом случаи, причина, почему ему так не терпелось снова оказаться в том аду, из которого он однажды выбрался, заключается в ПТСР (Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)).
After my life hit rock bottom in 2011 and I finally recovered from PTSD, Kathy and I founded a nonprofit to help other veterans.
Но что автор делал в Украине? Он воевал в рядах ВСУ или входил в какой-нибудь иностранный легион? По словам автора, он занимался доставкой гуманитарной помощи (я не совсем понял, доставлял ли он вооружение или это были исключительно продукты невоенного назначения). В общем, автор коротко расскажет о своём путешествии по самым горячим, опасным и страшным точкам, включая Изюм и Бучу. Из того что мы знаем из мировых СМИ, ничего нового эта книга не скажет. Поэтому если и читать книгу, то скорее из-за желания услышать голос украинцев, в особенности военных находящихся на переднем крае этой войны.
И вот в этом моменте мы наилучшим образом замечаем, чем отличается профессиональный журналист от обычного вояки, каким и является автор. Скорее всего, автору помогали писать книгу профессиональные журналисты и редакторы, тем не менее, она блеклая и скучная. Всё же такие темы интересней слушать от людей, которые умеют писать, поэтому именно в этот момент ты понимаешь, насколько важна работа журналиста, особенно военного журналиста и в тройне особенно, если это объективный журналист. Впрочем, я не поставил книге негативную оценку, что бывает со мной редко, когда книга меня не впечатляет. Да, книга мне не особенно понравилась, тем не менее она не вызвала отторжения, что было со мной при чтении украинской военной пропаганды. Вполне возможно, что военные сводки изображены автором объективно. Конечно, автор рисует картину чёрно-белыми красками, но разве может военный смотреть на такую картину по-другому? Разве может он, видя те смерти и разрушения, задуматься о решении собственного правительства в отношении начала военного противостояния с Афганистаном и Ираком? Не думаю. Тем не менее, я всё же не нашёл в книге то, что искал - отображения реальности такой какая она есть, т.е. без примес��й идеологического и личного искажения.
This book has received a huge amount of support (in the US) from Republican supporters and especially from Fox News for the reason that if you imagine what a typical Republican (or even Donald Trump) supporter looks like, it would be someone like the author of this book - an ostentatiously devout Christian with a black-and-white perception of the world who believes that America has always brought only democracy to the world (rather than promoting its own interests without much regard for the opinions of other countries). In a way, it's even a caricatured image, if it weren't for the author having psychological problems, which he mentions in the book. Well, okay, these are all circumstantial reasons why not everyone will like the book, but what exactly can be said about this book?
One of the main drawbacks of this work is the frequent mention of himself, i.e., the author, in this book. The author constantly writes about himself, and from my point of view, he is more interested in talking about himself and his problems than directly about Ukraine. Frankly speaking, I find it hard to believe the author's claim that he found brothers in faith and views in Ukraine. From my point of view, the author doesn't really care who and where to help as long as there is a war there. But first of all, it is worth noting that in the very beginning, the author criticizes Biden and his policy towards Afghanistan. Since I often watch Fox News, I know that this is a favorite topic of Republicans - to criticize the Biden administration for fleeing Afghanistan, saying that a superpower does not do that.
The moment that President Biden announced the total American withdrawal from Afghanistan, I knew it would be a disaster. Having served eight tours in the country as a Force Recon Marine and DoD contractor on a Special Operations Task Force, I knew the withdrawal would affect the future of America on a global scale and place at risk the thousands of Americans and allies who would eventually be left behind for slaughter.
Again, I find it hard to believe in the sincerity of these words, as I saw nothing but general words about the importance of the presence of American troops in Afghanistan. I saw in the book the author's beliefs that any problem can, and perhaps should, be solved by force. I saw no good reason why it was a disastrous mistake to pull troops out of Afghanistan, nor did I see why it was a good idea to put them there and that the presence of US troops in Afghanistan was effective in bringing Afghanistan closer to democracy (at least by the standards of the region). Unfortunately, the author of this book falls into the category of the binary system that is so widespread in the US today, where Biden does everything badly and Trump is the savior of the world, or everything is the same but in reverse, i.e., when Trump is presented as the devil of hell, a potential dictator, and Biden is the only force that can resist the “new Führer”. In this book, quite logically, the author finds Biden's weakness with respect to Putin as well, thus as if to allude to Trump's words that under me (i.e., under Trump), Putin would not have invaded Ukraine.
Biden’s not going to show any strength and will cave, and Putin knows it.”
My point in writing all this is that from my point of view, the author is a very big fan of the Republican party, so he is not objective. The author is writing a book for the same ardent supporters of the Republican party that he is.
The second huge disadvantage was the incredibly frequent mention of God. The feeling that half of their journey through Ukraine was spent in prayers and chanting to the Lord. From my point of view, a true believer will not mention God (whom he believes in and prays to) in vain, as it is very intimate. But the author of this book wants to show everyone what a fierce Christian he is, a real fanatic, and it is repulsive. According to the author, it was the finger of God that directed him to Ukraine. What does it remind you of? The Crusades, which were also supposedly “the will of God”. I am not against religion, but I am against its use outside the church. I think it is wrong to use God as a “plug for every barrel”.
I wrote above that from a psychological point of view it is quite understandable why the author was so eager to go to Ukraine. By the way, nowhere in the book does it say why the author did not go to Ukraine in 2014 because the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine began not in February 2022 but in 2014. In any case, the reason why he was so eager to be back in the hell from which he had once escaped was PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder).
After my life hit rock bottom in 2011 and I finally recovered from PTSD, Kathy and I founded a nonprofit to help other veterans.
But what was the author doing in Ukraine? Did he fight in the AFU, or was he a member of some foreign legion? According to the author, he was engaged in the delivery of humanitarian aid (I didn't quite understand whether he delivered weapons or it was exclusively non-military products). Anyway, the author briefly talks about his journey through the hottest, most dangerous, and scariest spots, including Izium and Bucha. From what we know from the world media, this book will not say anything new. Therefore, if you read the book, it is more because you want to hear the voice of Ukrainians, especially the military, who are at the forefront of this war.
And this is the point where we best notice the difference between a professional journalist and an ordinary soldier, which the author is. Most likely, the author was helped to write the book by professional journalists and editors, but it is dull and boring. Still, such topics are more interesting to listen to from people who know how to write, so it is at this point that you realize how important the work of a journalist is, especially a war journalist, and triply so if it is an objective journalist. However, I did not give the book a negative evaluation, which happens to me rarely when I am not impressed by a book. Yes, I did not particularly like the book nevertheless it did not cause rejection, which was the case with me when reading Ukrainian military propaganda. It is quite possible that the military reports are portrayed objectively by the author. Of course, the author paints the picture in black and white colors but can a military man look at such a picture differently? Can he, seeing those deaths and destruction, think about his own government's decision to launch a military confrontation with Afghanistan and Iraq? I don't think so. Nevertheless, I still did not find (in the book) what I was looking for - a depiction of reality as it is, i.e., without the impurities of ideological and personal distortion.
Данная книга получила огромную поддержку (в США) от сторонников республиканцев и, в особенности, от телеканала FoxNews по той причине, что если представлять себе как выглядит типичный сторонник республиканской партии (или даже Дональда Трампа), то это будет человек, похожий на автора этой книги – показушно-верующий христианин с чёрно-белым восприятием мира и верящий в то, что Америка всегда несла миру только демократию (а не продвигала свои собственные интересы, не особо считаясь с мнениями других стран). В каком-то смысле, это даже карикатурный образ, если бы не наличие у автора психологических проблем, о которых он упоминает в книге. Ну, ладно, всё это косвенные причины, почему книга понравится далеко не всем, но что конкретно можно сказать об этой книге?
Один из главных недостатков этого произведения, это невероятно частое упоминание себя, т.е. автора в этой книги. Автор постоянно пишет о себе и с моей точки зрения, ему больше интересно рассказывать о себе и о своих проблемах, чем непосредственно об Украине. Честно сказать, мне трудно поверить в утверждение автора о том, что он нашёл в Украине братьев по вере и взглядам. С моей точки зрения, автору по большому счёту наплевать, кому и где помогать, главное чтобы там была война. Но для начала, стоит отметить, что уже в самом начале автор обрушивается с острой критикой на Байдена и его политику в отношении Афганистана. Так как я частенько смотрю телеканал FoxNews, я знаю, что это любимая тема республиканцев - критиковать администрацию Байдена за бегство из Афганистана, мол, сверхдержава так не поступает.
The moment that President Biden announced the total American withdrawal from Afghanistan, I knew it would be a disaster. Having served eight tours in the country as a Force Recon Marine and DoD contractor on a Special Operations Task Force, I knew the withdrawal would affect the future of America on a global scale and place at risk the thousands of Americans and allies who would eventually be left behind for slaughter.
Опять же, мне трудно поверить в искренность этих слов, т.к. кроме общих слов о важности присутствия американских войск в Афганистане, я не увидел ничего. Я увидел в книге убеждения автора о том, что любая проблема может, а возможно и должна, разрешаться с помощью силы. Я не увидел веских оснований, почему это было катастрофической ошибкой вывести войска из Афганистана, так же как не увидел, почему это была хорошая идея их туда ввести и более того, что присутствие американских войск в Афганистане было эффективным, в плане приближения Афганистана к демократии (хотя бы по меркам данного региона). К сожалению, автор этой книги попадает в категорию бинарной системы, которая сегодня так широко распространена в США, где Байден делает всё плохо, а Трамп является спасителем мира, либо всё то же самое, но наоборот, т.е. когда Трамп представляется исчадием ада, потенциальным диктатором, а Байден той единственной силой, которая способна противостоять "новому фюреру". В этой книге, вполне логично, автор находит слабость Байдена и в отношении Путина, тем самым как бы намекая на слова Трампа, что при мне (т.е. при Трампе) Путин бы не вторгся в Украину.
Biden’s not going to show any strength and will cave, and Putin knows it.”
Я всё это к тому написал, что с моей точки зрения, автор является очень большим поклонником республиканской партии, вследствие чего он не объективен. Автор пишет книгу для таких же ярых сторонников республиканской партии, каким является и он сам.
Вторым огромнейшим минусом стало невероятно часто упоминание Бога. Такое чувство, что половина своего путешествия по Украине прошли в молитвах и воспеваниях Господа. С моей точки зрения, истинный верующий не будет упоминать всуе Бога (в которого он верит и которому он молится), т.к. это очень интимное, это разговор в котором присутствует только и исключительно только двое. Но автор это книги хочет показать всем, какой он яростный христианин, настоящий фанатик и это отталкивает. Послушать автора, так это перст Бога направил его в Украину. Что это напоминает? Крестовые походы, которые тоже якобы были "волей Господа". Я не против религии, но я против её использования за пределами церкви. Я считаю неправильным использовать Бога в качестве "затычки для каждой бочки".
Я писал выше, что с точки зрения психологии, вполне понятно, почему автор так рвался в Украину. Кстати, в книге нигде не сказано о том, почему автор не поехал в Украину в 2014, ведь военный конфликт между Россией и Украиной начался вовсе не в феврале 2022 года, а именно в 2014. В любом случаи, причина, почему ему так не терпелось снова оказаться в том аду, из которого он однажды выбрался, заключается в ПТСР (Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)).
After my life hit rock bottom in 2011 and I finally recovered from PTSD, Kathy and I founded a nonprofit to help other veterans.
Но что автор делал в Украине? Он воевал в рядах ВСУ или входил в какой-нибудь иностранный легион? По словам автора, он занимался доставкой гуманитарной помощи (я не совсем понял, доставлял ли он вооружение или это были исключительно продукты невоенного назначения). В общем, автор коротко расскажет о своём путешествии по самым горячим, опасным и страшным точкам, включая Изюм и Бучу. Из того что мы знаем из мировых СМИ, ничего нового эта книга не скажет. Поэтому если и читать книгу, то скорее из-за желания услышать голос украинцев, в особенности военных находящихся на переднем крае этой войны.
И вот в этом моменте мы наилучшим образом замечаем, чем отличается профессиональный журналист от обычного вояки, каким и является автор. Скорее всего, автору помогали писать книгу профессиональные журналисты и редакторы, тем не менее, она блеклая и скучная. Всё же такие темы интересней слушать от людей, которые умеют писать, поэтому именно в этот момент ты понимаешь, насколько важна работа журналиста, особенно военного журналиста и в тройне особенно, если это объективный журналист. Впрочем, я не поставил книге негативную оценку, что бывает со мной редко, когда книга меня не впечатляет. Да, книга мне не особенно понравилась, тем не менее она не вызвала отторжения, что было со мной при чтении украинской военной пропаганды. Вполне возможно, что военные сводки изображены автором объективно. Конечно, автор рисует картину чёрно-белыми красками, но разве может военный смотреть на такую картину по-другому? Разве может он, видя те смерти и разрушения, задуматься о решении собственного правительства в отношении начала военного противостояния с Афганистаном и Ираком? Не думаю. Тем не менее, я всё же не нашёл в книге то, что искал - отображения реальности такой какая она есть, т.е. без примес��й идеологического и личного искажения.
This book has received a huge amount of support (in the US) from Republican supporters and especially from Fox News for the reason that if you imagine what a typical Republican (or even Donald Trump) supporter looks like, it would be someone like the author of this book - an ostentatiously devout Christian with a black-and-white perception of the world who believes that America has always brought only democracy to the world (rather than promoting its own interests without much regard for the opinions of other countries). In a way, it's even a caricatured image, if it weren't for the author having psychological problems, which he mentions in the book. Well, okay, these are all circumstantial reasons why not everyone will like the book, but what exactly can be said about this book?
One of the main drawbacks of this work is the frequent mention of himself, i.e., the author, in this book. The author constantly writes about himself, and from my point of view, he is more interested in talking about himself and his problems than directly about Ukraine. Frankly speaking, I find it hard to believe the author's claim that he found brothers in faith and views in Ukraine. From my point of view, the author doesn't really care who and where to help as long as there is a war there. But first of all, it is worth noting that in the very beginning, the author criticizes Biden and his policy towards Afghanistan. Since I often watch Fox News, I know that this is a favorite topic of Republicans - to criticize the Biden administration for fleeing Afghanistan, saying that a superpower does not do that.
The moment that President Biden announced the total American withdrawal from Afghanistan, I knew it would be a disaster. Having served eight tours in the country as a Force Recon Marine and DoD contractor on a Special Operations Task Force, I knew the withdrawal would affect the future of America on a global scale and place at risk the thousands of Americans and allies who would eventually be left behind for slaughter.
Again, I find it hard to believe in the sincerity of these words, as I saw nothing but general words about the importance of the presence of American troops in Afghanistan. I saw in the book the author's beliefs that any problem can, and perhaps should, be solved by force. I saw no good reason why it was a disastrous mistake to pull troops out of Afghanistan, nor did I see why it was a good idea to put them there and that the presence of US troops in Afghanistan was effective in bringing Afghanistan closer to democracy (at least by the standards of the region). Unfortunately, the author of this book falls into the category of the binary system that is so widespread in the US today, where Biden does everything badly and Trump is the savior of the world, or everything is the same but in reverse, i.e., when Trump is presented as the devil of hell, a potential dictator, and Biden is the only force that can resist the “new Führer”. In this book, quite logically, the author finds Biden's weakness with respect to Putin as well, thus as if to allude to Trump's words that under me (i.e., under Trump), Putin would not have invaded Ukraine.
Biden’s not going to show any strength and will cave, and Putin knows it.”
My point in writing all this is that from my point of view, the author is a very big fan of the Republican party, so he is not objective. The author is writing a book for the same ardent supporters of the Republican party that he is.
The second huge disadvantage was the incredibly frequent mention of God. The feeling that half of their journey through Ukraine was spent in prayers and chanting to the Lord. From my point of view, a true believer will not mention God (whom he believes in and prays to) in vain, as it is very intimate. But the author of this book wants to show everyone what a fierce Christian he is, a real fanatic, and it is repulsive. According to the author, it was the finger of God that directed him to Ukraine. What does it remind you of? The Crusades, which were also supposedly “the will of God”. I am not against religion, but I am against its use outside the church. I think it is wrong to use God as a “plug for every barrel”.
I wrote above that from a psychological point of view it is quite understandable why the author was so eager to go to Ukraine. By the way, nowhere in the book does it say why the author did not go to Ukraine in 2014 because the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine began not in February 2022 but in 2014. In any case, the reason why he was so eager to be back in the hell from which he had once escaped was PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder).
After my life hit rock bottom in 2011 and I finally recovered from PTSD, Kathy and I founded a nonprofit to help other veterans.
But what was the author doing in Ukraine? Did he fight in the AFU, or was he a member of some foreign legion? According to the author, he was engaged in the delivery of humanitarian aid (I didn't quite understand whether he delivered weapons or it was exclusively non-military products). Anyway, the author briefly talks about his journey through the hottest, most dangerous, and scariest spots, including Izium and Bucha. From what we know from the world media, this book will not say anything new. Therefore, if you read the book, it is more because you want to hear the voice of Ukrainians, especially the military, who are at the forefront of this war.
And this is the point where we best notice the difference between a professional journalist and an ordinary soldier, which the author is. Most likely, the author was helped to write the book by professional journalists and editors, but it is dull and boring. Still, such topics are more interesting to listen to from people who know how to write, so it is at this point that you realize how important the work of a journalist is, especially a war journalist, and triply so if it is an objective journalist. However, I did not give the book a negative evaluation, which happens to me rarely when I am not impressed by a book. Yes, I did not particularly like the book nevertheless it did not cause rejection, which was the case with me when reading Ukrainian military propaganda. It is quite possible that the military reports are portrayed objectively by the author. Of course, the author paints the picture in black and white colors but can a military man look at such a picture differently? Can he, seeing those deaths and destruction, think about his own government's decision to launch a military confrontation with Afghanistan and Iraq? I don't think so. Nevertheless, I still did not find (in the book) what I was looking for - a depiction of reality as it is, i.e., without the impurities of ideological and personal distortion.
August 28, 2024
For what reason do good people suffer horrible things? Why does God not intervene to prevent murders? In “A Mission Without Borders: Why a Father and Son Risked It All for the People of Ukraine,” author Chad Robichaux writes about his experiences in war-torn Ukraine, including atrocities, war crimes, and horrific acts of evil that led to the savage slaughter of thousands of innocent women, children, and the elderly.
Numerous women and children, with their wrists bound behind their backs and bullets to the head from Russian forces, were among the thousands of dead people buried in mass graves deep within the territory of Ukraine. This awful scene was one that Robichaux and his companions would not soon forget. Instead of being worried about civilian casualties, he believes that the Russians intentionally targeted them. Robichaux had been deployed to Afghanistan eight times as a Force Recon Marine and DoD contractor on a Special Operations Task Force, but nothing had prepared him for the tragedy he was witnessing in Ukraine.
He and his squad were tasked with saving lives in Ukraine and offering any assistance they could to the Ukrainian forces. With the help of its own special forces operating undercover as humanitarian workers, Russia had been able to drive back Ukrainian soldiers by locating possible targets and initiating airstrikes. Seeking financial support to purchase necessary equipment for carrying out the task in this deeply penetrated conflict zone, Robichaux would approach people he had previously worked with whose hearts went out to prevent a future World War III. But most significantly, he would rely on prayer for direction, guidance, protection, and comfort, knowing that God wanted him there, to use the skills that he and his team had gained to serve Him.
This true yet surreal story is one of unshakable faith, constant prayer, steadfast dedication, unconditional love, and tremendous drive to save human lives. Its attention-grabbing topics and relevant humanity concerns draw the reader in from the outset. It is a thought-provoking, inspirational, and faith-building book that promotes the quest for world peace. It also provides readers with eyewitness accounts of a conflict that affected the entire world, both directly and indirectly. Furthermore, it provides readers with a wealth of information and concerns on events such as the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.
From the time he learns of the mission until he enters his destination, the author describes in great detail his experiences—meeting soldiers ready to protect their homes, dealing with explosions, and working with his son and his longstanding friend. Chad Robichaux’s offering to the world, “A Mission Without Borders: Why a Father and Son Risked Everything for the People of Ukraine,” is a tribute to the courage, valor, and unwavering tenacity of thousands of soldiers and the people of Ukraine. A great read that is appropriate for all ages.
Numerous women and children, with their wrists bound behind their backs and bullets to the head from Russian forces, were among the thousands of dead people buried in mass graves deep within the territory of Ukraine. This awful scene was one that Robichaux and his companions would not soon forget. Instead of being worried about civilian casualties, he believes that the Russians intentionally targeted them. Robichaux had been deployed to Afghanistan eight times as a Force Recon Marine and DoD contractor on a Special Operations Task Force, but nothing had prepared him for the tragedy he was witnessing in Ukraine.
He and his squad were tasked with saving lives in Ukraine and offering any assistance they could to the Ukrainian forces. With the help of its own special forces operating undercover as humanitarian workers, Russia had been able to drive back Ukrainian soldiers by locating possible targets and initiating airstrikes. Seeking financial support to purchase necessary equipment for carrying out the task in this deeply penetrated conflict zone, Robichaux would approach people he had previously worked with whose hearts went out to prevent a future World War III. But most significantly, he would rely on prayer for direction, guidance, protection, and comfort, knowing that God wanted him there, to use the skills that he and his team had gained to serve Him.
This true yet surreal story is one of unshakable faith, constant prayer, steadfast dedication, unconditional love, and tremendous drive to save human lives. Its attention-grabbing topics and relevant humanity concerns draw the reader in from the outset. It is a thought-provoking, inspirational, and faith-building book that promotes the quest for world peace. It also provides readers with eyewitness accounts of a conflict that affected the entire world, both directly and indirectly. Furthermore, it provides readers with a wealth of information and concerns on events such as the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.
From the time he learns of the mission until he enters his destination, the author describes in great detail his experiences—meeting soldiers ready to protect their homes, dealing with explosions, and working with his son and his longstanding friend. Chad Robichaux’s offering to the world, “A Mission Without Borders: Why a Father and Son Risked Everything for the People of Ukraine,” is a tribute to the courage, valor, and unwavering tenacity of thousands of soldiers and the people of Ukraine. A great read that is appropriate for all ages.
September 26, 2024
"There is evil in the world," she began. "There is danger and violence and people who want to hurt and destroy you and just because you put your trust in God for your children, your loved ones, and everyone else that you care about doesn't mean that they're going to be safe. Do you understand?...People say they trust God but what they actually say is, 'I trust that God will...' They have a contract all drawn up and they expect God to come through for them exactly the way they want Him to. But really trusting God means letting go of outcome. It means giving up on getting the results you want and when you do that, everything changes. That's what you saw here today. Everyone here is learning what it means to truly put your faith in God. And when the Russians came we all started from the same place telling God that we trust him to do what we wanted, to protect our children and loved ones but everyone here has lost someone they loved. Some of the people you are worshiping alongside have seen their own children shot to death, blown up, or executed but they're still here. They're still believing God exists and is with us and they're finding that God can take their rage and their sorrow and their pain. He can take it all. Every tear and every shout. He is enough." - Anna, a Christian Ukrainian's advice to the author.
In this book, the author shares stories about some of his work as a Christian NGO in Ukraine. He has taken several trips to Ukraine to help provide safety and support to the Ukrainian people and Ukrainian soldiers. I enjoyed the book. I wanted to learn more about what was going on in Ukraine and hearing his stories provided a glimpse behind the borders of that nation.
I'd give this one 3.5 stars - mostly because I wanted to hear more. Even so, this is a worthy read and his Mighty Oaks non-profit sounds like a very honorable non-profit organization that is worthy of support.
In this book, the author shares stories about some of his work as a Christian NGO in Ukraine. He has taken several trips to Ukraine to help provide safety and support to the Ukrainian people and Ukrainian soldiers. I enjoyed the book. I wanted to learn more about what was going on in Ukraine and hearing his stories provided a glimpse behind the borders of that nation.
I'd give this one 3.5 stars - mostly because I wanted to hear more. Even so, this is a worthy read and his Mighty Oaks non-profit sounds like a very honorable non-profit organization that is worthy of support.
August 19, 2025
Absolutely incredible. I had to stop and remind myself so many times that this is a true story. So well written and so captivating
August 15, 2024
Harrowing tail of bringing aid to Ukrainian soldiers and citizens. I wasn't crazy about the writing style, but I enjoyed the story. I wish more could be done to help the innocent.
January 2, 2025
This is a review for A Mission Without Borders by Chad Robichaux, and it's an ARC in return for my honest opinion. I am someone who reads many books a year, and this book is my number 1 most influential book of 2024. This book reads like a great action-packed thriller, but it is a true story about how Chad Robichaux, a former Force Recon Marine, Federal Air Marshall, and special agent who served 8 tours in Afghanistan and rescued over 17,000 people from the Taliban (see source below), who saw the war in Ukraine rise up, and knew that God, with the full support of his wife, was calling him to once again do his part, using the incredible skills and training he has been blessed with, and go help the people who would be hurt, misplaced, and tormented as that war came to them! Chad would answer that call, assemble his team of very brave and skilled men and women, including his own son, and fellow Marine, Hunter, and go straight into the war zone in Ukraine! This book is full of how Chad, Hunter, and their team faced incredible odds, highly dangerous situations, went to places no one else would go, to save those who had no one to rescue them because it was too risky!
Through each story, I saw how Chad and the team came together in unity, each using their special skill set to work together to save lives, by working with the NGOs and churches to get much needed supplies, establish satellite communication in areas that had no access, much to the thanks and skill of Hunter, get medical help established in areas that needed, but most of all, rescuing those, like injured journalists, in dangerous areas that most people were leaving. I watched them all working together, valuing each life as if it were their own family, being willing to go where they felt God was leading, no matter the danger, and trusting each other, and working together in ways that saved many lives! This book is a must read, and 5 stars just isn't enough, because I was so impacted by it! The story is very well written, and I was engaged from the beginning! I highly recommend it, and am thanking God for the men and women of our military, the NGO's, the churches, and all the people who not only went to Ukraine, but also who gave the money, supported their spouses and family members who were called to go, and all those unnamed who had a part in helping Chad and his team do their job rescuing and helping others!
On a personal note, I was amazed at the process Chad went through when he was faced with making decisions. First he would take the needs to the Lord first, laying it all out, and asking for the Lord to show him if it was something He was asking Chad to do, then sought 100 percent of God's will and guidance. Then he went to his wife, shared the situation, and asked her advice, and they prayed together. Then after seeking both of them, he was willing to go again, doing whatever was asked of him. His wife was supportive of his work, and became his cheerleader, unselfishly looking to the needs of others, which was beautiful to watch. That was a true partnership, and one that Chad really needed to help him succeed!!
Also I really enjoyed how real Chad was in telling these stories! I was especially touched by his relationship with his son Hunter, and how he was willing to let God use Hunter in the way He had called him, even though it was dangerous! Chad had to put his son in God's hands, knowing full well the risks of letting Hunter being a part of the team, but Chad knew he could trust God with Hunter. By Chad allowing Hunter to become part of his team, which I won't ruin by telling you what he did, he actually helped Hunter to grow in confidence, and he became a vital member of the team, accomplishing way more than Chad had ever imagined. It took great faith and trust in God to allow Chad, as a father, to let Hunter be a part of his team, but in the end, his obedience and trust not only drew them both closer to God and helped many, many people, but also deepened their relationship as father and son. It was also beautiful to watch!
Lastly, watching the team working with the local churches, who were on the front lines, gave me such hope! I saw God's family working together despite language barriers, different nationalities, and amongst war, all uniting to save their fellow man, no matter who they were. It showed me that unity is still possible, and made me want to seek God in prayer, asking Him to show me what He is calling me to do, and trusting Him to use me wherever He wants, uniting with others to make a difference right where He has placed me. So, yes this book really impacted me, and I just am in awe of what God can do through those, like Chad, Hunter and their entire team, because they were willing to say yes, Lord, send me!
Through each story, I saw how Chad and the team came together in unity, each using their special skill set to work together to save lives, by working with the NGOs and churches to get much needed supplies, establish satellite communication in areas that had no access, much to the thanks and skill of Hunter, get medical help established in areas that needed, but most of all, rescuing those, like injured journalists, in dangerous areas that most people were leaving. I watched them all working together, valuing each life as if it were their own family, being willing to go where they felt God was leading, no matter the danger, and trusting each other, and working together in ways that saved many lives! This book is a must read, and 5 stars just isn't enough, because I was so impacted by it! The story is very well written, and I was engaged from the beginning! I highly recommend it, and am thanking God for the men and women of our military, the NGO's, the churches, and all the people who not only went to Ukraine, but also who gave the money, supported their spouses and family members who were called to go, and all those unnamed who had a part in helping Chad and his team do their job rescuing and helping others!
On a personal note, I was amazed at the process Chad went through when he was faced with making decisions. First he would take the needs to the Lord first, laying it all out, and asking for the Lord to show him if it was something He was asking Chad to do, then sought 100 percent of God's will and guidance. Then he went to his wife, shared the situation, and asked her advice, and they prayed together. Then after seeking both of them, he was willing to go again, doing whatever was asked of him. His wife was supportive of his work, and became his cheerleader, unselfishly looking to the needs of others, which was beautiful to watch. That was a true partnership, and one that Chad really needed to help him succeed!!
Also I really enjoyed how real Chad was in telling these stories! I was especially touched by his relationship with his son Hunter, and how he was willing to let God use Hunter in the way He had called him, even though it was dangerous! Chad had to put his son in God's hands, knowing full well the risks of letting Hunter being a part of the team, but Chad knew he could trust God with Hunter. By Chad allowing Hunter to become part of his team, which I won't ruin by telling you what he did, he actually helped Hunter to grow in confidence, and he became a vital member of the team, accomplishing way more than Chad had ever imagined. It took great faith and trust in God to allow Chad, as a father, to let Hunter be a part of his team, but in the end, his obedience and trust not only drew them both closer to God and helped many, many people, but also deepened their relationship as father and son. It was also beautiful to watch!
Lastly, watching the team working with the local churches, who were on the front lines, gave me such hope! I saw God's family working together despite language barriers, different nationalities, and amongst war, all uniting to save their fellow man, no matter who they were. It showed me that unity is still possible, and made me want to seek God in prayer, asking Him to show me what He is calling me to do, and trusting Him to use me wherever He wants, uniting with others to make a difference right where He has placed me. So, yes this book really impacted me, and I just am in awe of what God can do through those, like Chad, Hunter and their entire team, because they were willing to say yes, Lord, send me!
September 19, 2024
Fatherhood in literature often delves into the emotional and moral challenges that define paternal relationships, and these complexities are intensified during times of war. A Mission Without Borders by Chad Robichaux offers a poignant exploration of this theme, recounting the author's response to God's call during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Alongside his son, Hunter, a fellow Marine, Chad leads a team of elite veterans on seven humanitarian missions. As they navigate the chaos and devastation of war, Chad's faith deepens, learning to trust God with both his son’s safety and the purpose of their mission. The book captures the profound impact of the conflict on everyday Ukrainians, the crucial role of the Ukrainian church, and the unbreakable bond that forms between father and son in the face of adversity. Courage, hope, and selflessness are the central pillars of this inspiring narrative.
This book offers a raw and personal glimpse into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, told through the lens of a father and son confronting the horrors of war together. Chad’s steadfast faith, fueled by a divine sense of duty, forms the core of the story. One of the most powerful themes is the evolution of fatherhood, showing how a bond can be both tested and strengthened under extreme circumstances. Chad's partnership with Hunter, as they face peril side by side, brings an emotional intensity to the story, revealing how the trials of war forge resilience and deepen relationships. Yet, A Mission Without Borders goes beyond the battlefield. It humanizes the conflict by portraying the struggles of ordinary Ukrainians, shedding light on the devastating toll war takes on daily life. One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its depiction of the Ukrainian church, emphasizing its pivotal role in resisting oppression and providing a beacon of hope amidst despair. Chad’s reflections on the moral imperative to step beyond comfort zones and help strangers—driven by compassion and faith—resonate powerfully throughout the narrative.
While the book is rich in heart and authenticity. For those drawn to stories of faith, family, and courage in the face of adversity, A Mission Without Borders is an inspiring and compelling read.
This book offers a raw and personal glimpse into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, told through the lens of a father and son confronting the horrors of war together. Chad’s steadfast faith, fueled by a divine sense of duty, forms the core of the story. One of the most powerful themes is the evolution of fatherhood, showing how a bond can be both tested and strengthened under extreme circumstances. Chad's partnership with Hunter, as they face peril side by side, brings an emotional intensity to the story, revealing how the trials of war forge resilience and deepen relationships. Yet, A Mission Without Borders goes beyond the battlefield. It humanizes the conflict by portraying the struggles of ordinary Ukrainians, shedding light on the devastating toll war takes on daily life. One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its depiction of the Ukrainian church, emphasizing its pivotal role in resisting oppression and providing a beacon of hope amidst despair. Chad’s reflections on the moral imperative to step beyond comfort zones and help strangers—driven by compassion and faith—resonate powerfully throughout the narrative.
While the book is rich in heart and authenticity. For those drawn to stories of faith, family, and courage in the face of adversity, A Mission Without Borders is an inspiring and compelling read.
March 4, 2025
Through a series of chapter long vignettes the author shares his experiences in supplying aid in Ukraine when Russia first invaded in 2022. It is a fascinating inside look at what was happening in Ukraine and Poland.
One never really knows unless you experience it for yourself what is like on the ground in a situation like this. Chad takes you into the environment sharing everything from the beauty of someone playing piano when refugees were streaming across the border simply because he wanted to help to the worrisome of Russian spies hanging around the hotel where all the aid agencies were operating. Through snippets of experiences you see all of the incredible people that are giving of their time, talents and treasure to help people in an impossible situation.
The beginning is emotionally fraught as the author vulnerably shares an experience. The rest is a beautiful walk how his faith guided and was strengthened through his work and how God really up in the work that they were doing. He shares stories of faith filled church services in a war torn country. You learn about mma fighters that got together to operate as special forces, the challenges they faced and the things they were willing to learn from the author and his team.
You also walk through how Chad managed his eldest Hunter joining the project. How he balanced being a leader and being a father. His growing respect for his son and then how Hunter stepped up in leadership. Great leadership lessons on how to handle situations where you can't let your emotions guide you.
It was a slow start for me more so because of my mindset than necessarily the book. Once I got started though I didn't want to the put the book down. It fed my soul.
One never really knows unless you experience it for yourself what is like on the ground in a situation like this. Chad takes you into the environment sharing everything from the beauty of someone playing piano when refugees were streaming across the border simply because he wanted to help to the worrisome of Russian spies hanging around the hotel where all the aid agencies were operating. Through snippets of experiences you see all of the incredible people that are giving of their time, talents and treasure to help people in an impossible situation.
The beginning is emotionally fraught as the author vulnerably shares an experience. The rest is a beautiful walk how his faith guided and was strengthened through his work and how God really up in the work that they were doing. He shares stories of faith filled church services in a war torn country. You learn about mma fighters that got together to operate as special forces, the challenges they faced and the things they were willing to learn from the author and his team.
You also walk through how Chad managed his eldest Hunter joining the project. How he balanced being a leader and being a father. His growing respect for his son and then how Hunter stepped up in leadership. Great leadership lessons on how to handle situations where you can't let your emotions guide you.
It was a slow start for me more so because of my mindset than necessarily the book. Once I got started though I didn't want to the put the book down. It fed my soul.
February 22, 2025
In some small way, this book catches the chaos that is the situation in Ukraine. Maybe because so much can’t be said, or because even the simplest task takes incredible effort and so much time, what should be simple things take up much of the book. So a chapter will chronicle the efforts to take a person from here to there or bring supplies from here to there. Then toward the end of the book, they get involved on the frontlines of the conflict. I do appreciate that this book, especially at the end, focuses more on Christianity. The most beautiful part were the few times that he let us glimpse the faith of those living through it all.
I can’t begin to understand how harrowing it would be for a father to see a son in such danger, but I didn’t expect that storyline to be so much of the book. I’m absolutely certain he didn’t mean it to come across this way, but at the beginning of the book, based on the way he doubted his son’s ability, I assumed that this was the first time his son had helped in any dangerous situation, not that he was a Marine veteran. It was confusing.
I’m glad I read it, but it was rather scattered and chaotically organized. Little things were emphasized beyond their real importance, and there were a lot of sidetracks away from what they were doing. That made it hard to read.
I can’t begin to understand how harrowing it would be for a father to see a son in such danger, but I didn’t expect that storyline to be so much of the book. I’m absolutely certain he didn’t mean it to come across this way, but at the beginning of the book, based on the way he doubted his son’s ability, I assumed that this was the first time his son had helped in any dangerous situation, not that he was a Marine veteran. It was confusing.
I’m glad I read it, but it was rather scattered and chaotically organized. Little things were emphasized beyond their real importance, and there were a lot of sidetracks away from what they were doing. That made it hard to read.
August 19, 2024
A Must Read!!
I recommend this book to all Americans who truly want to know what is going on in the world around us. This book will show you the truth about what is
happening in our world from the view of men who only desire to help people
and be good Christians. You will learn about the leaders in this world that you can trust . You will learn about leaders that you may not love but you will learn that they are so much safer than the more acceptable looking ones. I learned the horrors that Putin has caused his soldiers to inflict o n the Ukrainians. Most of all I learned about these wonderful men who have so bravely left their lives behind to help people they don't know escape death,
Fighters learn first aide, connect the entire country with communication,and many more magnificent things
I recommend this book to all Americans who truly want to know what is going on in the world around us. This book will show you the truth about what is
happening in our world from the view of men who only desire to help people
and be good Christians. You will learn about the leaders in this world that you can trust . You will learn about leaders that you may not love but you will learn that they are so much safer than the more acceptable looking ones. I learned the horrors that Putin has caused his soldiers to inflict o n the Ukrainians. Most of all I learned about these wonderful men who have so bravely left their lives behind to help people they don't know escape death,
Fighters learn first aide, connect the entire country with communication,and many more magnificent things
May 23, 2025
A boots on the ground story of the Ukrainian/russian war. Pure evil described, with civilians caught in the crosshairs. (Albeit Ukraine hasn’t been completely above reproach either). This is not my first encounter with the author and not surprised to hear his efforts to rescue and protect. He is doing this because it is the right thing. When his friend is asked if it is worth it, he replies it doesn’t have to be. Doing what’s right doesn’t have to be worth it. It isn’t about that. This book is also about the author’s own walk of trust with God— trust that is tested when allowing his son to work in harm’s way alongside him.
June 7, 2024
I was glad, after I read this book, to have a better handle on the recent events in Ukraine. Before reading this, I had read bits and pieces in the news, but did not know much about the war, and even less about its effect on the common people on the ground there. I was inspired by the work the Robichaux men did, and appreciated their desire to show God’s love to hurting people. I also appreciated the discussion about why bad things happen to good people.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
September 25, 2024
A good insight to the War in Ukraine and a call to do more
First off, I was a bit skeptical to even pick up a book on the war on Ukraine. I didn’t want to read a political commentary on whether the United States should or shouldn’t be involved as there are plenty of opinions on that elsewhere. However, I felt that it was important to be informed about the people and the work going on. Chad does a good job of detailing the work that his nonprofit did/does for the people of Ukraine, and the love that God has for all people.
First off, I was a bit skeptical to even pick up a book on the war on Ukraine. I didn’t want to read a political commentary on whether the United States should or shouldn’t be involved as there are plenty of opinions on that elsewhere. However, I felt that it was important to be informed about the people and the work going on. Chad does a good job of detailing the work that his nonprofit did/does for the people of Ukraine, and the love that God has for all people.
March 23, 2024
This has been a great tale to read as Chad Robichaux details the efforts he and a small group of individuals made to aid those trapped in Ukraine during the early days of the Russian invasion. I have not read Chad’s books before this but now that I have read this I will be diving into those right away. His story telling and the way he brings his faith into it as well makes for a motivating and impactful read.
September 27, 2024
'A Mission Without Borders' is the action-packed account of courageous Christians who provided critical aid to the vulnerable during the Ukrainian war. As someone who supports faith-based NGOs, it was fascinating and heart-breaking to read what goes on at the front-lines of crisis.
If you were inspired by the movie, ‘Free Burma Rangers’, then I recommend this book to you!
Special thanks to the Publisher, Nelson Books, and Net Galley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
If you were inspired by the movie, ‘Free Burma Rangers’, then I recommend this book to you!
Special thanks to the Publisher, Nelson Books, and Net Galley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 20, 2024
Must read!
Chad is amazing, his writing style is very easy to read. His first-hand accounts from Ukraine are eye opening. He takes you to a very dangerous area with heartfelt depiction while injecting humor that reminds you that they're still human. Ever wonder how our heroes make things happen? Chad walks you through it with clarity and purpose. God bless you Chad and all the guys who risked it all. God bless Mighty Oaks.
Chad is amazing, his writing style is very easy to read. His first-hand accounts from Ukraine are eye opening. He takes you to a very dangerous area with heartfelt depiction while injecting humor that reminds you that they're still human. Ever wonder how our heroes make things happen? Chad walks you through it with clarity and purpose. God bless you Chad and all the guys who risked it all. God bless Mighty Oaks.
June 22, 2024
These are some dedicated, brave, faithful men! Chad Robichaux shares some of his efforts in Ukraine to make a difference, including all the danger he was in, through his Mighty Oaks Foundation. The book started out a bit slow, but I got engaged not too far into it. Felt a touch political, especially to start, but the men's willingness to go into danger soon takes over.
March 21, 2025
Amazing book, hands down if you are a Christian who is interested in military stuff this is a perfect book for you. It is full of lessons and taught me things about what is going on in Ukraine I didn’t know before. I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go before this but after reading this book I see an example I could follow.
October 21, 2024
Beautiful book about a father’s conviction to complete missions within/outside the military. Loved seeing the family’s conviction highlighted, as well. Eye-opening perspective of Ukraine’s latest fight.
October 28, 2024
Excellent insight into the war between Russia and Ukraine, and highlighting some of the atrocities of what the Russians have done to innocent Ukrainian civilians. The support given by this team lead by Chad Roichaux is just amazing, and how God is working through them to bless this nation of people is praise worthy. Very well written, it will move you to intercessory prayer for this people and for those trying to help them.
January 10, 2025
Really good book about American servicemen going to Ukraine and helping with the war over there. Full of harrowing stories about training soldiers, saving lives and bringing supplies and hope to Ukrainians who are fighting for their freedoms and their country. Enlightening and inspiring.
February 10, 2025
Such a good book about how a father and son reached out and helped other people. When you think of wars in other countries, you forget about the families and communities that are a part of those wars. Such a good reminder to help others because it's worth it.
April 29, 2025
Just below 4 stars for me. I didn’t feel compelled to keep picking it back up to read however by the end I definitely had the feeling it was a 4 star read. I was left wanting to do better, depend on and trust God more and to serve others. An impactful book.
March 17, 2025
I could not stop listening to this book. The authors clear and detailed stories helped me to visualize the scenes and kept me hooked. I finished this audio book in about 2 weeks
April 7, 2025
Nothing surprised me but it all was sobering. How anyone can speak in any positive manner about Putin is beyond my comprehension!
June 19, 2025
It was ok but the primary struggle seemed for Dad to let his son operate on his own. The greatest praise was heaped on levelheaded son . Good but not outstanding.
August 23, 2025
This book reads like a memoir with good spiritual lessons thrown in, mostly toward the end. It really didn't follow through to any plot line- there was no real conclusion to their activities in and around Ukraine. I also think it's a little strange to publish a book like this while the war between Russia and Ukraine is ongoing. There was quite a bit of "Ukrainians-good; Russians-bad" sentiment. Ukraine likely has the moral high ground in most points, considering they were invaded, but making assertions that Ukranian soldiers are fighting with God on their side is a huge leap. Especially so when he's making these claims to soldiers who are seemingly not followers of Christ. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for providing a copy to read in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
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