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My Journey as a Combat Medic - From Desert Storm to Operation Enduring Freedom
Patrick Thibeault has served in the US Army in various capacities since the 1990s, originally training as a Airborne soldier before specialising as a combat medic. My Journey as a Combat Medic covers his original training and deployment before providing a look at the roles he’s since played in the US Army’s forces, including his recent deployment to Afghanistan. It is a no-holds bar look at the modern medic in the US Army, allowing us a glimpse at the training as a soldier and as a specialist, as well as deployment and front line duties and the impact of service on civilian life, including an honest look at PTSD, from the author’s own personal experience. Rather than a technical manual, My Journey as a Combat Medic is a detailed first hand account, concluding with a letter to new medics, providing a career’s worth of advice and knowledge as they begin their journeys.
Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 4, 2019
I read this back-to-back with One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer. Two young men with a desire to be soldiers. Both very fit and with a longing for adventure. And that's about all the books had in common. Fick is endlessly ambitious and a real leader. Not a restless soul, but one that always wants to be moving on to the next level. Thibeault is happy with his ranking and aims to do the job he has to the best of his ability and to improve his skills within that sphere. So you get totally different views of military life and what it is like to be actually in a war zone.
If you have a desire to be a medic in the army, or you know someone who is a medic, or if you are particularly interested in how medics train, or used to back in the early 90s, and what they do in the field, then this book will be of interest to you. It's not a bad book, and it is quite well written but to me it was less of general interest in the military and more if you were into medics.
The author was a happy soldier, enjoying jumping out of planes and treating the wounded but eventually ended up with PTSD and somewhat embittered that his service hadn't been better recognised when he retired from the military. I felt sad for him too.
GR says that 3 stars is I liked it. So 3 stars it is.
If you have a desire to be a medic in the army, or you know someone who is a medic, or if you are particularly interested in how medics train, or used to back in the early 90s, and what they do in the field, then this book will be of interest to you. It's not a bad book, and it is quite well written but to me it was less of general interest in the military and more if you were into medics.
The author was a happy soldier, enjoying jumping out of planes and treating the wounded but eventually ended up with PTSD and somewhat embittered that his service hadn't been better recognised when he retired from the military. I felt sad for him too.
GR says that 3 stars is I liked it. So 3 stars it is.
May 16, 2013
“My Journey as a Combat Medic,” by Patrick Thibeault, is an authentic memoir of a medic’s career. Thibeault, a retired Army medical sergeant and a nurse practitioner, is a twenty-year veteran of the active Army and the Army National Guard.
Thibeault’s style is gritty, not flowery. He writes, appropriately, in declarative sentences. He does his material justice, as he provides a detailed look at the work of an Army medic. I particularly liked two chapters near the end of the book—one in which Thibeault describes his own post-traumatic stress disorder and how he copes with it, and another that offers practical advice to a new or would-be medic. I was pleased that he wasn’t afraid to incorporate his own views on various issues, even when they differed from the standard Army or government line.
The book could have benefited from better editing. Thibeault’s narrative is not organized in chronological order, but by topic, and it sometimes becomes confusing. I understand that the Kindle edition includes an author foreword explaining that the book is not chronological. My print copy lacked this introduction. Also, Thibeault tends to write in run-on sentences with the various sections separated only by commas. His style is conversational and pleasant enough, but it is not formal English.
Chapters in “Combat Medic” are separated by pages that contain the lyrics to a song or a chant. I wish these had been attributed—I don’t know if any are Thibeault’s work or if they all are traditional Army songs and chants. I read an interview with Thibeault that included a remarkable original poem, so I know he can write poetry. However, some of these sounded familiar, so I think they may be songs and chants that he learned during his service. Either way, they set an appropriate tone for the narrative.
Thibeault succeeds at taking the reader into his world. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in military medical practice or who enjoys memoirs.
Thibeault’s style is gritty, not flowery. He writes, appropriately, in declarative sentences. He does his material justice, as he provides a detailed look at the work of an Army medic. I particularly liked two chapters near the end of the book—one in which Thibeault describes his own post-traumatic stress disorder and how he copes with it, and another that offers practical advice to a new or would-be medic. I was pleased that he wasn’t afraid to incorporate his own views on various issues, even when they differed from the standard Army or government line.
The book could have benefited from better editing. Thibeault’s narrative is not organized in chronological order, but by topic, and it sometimes becomes confusing. I understand that the Kindle edition includes an author foreword explaining that the book is not chronological. My print copy lacked this introduction. Also, Thibeault tends to write in run-on sentences with the various sections separated only by commas. His style is conversational and pleasant enough, but it is not formal English.
Chapters in “Combat Medic” are separated by pages that contain the lyrics to a song or a chant. I wish these had been attributed—I don’t know if any are Thibeault’s work or if they all are traditional Army songs and chants. I read an interview with Thibeault that included a remarkable original poem, so I know he can write poetry. However, some of these sounded familiar, so I think they may be songs and chants that he learned during his service. Either way, they set an appropriate tone for the narrative.
Thibeault succeeds at taking the reader into his world. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in military medical practice or who enjoys memoirs.
Read
August 12, 2012Patrick Thibeault’s book, “My Journey as a COMBAT MEDIC,” is an honest tale of a person who deeply loves his country and was proud to serve in the military and believed in the value of the wars he endured. Yet, he questioned the dying and the killing as he saw his friends crippled and dead, but also his “enemies” were not mere statistics, but living and dying humans - like him. He brought “compassion and humanity” to the battles.
Each chapter covers a specific component of what made the author’s journey so special.Example - in the first chapter he writes about the thrills and consequences of jumping out of any airplane. He loved the fear and adrenaline rush of becoming a paratrooper army medic. He had fun while being scared out of his mind.
The book is not only about combat operations, but also the training that soldiers go through to become a medic in the US Army. His basic training did not train him for combat because it was completed in 1989 - relative peacetime. Medic training was more interesting and similar to the EMT training that firemen experience. Jump school was to fulfill a dream he had since he was six. Other schools followed like one in Survival Training that prepared him for war.
It is instructive to learn from a combat soldier what he experiences. In Kuwait he went from a newbie to an experienced medic. The duality of man where he can be both destructive (killing) and compassionate (even caring for his enemies) was strongly felt by Patrick.
Many soldiers both in the active military and the reserve services are often exposed to traumatic experiences in the realm of combat and, as a result, suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Patrick writes about how he has dealt with this disorder and his homecoming.PSTD remains a daily struggle and we should be more aware of what so many of our service men and women endure - in silence and emotional pain.
www.medicstory.com
Dr.Robert Rose
Each chapter covers a specific component of what made the author’s journey so special.Example - in the first chapter he writes about the thrills and consequences of jumping out of any airplane. He loved the fear and adrenaline rush of becoming a paratrooper army medic. He had fun while being scared out of his mind.
The book is not only about combat operations, but also the training that soldiers go through to become a medic in the US Army. His basic training did not train him for combat because it was completed in 1989 - relative peacetime. Medic training was more interesting and similar to the EMT training that firemen experience. Jump school was to fulfill a dream he had since he was six. Other schools followed like one in Survival Training that prepared him for war.
It is instructive to learn from a combat soldier what he experiences. In Kuwait he went from a newbie to an experienced medic. The duality of man where he can be both destructive (killing) and compassionate (even caring for his enemies) was strongly felt by Patrick.
Many soldiers both in the active military and the reserve services are often exposed to traumatic experiences in the realm of combat and, as a result, suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Patrick writes about how he has dealt with this disorder and his homecoming.PSTD remains a daily struggle and we should be more aware of what so many of our service men and women endure - in silence and emotional pain.
www.medicstory.com
Dr.Robert Rose
February 11, 2013
I'm not sure why I have such a fascination with the military but I do, so when the opportunity to read this book came along, I jumped on it. And I was not disappointed. While not a literary masterpiece by any means, I found the honest, plain style satisfying and refreshing. I think one of the things I liked the best was how seemingly ordinary Patrick sounded as he told his story. He didn't make a big deal out of things that were to me a really big deal. Like the back injury he suffered during one jump, which I'm sure has plagued him ever since. I could relate to the variety of different relationships he developed with his co-workers, something everyone experiences, both the good and bad. However, in his case, he went into combat with some of those he worked with, something that I'm sure cements bonds unlike anything else.
I also appreciated how he grouped his experiences by topic rather than chronologically. This allowed me to get an overall picture of his experiences in each area that he covered, such as paratrooper training, combat, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress), and juggling both a military and civilian career. I recommend this book if you enjoy open, honest and deceptively ordinary memoirs about life as a combat medic and the ups and downs that go with it.
I also appreciated how he grouped his experiences by topic rather than chronologically. This allowed me to get an overall picture of his experiences in each area that he covered, such as paratrooper training, combat, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress), and juggling both a military and civilian career. I recommend this book if you enjoy open, honest and deceptively ordinary memoirs about life as a combat medic and the ups and downs that go with it.
April 2, 2013
Amazing book. What I couldn't find from other accounts was covered in this one. The unsung heroes, the medics who save many people's lives every day, come out here as Patrick Thibeault gives us a perspective on his life, the life of a Delta Squadron Medic. Gripping at points, and informative at others, the story of his military career comes to life as he explains how he did everything from saving generals' lives to training Afghan medics to help fight for their own country, and government. One of the most informative books I have read on medics, it also covers some of the life at the military forts in the US, and his life there.
January 26, 2013
While I've never had a special interest in the military, I appreciate the chance to read and review well crafted memoirs by soldiers who have served in war. For me, a book like this is an important piece of living history. It's also a chance to vicariously experience a soldier's life in a way that is neither romanticized nor reconfigured to deliver a heavy "war is hell" message. It's simply an honest story of wartime experiences, conveying the horrors of war along with myriad acts of courage and compassion and other achievements.
Raised as an "army brat," Patrick Thibeault enlisted in the Army after graduating from high school and became a paratrooper and combat medic. In 1990, he was deployed to Operation Desert Shield, and he served in Iraq through Desert Storm. Later he served as a soldier and medic in Afghanistan. My Journey as a Combat Medic: From Desert Storm to Operation Enduring Freedom is his memoir about his experiences. Please see my interview with the author, which conveys the spirit of this book better than I could.
Thibeault writes in a vivid, engaging style that will appeal to a variety of readers including those, like me, who have no military experience. From taking his first jump as a paratrooper, to the ups and downs of military training, to providing medical care to soldiers, civilians, and prisoners of war, he brings his experiences to life. Reading this book, I could feel the heat of the desert and the weight of body armor and smell the aroma of spent ammunition, burnt flesh, and helicopter exhaust.
I appreciate this author's honesty, compassion, humility, and dry sense of humor. The stories he shares are raw and real, in many ways, but tempered with humor.
This author offers glimpses of Afghanistan's culture and his experiences living and working closely with the Afghani people. He also shares many of the frustrations of wartime service, which most of us have gleaned only from the media, including having inadequate equipment and supplies.
One of the most interesting parts of this book, for me, was the author's discussion of post-traumatic stress disorder. He writes openly of his own struggle with PTSD -- including rage, flashbacks, and nightmares -- and discusses the challenges this poses and which strategies have been helpful for him. I appreciate the author's having the courage to explore this part of his journey.
I highly recommend this book, which works on many levels. It is an interesting memoir and an important first-person account of modern history. It also illuminates -- in a way that is honest and unsentimental without being negative -- the experiences of men and women in military service who, along with their families, have borne sacrifices for the rest of us.
Raised as an "army brat," Patrick Thibeault enlisted in the Army after graduating from high school and became a paratrooper and combat medic. In 1990, he was deployed to Operation Desert Shield, and he served in Iraq through Desert Storm. Later he served as a soldier and medic in Afghanistan. My Journey as a Combat Medic: From Desert Storm to Operation Enduring Freedom is his memoir about his experiences. Please see my interview with the author, which conveys the spirit of this book better than I could.
Thibeault writes in a vivid, engaging style that will appeal to a variety of readers including those, like me, who have no military experience. From taking his first jump as a paratrooper, to the ups and downs of military training, to providing medical care to soldiers, civilians, and prisoners of war, he brings his experiences to life. Reading this book, I could feel the heat of the desert and the weight of body armor and smell the aroma of spent ammunition, burnt flesh, and helicopter exhaust.
I appreciate this author's honesty, compassion, humility, and dry sense of humor. The stories he shares are raw and real, in many ways, but tempered with humor.
This author offers glimpses of Afghanistan's culture and his experiences living and working closely with the Afghani people. He also shares many of the frustrations of wartime service, which most of us have gleaned only from the media, including having inadequate equipment and supplies.
One of the most interesting parts of this book, for me, was the author's discussion of post-traumatic stress disorder. He writes openly of his own struggle with PTSD -- including rage, flashbacks, and nightmares -- and discusses the challenges this poses and which strategies have been helpful for him. I appreciate the author's having the courage to explore this part of his journey.
I highly recommend this book, which works on many levels. It is an interesting memoir and an important first-person account of modern history. It also illuminates -- in a way that is honest and unsentimental without being negative -- the experiences of men and women in military service who, along with their families, have borne sacrifices for the rest of us.
January 18, 2013
I am not a military person, but I was taught to respect this country and those who have served it with unwavering courage and conviction. I can say that after reading this book, the author certainly fits into this category. This is a book that is simply a short memoir of his life as a combat medic. This is an extremely important position in the army, and I am sure it is one that is overlooked by the military outsider (like me). The writing is easy to read (though not a terribly exciting writing style, though I can forgive the author that). He is honest, and the stories he share stick with you. The pictures he shares truly make his experiences come alive. The profanity in the book is amazingly minimal--I would have expected more from a military person, but I'm glad he held back. This is a perfect book to read at a time in our nation's history when we are truly wavering. America is not the country it once was, but we are still a very blessed country. And the blessings we enjoy have come with a price. I want to thank Patrick Thibeault for bravely serving our country and writing this neat little book. My favorite portions of the book were the poems/songs he listed at the end of each chapter. I think he should release a CD to go with the CD so everyone could sing along!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
February 14, 2013
Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book. I found it interesting, I learned a lot, and I have a new respect for combat medics...for medics, in general.
One word of advice, read the introduction by the author. Don't skip over it. This portion explains that the book is not told in chronological order but by experience. This information really helps the reader. I skipped over the introduction and then I was confused. Then, I read the introduction and the whole thing made sense! So, read the intro.
The stories put me in the action and the experience with Patrick. These were real stories, real events, real feelings. I liked the advice that Mr. Thibeault gives at the end of the book for those thinking about becoming a medic in the armed forces. I also learned a lot about post-traumatic stress disorder.
All-in-all, this was a good, worthwhile read.
Would I recommend it: I would recommend this book if you like nonfiction/memoirs, true war stories, or if you want to be a medic in the armed forces.
Will I read it again: I will not read this book again.
http://everyfreechancebookreviews.blo...
One word of advice, read the introduction by the author. Don't skip over it. This portion explains that the book is not told in chronological order but by experience. This information really helps the reader. I skipped over the introduction and then I was confused. Then, I read the introduction and the whole thing made sense! So, read the intro.
The stories put me in the action and the experience with Patrick. These were real stories, real events, real feelings. I liked the advice that Mr. Thibeault gives at the end of the book for those thinking about becoming a medic in the armed forces. I also learned a lot about post-traumatic stress disorder.
All-in-all, this was a good, worthwhile read.
Would I recommend it: I would recommend this book if you like nonfiction/memoirs, true war stories, or if you want to be a medic in the armed forces.
Will I read it again: I will not read this book again.
http://everyfreechancebookreviews.blo...
January 29, 2013
For myself, I especially enjoyed reading about the training exercises, the team dynamics, and the author’s honesty about retiring from the service and moving on with his life. He got a cat, and the another, and a dog; and they helped him with his PTSD. The author kept the tale simple, overall positive, and skirted the politics. Quite frankly, I expected more cussing ;) Still, I found the bureaucracy interesting; what one may or may not do, job territory issues, etc.
December 2, 2019
I usually read memoirs by British or Australian personnel because I grew up and live(ed) in those places, so this was a departure for me. It was different; less emotion perhaps and not as much time spent on drawing the reading in to the experiences. Previous memoirs have made me cry and laugh out loud, this one just seemed almost bullet pointed. The repetition of 'One time, ' when detailing an anecdote is one of the things that made me feel this way. It's a shame, because the author obviously wants to share his experiences so they help others understand what he went through, or those who may follow in his footsteps. I think a good editor could probably fix that. One thing is for certain, the job is not for the faint of heart and 100% commitment is required.
February 22, 2020
I chose this book because I admire and respect the skills and strength a Combat medic must have. It showed all sides of being a soldier. In the middle of a "S" storm, to being at home. The toll it takes physically and emotionally on the solider and loved ones around them. PTSD is a scary thing.
January 30, 2021
A difficult read when you consider the men who go to war and the fact that every nation was born in blood.
November 11, 2023
A good update on what has changed in Army medicine since I left in 1975. After Desert Storm & Afghanistan Thibeault becomes more of a mentor in his final four chapters.
December 18, 2012
I won this book in a Goodreads contest earlier this year. I wanted to enjoy Mr Thibeault's book because of the sacrifices he made for our country. I have the utmost respect for him and all that he's done in his life. I'm honored that he was able to help so many people and to be such a positive role model to everyone who he has come across. He seems to be a no nonsense guy who doesn't suffer fools lightly while at the same time mentoring and challenging people to raise their standards and to be better people.
The book itself did not flow with any sort of ease until the last four chapters. It was hard to connect with Mr Thibeault a lot of the time as he took the reader from one snapshot of his life to another. He didn't elaborate on a lot of things (he is, after all, no nonsense), but the drawback of that is it leaves the reader feeling disconnected. That's the last thing you want in a book. You want to draw to reader in with annecdotes and good narrative. That's more of an editing oversight as opposed to anything Mr Thibeault did wrong.
Some things he wrote in his book probably should have been edited out completely. One paragraph in particular in chapter five stood out as not really being relevant to very much. The paragraph starts out with the sentences, "Our other drill sergeant was a female Drill Sergeant. Yeah, I admit it, she had a nice body and was in really good shape." I'm not overly sensitive to people noticing a good-looking member of the opposite gender because that's natural. I just don't see the relevance of that declaration in a chapter about medical training.
The last four chapters of this book did draw me in a lot more. He gave a lot of good advice and insight in those chapters and even showed more of his vulnerability when talking about his ptsd. It takes a brave person to do lay yourself out there and that's often rewarded with your readers becoming engaged. The other, more important reward, is that he allows other people with ptsd to not feel so alone in their struggles and pain.
In conclusion, this book has good potential if polished up more in later revisions. As of right now though, I'm left wanting more.
The book itself did not flow with any sort of ease until the last four chapters. It was hard to connect with Mr Thibeault a lot of the time as he took the reader from one snapshot of his life to another. He didn't elaborate on a lot of things (he is, after all, no nonsense), but the drawback of that is it leaves the reader feeling disconnected. That's the last thing you want in a book. You want to draw to reader in with annecdotes and good narrative. That's more of an editing oversight as opposed to anything Mr Thibeault did wrong.
Some things he wrote in his book probably should have been edited out completely. One paragraph in particular in chapter five stood out as not really being relevant to very much. The paragraph starts out with the sentences, "Our other drill sergeant was a female Drill Sergeant. Yeah, I admit it, she had a nice body and was in really good shape." I'm not overly sensitive to people noticing a good-looking member of the opposite gender because that's natural. I just don't see the relevance of that declaration in a chapter about medical training.
The last four chapters of this book did draw me in a lot more. He gave a lot of good advice and insight in those chapters and even showed more of his vulnerability when talking about his ptsd. It takes a brave person to do lay yourself out there and that's often rewarded with your readers becoming engaged. The other, more important reward, is that he allows other people with ptsd to not feel so alone in their struggles and pain.
In conclusion, this book has good potential if polished up more in later revisions. As of right now though, I'm left wanting more.
January 13, 2013
Patrick Thibeault has dedicated his life to serving others both as a soldier and as a nurse practitioner. There was no doubt as I read this book, that he has a deep commitment towards the health and welfare of others. Whether the patient was on the battlefield, an enemy, someone in his barracks, or back here in the states in a hospital, they received the best care possible from Thibeault.
I think this is a great book for someone who can identify with being a soldier, a medic, or someone who has been in the military. It may read a little dry for the "outsider". The author tells stories of his time both in Desert Storm and Afghanistan and shares his private thoughts and moments with the reader. This isn't the type of book that tells of the horrors of the battlefields, but at appropriate times, he does share stories of those he saved and couldn't save.
Thibeault has since retired from the military and joined the civilian life as a nurse practitioner. He shares his personal struggles with PTSD and again, it reminds me of how little the military does to prepare soldiers for the return home compared to the amount of training they receive to go to war. Whether I am reading non-fiction or fiction, this seems to be a central theme. His descriptions of uncomfortable situations that he has been in will make me much more aware of those who may be suffering from PTSD that I may come across.
If you know a young man or woman looking to enter the military and/or looking to be a medic, this book would be an excellent introduction to their career choice. Thibeault closes the book with a letter to any future medics with recommendations and advice from his 20 years in the service.
I think this book paints an accurate picture of military life both on the battlefield and in the barracks. He doesn't hold back with his opinions of how certain things were done or not done. My favorite part of the book were the photos that he included. The photos gave the book a personal touch and brought some of his stories to life.
Thibeault gives the reader an honest look inside the life of a combat medic, one that needs to be heard.
I think this is a great book for someone who can identify with being a soldier, a medic, or someone who has been in the military. It may read a little dry for the "outsider". The author tells stories of his time both in Desert Storm and Afghanistan and shares his private thoughts and moments with the reader. This isn't the type of book that tells of the horrors of the battlefields, but at appropriate times, he does share stories of those he saved and couldn't save.
Thibeault has since retired from the military and joined the civilian life as a nurse practitioner. He shares his personal struggles with PTSD and again, it reminds me of how little the military does to prepare soldiers for the return home compared to the amount of training they receive to go to war. Whether I am reading non-fiction or fiction, this seems to be a central theme. His descriptions of uncomfortable situations that he has been in will make me much more aware of those who may be suffering from PTSD that I may come across.
If you know a young man or woman looking to enter the military and/or looking to be a medic, this book would be an excellent introduction to their career choice. Thibeault closes the book with a letter to any future medics with recommendations and advice from his 20 years in the service.
I think this book paints an accurate picture of military life both on the battlefield and in the barracks. He doesn't hold back with his opinions of how certain things were done or not done. My favorite part of the book were the photos that he included. The photos gave the book a personal touch and brought some of his stories to life.
Thibeault gives the reader an honest look inside the life of a combat medic, one that needs to be heard.
January 16, 2016
This book was not quite as good for me as I was hoping. It was interesting in parts, and I did learn some things. But I guess it was really just not a good fit for me.
The author of this book seemed like a really great guy. I would definitely want him on my side! He walked you through a lot of the training needed for being a combat medic. I got a little confused with the timeline, it went back and forth a little. So once I figured that out, I was good.
I did like that he seemed to treat all people who cam his way equally, they were all patients to him not good guys or bad guys! I really like to hear this. That's the way I was hoping it would be! This book kind of humanizes the army and the Iraqi war., But it still was a little too technical for me.
Some good quotes -
"KFC was open in Kuwait City, and we were going to get some of the colonel's finest chicken that day. I loved the idea of eating some fried chicken instead of those boggy bland rations, but KFC was expensive! I guess nothing in Kuwait City was cheap; it is an oil rich country. Typically KFC chicken tastes the same regardless of where you are in the world, with its secret herbs and spices, but not here. The chicken had the taste of the burning oil wells. I ate it and it left me with a sour stomach. It was still worth it."
"Sadly, most local national amputees in Afghanistan are wheelchair bound for the rest of their lives, because the medical care to provide an artificial limb does not exist. They do not have veteran's hospitals like those in the United Stated. I imagine that life in Afghanistan with a missing foot can be pretty tough; it is tough with all four working extremities."
At the end he talks about his PSTD and how he deals with it and I loved the poems he wrote between the chapters!
All-in-all - not a bad book! It just wasn't really for me. I am sure that someone who has family in the service or has known anyone who was in one of our wars will really like this book!
The author of this book seemed like a really great guy. I would definitely want him on my side! He walked you through a lot of the training needed for being a combat medic. I got a little confused with the timeline, it went back and forth a little. So once I figured that out, I was good.
I did like that he seemed to treat all people who cam his way equally, they were all patients to him not good guys or bad guys! I really like to hear this. That's the way I was hoping it would be! This book kind of humanizes the army and the Iraqi war., But it still was a little too technical for me.
Some good quotes -
"KFC was open in Kuwait City, and we were going to get some of the colonel's finest chicken that day. I loved the idea of eating some fried chicken instead of those boggy bland rations, but KFC was expensive! I guess nothing in Kuwait City was cheap; it is an oil rich country. Typically KFC chicken tastes the same regardless of where you are in the world, with its secret herbs and spices, but not here. The chicken had the taste of the burning oil wells. I ate it and it left me with a sour stomach. It was still worth it."
"Sadly, most local national amputees in Afghanistan are wheelchair bound for the rest of their lives, because the medical care to provide an artificial limb does not exist. They do not have veteran's hospitals like those in the United Stated. I imagine that life in Afghanistan with a missing foot can be pretty tough; it is tough with all four working extremities."
At the end he talks about his PSTD and how he deals with it and I loved the poems he wrote between the chapters!
All-in-all - not a bad book! It just wasn't really for me. I am sure that someone who has family in the service or has known anyone who was in one of our wars will really like this book!
October 2, 2012
I liked this book because it gave me insight into another military area of expertise, I have always had an interest in military life and various job specialties. Typically you only get to hear about senior leadership, or Infantry, or Special Forces, you do not often get to hear about the average every day service members who keep the military running.
This book basically covers Patrick Thibeault’s entire life, he talks about growing up in a military family, traveling around the world, moving from post to post. His plans for a military career, his training and education, and his time on active duty. You learn about the life of a Combat Medic during peace time and war time, dealing with civilians as well as military injuries.
I really wanted to like this story more but, and I say this with much respect, the story needs a better edit. Over-all it did not seem to flow smoothly, there were many parts that felt to me as if they were copied directly from notes written during down time or during slow shifts. Some areas felt as if they were written just to fill up some space. A better edit, clean up some of the rough edges, and it will be a full five stars.
I’m also looking forward to anybody from the US Army Signal Corps to write their story…
I would definitely recommend this book for anybody interested in military life, a possible term in service, or just interested in the medical field. It needs a better edit, but even as-is it is still a good read. I received a copy through GoodReads First Reads program
This book basically covers Patrick Thibeault’s entire life, he talks about growing up in a military family, traveling around the world, moving from post to post. His plans for a military career, his training and education, and his time on active duty. You learn about the life of a Combat Medic during peace time and war time, dealing with civilians as well as military injuries.
I really wanted to like this story more but, and I say this with much respect, the story needs a better edit. Over-all it did not seem to flow smoothly, there were many parts that felt to me as if they were copied directly from notes written during down time or during slow shifts. Some areas felt as if they were written just to fill up some space. A better edit, clean up some of the rough edges, and it will be a full five stars.
I’m also looking forward to anybody from the US Army Signal Corps to write their story…
I would definitely recommend this book for anybody interested in military life, a possible term in service, or just interested in the medical field. It needs a better edit, but even as-is it is still a good read. I received a copy through GoodReads First Reads program
October 11, 2015
This was my first free book from goodreads so naturally I was thrilled to get it.
I applaud Mr. Thibeault for writing a book he felt needed to be written. I also applaud him for his dedicated years of service to his country and his fellow soldiers. His treatment of civilians and enemy soldiers as well as "the good guys" is a side of medical service that is often under-appreciated but is very much to be proud of.
The fact that this is a first book for this author is evident in the reading but overall the book is very readable. I would highly recommend it for anyone thinking of entering the military as a medic. It might be valuable for anyone considering a military career of any kind.
If a second printing is planned, a more thorough edit is advised to remedy some typos and grammar. I also felt that the coarse language was unprofessional and it was offensive to me. It may may reflect the actual language used during the scenes described but I would edit that out as well.
My Journey as a Combat Medic gives the reader a renewed appreciation for all those who enter military service. The author is very candid about his experience with PTSD and his readjustment to civilian life. His description of life as the son of a military man and the effects of all the moves that entailed should strike a familiar chord with "army brats" around the world.
Overall, my congratulations to Mr. Thibeault for publishing My Journey as a Combat Medic.
I applaud Mr. Thibeault for writing a book he felt needed to be written. I also applaud him for his dedicated years of service to his country and his fellow soldiers. His treatment of civilians and enemy soldiers as well as "the good guys" is a side of medical service that is often under-appreciated but is very much to be proud of.
The fact that this is a first book for this author is evident in the reading but overall the book is very readable. I would highly recommend it for anyone thinking of entering the military as a medic. It might be valuable for anyone considering a military career of any kind.
If a second printing is planned, a more thorough edit is advised to remedy some typos and grammar. I also felt that the coarse language was unprofessional and it was offensive to me. It may may reflect the actual language used during the scenes described but I would edit that out as well.
My Journey as a Combat Medic gives the reader a renewed appreciation for all those who enter military service. The author is very candid about his experience with PTSD and his readjustment to civilian life. His description of life as the son of a military man and the effects of all the moves that entailed should strike a familiar chord with "army brats" around the world.
Overall, my congratulations to Mr. Thibeault for publishing My Journey as a Combat Medic.
February 19, 2014
Extremely disjointed, but well worth the read. You need to start this book feeling like you're sitting at a bar stool listening to the author's old war stories. It's sort of a "stream of thought" type of book that can be seen little disorienting, switching back and forth in time.
This is an important book with all of the soldiers that we have coming back from overseas wars, struggling with making sense of it all. Most of the book was a somewhat vague explanation of what it's like to be a combat medic, the last 1/4 or so spells out some of the shortcomings of how we treat our returning soldiers.
Having been in the military myself, I understand much of what the author is trying to convey. I was fortunate enough to not have had to endure what he and our other combat veterans have been through for the last 12+ years.
I nearly cried through the last 1/4 of the book. The author lightly touches on the shortcomings of our military & VA and how our government fails both active duty soldiers and veterans. I wish he would have gone on to more depth in this part of the book after getting everyone sucked in with his story.
I applaud the author for for having the courage to speak so freely about his PTSD. It's something that the rest of us can only imagine, like having our worst nightmare playing over and over again, only the nightmares are based on something that we actually experienced and have to endure over and over again.
This is an important book with all of the soldiers that we have coming back from overseas wars, struggling with making sense of it all. Most of the book was a somewhat vague explanation of what it's like to be a combat medic, the last 1/4 or so spells out some of the shortcomings of how we treat our returning soldiers.
Having been in the military myself, I understand much of what the author is trying to convey. I was fortunate enough to not have had to endure what he and our other combat veterans have been through for the last 12+ years.
I nearly cried through the last 1/4 of the book. The author lightly touches on the shortcomings of our military & VA and how our government fails both active duty soldiers and veterans. I wish he would have gone on to more depth in this part of the book after getting everyone sucked in with his story.
I applaud the author for for having the courage to speak so freely about his PTSD. It's something that the rest of us can only imagine, like having our worst nightmare playing over and over again, only the nightmares are based on something that we actually experienced and have to endure over and over again.
August 23, 2012
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reader giveaway and this is my first time writing a review. I wish I had taken notes in reading the book because thinking back on it now there were specific parts that I would have liked to expand on. This is a valuable lesson I learned which I hope will improve my next review.
I liked Thibeault’s writing style. It came across as sitting across the table from someone and listening to them talk about their experiences. Thibeault presents his story in a matter of fact manner which held my interest and of which I am grateful; for example his chapter on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
This is not just a recitation of his experience in the military but also a teaching tool as evidenced by the chapter entitled Dear New Medic in which he gives so much advice gleaned from years of experience on the job. He learned from trial and error and knows what works and passes on some valuable information to those that follow him into this field.
I liked Thibeault’s writing style. It came across as sitting across the table from someone and listening to them talk about their experiences. Thibeault presents his story in a matter of fact manner which held my interest and of which I am grateful; for example his chapter on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
This is not just a recitation of his experience in the military but also a teaching tool as evidenced by the chapter entitled Dear New Medic in which he gives so much advice gleaned from years of experience on the job. He learned from trial and error and knows what works and passes on some valuable information to those that follow him into this field.
March 17, 2014
An engaging look into the world of Combat Medics and the training they have to endure. The descriptions of daily life, and what is needed to become a member of the armed forces as both a soldier and a healer is told in a straight-forward, working man style. We follow him as he goes through basic training and how he grows and learns.
Mr. Thibeault (sorry, I can't remember his rank at the time of his retirement.) takes us with him during times of war, and peacekeeping. He touches upon his daily struggles as a civilian when not on active duty, and the effects PTSD has left upon him. At the end of the book, he gives suggestions and advice for those who may be contemplating taking the path he has trod.
Anyone with an interest in the men and women who serve our country, not just as soldiers, should consider reading the book.
Mr. Thibeault (sorry, I can't remember his rank at the time of his retirement.) takes us with him during times of war, and peacekeeping. He touches upon his daily struggles as a civilian when not on active duty, and the effects PTSD has left upon him. At the end of the book, he gives suggestions and advice for those who may be contemplating taking the path he has trod.
Anyone with an interest in the men and women who serve our country, not just as soldiers, should consider reading the book.
August 29, 2012
Thank you Patrick for your 20 years of service!!
Great book for someone who might be considering a career in the service as a medic.
I found this interesting because I have an nephew in the Army medical field and it gave me a much better understanding of his life, relocations, training and time away from family.
I hope the writing of the book was beneficial to Patrick's PTSD. Let's not be hard on the guy in the group that wasn't dressed to your expectations, he may have a hard time even getting out of the bed.
Best wishes for the future!
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Great book for someone who might be considering a career in the service as a medic.
I found this interesting because I have an nephew in the Army medical field and it gave me a much better understanding of his life, relocations, training and time away from family.
I hope the writing of the book was beneficial to Patrick's PTSD. Let's not be hard on the guy in the group that wasn't dressed to your expectations, he may have a hard time even getting out of the bed.
Best wishes for the future!
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
December 7, 2012
I won a copy of this book through goodreads.
Well, honestly, I couldn't bring myself to finish this book. It's not that it was bad, it was just, well, I don't know. I felt it was very informative. It gave a lot of insight and really explained what it was like to be part of a military family. I jut felt it was so random in the flow of things. It was like hanging out with somebody and them just talking about random things that happened in the past. For civilians, it can really give you a feel for military life. It jut didn't hold my interest.
Well, honestly, I couldn't bring myself to finish this book. It's not that it was bad, it was just, well, I don't know. I felt it was very informative. It gave a lot of insight and really explained what it was like to be part of a military family. I jut felt it was so random in the flow of things. It was like hanging out with somebody and them just talking about random things that happened in the past. For civilians, it can really give you a feel for military life. It jut didn't hold my interest.
February 10, 2014
Patrick Thibeault's "My Journey as a Combat Medic" is a nice personal memoir. I appreciate the author's honesty and his interesting anecdotes from his military experience. Having a spouse with PTSD, it was particularly interesting to me to hear Patrick describe his own PTSD symptoms and experiences. Do realize that the book is written by a man without a lot of writing experience. As a result, the sentence structure is simple and often repetitive, and the book lacks a strongly organized narrative. That being said, I found his words sincere and unaffected, which kept me engaged.
September 3, 2012
Patrick Thibeault, a retired US Army Sergeant, offers a candid and, for the most part, positive description of his 20 years as a combat medic. With common sense and compassion, he did his best to heal the injured - ally and enemy alike. In retirement now, he endures a constant struggle with PTSD but has found some positive therapy in his pets - a dog and 2 cats. This book is a good read.
March 15, 2012
This book is a real life look of Patrick's life as a combat medic. I think that this book is a good read for both military and nonmilitary people. It was very insightful and painted a true picture of what life can be like as a combat medic. I won this book through the Goodreads giveaways!
December 10, 2014
I think his story would've moved along a little better had a professional writer helped him. It is written in such a way that it sounds like he's sitting in a bar telling old war stories. I ha e read several other military books and I had higher expectations for this one.
March 27, 2014
Not a great memoir, in terms of emotion or of medicine.
August 23, 2014
It was a great story, but suffered from the writing style or lack of. The author has a great story to tell, but the book needed some better editing. All in all it was a good book.
May 23, 2014
Nice book.
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