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The Last Rescue: How Faith and Love Saved a Navy SEAL Sniper
In the aftermath of war, aNavy SEAL finds faith, hope, and love. Howard Wasdin, author of SEALTeam Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper (twenty-two weeks on the NewYork Times best-seller list), survived the firestorm made famous in BlackHawk Down only to return to a world without support, without a mission, andsoon without his family. Wounded in Mogadishu and facing a torturous journey ofrehabilitation and recovery, he came home to find his marriage falling apartand his world upended. When he met Debbie, an accountant emerging from her owntrial by fire, he realized this might be his last hope, and the two togetherbegan a journey of rediscovering their faith in God and their ability to trustin God’s goodness. The Last Rescue is an unforgettable tale of brokenness andhealing, going deep into the firing line of modern warfare, through the agonyof broken marriages, and onto a path of redemption and love. With a clear-eyedview of the inevitability of heartache and the power of God’s faithfulness,Howard and Debbie remind us that no matter what our circumstances, we shouldnever, ever, give up hope.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 28, 2014
25 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Howard E. Wasdin
11 books85 followersDr. Howard Eugene Wasdin was a former member of the United States Navy who served as a sailor in the Atlantic Fleet as well as a Navy SEAL.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 19, 2017
I can't say enough good things about this book!! Hubby loved it (VVet) & I loved it! Interesting from the Very first paragraph to the last! Non military should read this, not only to enjoy, but to better understand the difficulties military have "returning to civilian life". Enjoy!!!
August 31, 2017
This is, undoubtedly, one of the best books I have ever read. One man's journey that he was in complete control of his and those around lives. A very moving and emotional insight on his trip in coming to the reality that. God is the one in charge. An easy read and a hard book to put down.
February 16, 2020
Interesting read. A lot of rambling. But a quick read.
October 28, 2019
The Last Rescue, was not what I expected.
In reading the "Prologue" before I bought the book... I expected the book to be more "Spiritually" based than it was.
Sure, there were some Bible verses stated and mention of gratitude for things the author believes God brought into his life, but I found the content to be more concentrated on:
• the author himself
• his love and obsession for the notoriety he got from being a member of the Navy Seals
• and his difficulty in learning how to live without the lifestyle and career choice he had hoped would be a part of his life indefinitely.
It was obvious to me in reading the book that it was difficult for the author to stay humble and tell the story without using himself as the central point. Of course the book is about "his" life, but in all the books I've read, I don't think I've seen the word "I", used so many times one after the other.
The book was an easy read, but for me it lacked substance.
God in my opinion maybe "did" do some things for this person to help him heal and start a new life after his horrible experience in Mogadishu, but his success with the book he had written and the timing of its release was probably just a coincidence.
I don't believe the timing of the book release and Bin Laden's killing had anything to do with Divine Intervention. Many things just didn't rub me the right way, so to speak. I don't know if I would recommend the book.
In reading the "Prologue" before I bought the book... I expected the book to be more "Spiritually" based than it was.
Sure, there were some Bible verses stated and mention of gratitude for things the author believes God brought into his life, but I found the content to be more concentrated on:
• the author himself
• his love and obsession for the notoriety he got from being a member of the Navy Seals
• and his difficulty in learning how to live without the lifestyle and career choice he had hoped would be a part of his life indefinitely.
It was obvious to me in reading the book that it was difficult for the author to stay humble and tell the story without using himself as the central point. Of course the book is about "his" life, but in all the books I've read, I don't think I've seen the word "I", used so many times one after the other.
The book was an easy read, but for me it lacked substance.
God in my opinion maybe "did" do some things for this person to help him heal and start a new life after his horrible experience in Mogadishu, but his success with the book he had written and the timing of its release was probably just a coincidence.
I don't believe the timing of the book release and Bin Laden's killing had anything to do with Divine Intervention. Many things just didn't rub me the right way, so to speak. I don't know if I would recommend the book.
December 9, 2022
This is the second book by Howard Wasdin, the first being Seal Team Six, a best-seller largely because he published the book right after Seal Team 6 killed Osama Bin Laden. Wasdin was not part of Seal Team 6 at the time, having retired from the military long ago after being severely injured in the event that served as the basis for the movie Black Hawk Down.
I picked up The Last Rescue as an audiobook, sort of as an accident, needing an audiobook. The book is about Wasdin's life, including his childhood, the Mogadishu accident and his recovery, his fame from the book publication and other aspects of his religious and romantic recovery. The book is written from Howard's perspective as well as, in separate chapters, his wife, Debbie's. The audio version, read by Daniel Butler, would have greatly benefited from having a female performer reading the chapters in Debbie's voice.
The book is written is casual prose, nothing outstanding, with occasional biblical references and plenty of self-help dogma. But you can read all the books about meditation, anger management, mid-life change, etc etc, but this book will provide you with a powerful real life example of a man who went through a lot and through the support of a wise third wife and some therapy, became a success, professionally and personally. Sometimes real life stories, even if they aren't written in scintillating prose, can be memorable and meaningful. Worth reading, especially for men.
I picked up The Last Rescue as an audiobook, sort of as an accident, needing an audiobook. The book is about Wasdin's life, including his childhood, the Mogadishu accident and his recovery, his fame from the book publication and other aspects of his religious and romantic recovery. The book is written from Howard's perspective as well as, in separate chapters, his wife, Debbie's. The audio version, read by Daniel Butler, would have greatly benefited from having a female performer reading the chapters in Debbie's voice.
The book is written is casual prose, nothing outstanding, with occasional biblical references and plenty of self-help dogma. But you can read all the books about meditation, anger management, mid-life change, etc etc, but this book will provide you with a powerful real life example of a man who went through a lot and through the support of a wise third wife and some therapy, became a success, professionally and personally. Sometimes real life stories, even if they aren't written in scintillating prose, can be memorable and meaningful. Worth reading, especially for men.
March 27, 2016
This was an interesting book. Usually when I read about these types of guys, it is more about tactics, weapons and philosophy. It is easy to forget that our military and OGA heroes often live their lives protecting our world but at a very real cost to their own private lives. Howard's story was very honest and up front. He was open about his short comings and failure to recognize feelings, situations, etc. and how that impacted his life. His story of evaluating life, implementing changes and re-prioritizing his commitment's is something that all of us can relate to regardless of our profession or faith.
October 22, 2023
Unfortunately, the story didn't flow all that well. There were a lot of missing pieces or parts to the story that really left me thinking what happened with his family. For example, what happened to his relationship with his stepdaughter Heather. Towards the end she was never mentioned again.
He has written some other books and when I looked him on line to see more pictures of him and his family I heard that he had died in a plane crash, which was sad to hear.
He has written some other books and when I looked him on line to see more pictures of him and his family I heard that he had died in a plane crash, which was sad to hear.
December 25, 2021
Memoir of a former SEAL sniper who was wounded in action during Operation Gothic Serpent. Speaks about the trials of post combat life, second marriages and life as a step dad. The concept of faith was central to his life and finding meaning in the dark seasons.
The book goes back and forth between husband and wife telling the story. At moments it feels a bit like a “hallmark” cheesy love story, but emerges before descending into full blown cheesiness.
Reads quick. Helpful for folks who want to learn more about post combat life from a peer support perspective.
The book goes back and forth between husband and wife telling the story. At moments it feels a bit like a “hallmark” cheesy love story, but emerges before descending into full blown cheesiness.
Reads quick. Helpful for folks who want to learn more about post combat life from a peer support perspective.
February 7, 2019
I gave this book 4/5 stars because I really liked it but some parts were a little slow. I found it interesting because it shows how his stainpoint and how he almost lives a double life one on the front line of battle and another with everything in the civilian world. It shows multiple struggles and the truly shows how hard it is to live a military lifestyle and maintain your true self in a civilian world that doesn't understand what it's like to be at war.
March 5, 2020
This was a wonderful book about how God brings us out of hard times in spite of ourselves and our circumstances. The author and others in the book weathered the storms of their lives wondering WHY ME and eventually came through it knowing - because GOD wanted a witness to tell the world about the power of LOVE!
January 29, 2024
Loved this autobiography of a war hero. The story doesn't concentrate fully on his time in Mogadishu, but on his recovery from the experience and from his abusive childhood, and his reconnection with Jesus. Great romance included. Another good one for authentic characterization, but a great book just to read.
July 13, 2018
A good story that has a meaningful message. It is a good one to read as it is inspirational without being overly religious. It is an easy read that has some very powerful and deep meanings within the messages.
May 28, 2019
A story of a Navy Seal and his times in Mogadishu which was the best part of the book. It was early on and only a chapter or two. The rest was much slower and not as detailed as I would like. Overall a great story of redemption and making good come from bad.
January 31, 2021
I appreciated this book because it is difficult to find books on the subject of war without finding multiple curse words in it. This was a good read and eye opening to just how much the military goes through fighting for our freedoms as well as their own.
June 12, 2017
Excellent story. I particularly enjoyed reading about his journey from Mormonism to Christianity.
October 18, 2018
nothing like the movie
October 10, 2019
I found this to be an interesting story, but rather slow!
December 24, 2019
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G !!! Combines so much into one phenomenal story.
January 10, 2020
Great read! A lot of things are said about Navy SEALs and how they’re unbreakable. This shows you how much goes on behind the scenes and how he failed and overcame it all by the grace of God!
June 16, 2020
Beautiful story of redemption.
Awesome book so good to listen to someone and see their redemption story, it gives hope. I could not put it down.
Awesome book so good to listen to someone and see their redemption story, it gives hope. I could not put it down.
January 25, 2021
Inspiring
Really good book on were he left off after Mogadishu and was my in detailed of what his life was like getting His life on track, which is more detailed in this book.
Really good book on were he left off after Mogadishu and was my in detailed of what his life was like getting His life on track, which is more detailed in this book.
January 1, 2015
When I was first offered the opportunity to read Howard Wasdin's book, The Last Rescue: How Faith and Love Saved a Navy Seal Sniper, without cost in exchange for my honest review, I actually thought it was a different book - a different story. When I started reading it, I was very pleasantly surprised to see it was a different story, a different guy, and a different result - and that made me a very happy reader.
I never thought this would be a book that I could compare to my own life. This guy was a Navy SEAL and was a member of Team Six. He endured things I will never even know about or fathom in my lifetime. That being said, I could relate to Howard Wasdin's life as a regular human being. He had a poor childhood where he endured regular beatings that no child should ever know. He felt abandoned by his father for being absent in his life. He had to work very hard for everything that came his way. These things - while awful experiences - gave him the good character he grew into as an adult. It also caused him to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, which he learned much later as an adult.
When Mr. Wasdin returned home as a hero, he found it difficult to be "ordinary". He was healing from horrible gunshot wounds in his leg and was struggling to get his footing, in both his personal life and his professional life. He ended up divorced and thereafter, went through a series of women and refusing to get close. He had no profession but instead, he was "doing time" as a car salesman - not where he expected to be in his life.
His friends fixed him up on a blind date with Debbie, who had actually just that day (or the day before) been declared divorced and was nursing her own wounds. Neither of them wanted to go, and neither of them had any intention on turning the blind date into anything more than a one-time thing.
While we all know that God is always with each of us, we have also learned that He often lets us drive the car. Right about here in Howard Wasdin's story is where God actually takes charge of Howard AND Debbie's lives and things begin to change. I don't want to write a "spoiler" review here, so I'm going to stop and tell you no matter where you are in your walk with God, you will be able to relate to Howard's story. It's not a "happily ever after" story that is hard to believe, but instead, it's a real life, honest and open sharing of how God's love can guide us to grow and change and reap the rewards of that growth.
When I was nearly finished with this book, I came across a Bible verse that I absolutely loved. I think it sums up things in Howard Wasdin's life. I'll give you a couple of the sentences surrounding the verse:
"When I humbled myself and showed the love I felt, relationships around me started healing. That's worth a lot more to me than being right. The Bible says that 'love covers a multitude of sins' (1 Peter 4:8 NLT). I have seen that in action."
Please be sure to look into this book for yourself - you won't be sorry. This book will remind you that no matter what your circumstances, you should never give up hope. You can learn more about Howard Wasdin by going to his website, or to the site called Last Rescue Book. He's also on Facebook but I have to warn you - right in the book he admits to not being a "Facebooker" so don't have high expectations there.
I never thought this would be a book that I could compare to my own life. This guy was a Navy SEAL and was a member of Team Six. He endured things I will never even know about or fathom in my lifetime. That being said, I could relate to Howard Wasdin's life as a regular human being. He had a poor childhood where he endured regular beatings that no child should ever know. He felt abandoned by his father for being absent in his life. He had to work very hard for everything that came his way. These things - while awful experiences - gave him the good character he grew into as an adult. It also caused him to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, which he learned much later as an adult.
When Mr. Wasdin returned home as a hero, he found it difficult to be "ordinary". He was healing from horrible gunshot wounds in his leg and was struggling to get his footing, in both his personal life and his professional life. He ended up divorced and thereafter, went through a series of women and refusing to get close. He had no profession but instead, he was "doing time" as a car salesman - not where he expected to be in his life.
His friends fixed him up on a blind date with Debbie, who had actually just that day (or the day before) been declared divorced and was nursing her own wounds. Neither of them wanted to go, and neither of them had any intention on turning the blind date into anything more than a one-time thing.
While we all know that God is always with each of us, we have also learned that He often lets us drive the car. Right about here in Howard Wasdin's story is where God actually takes charge of Howard AND Debbie's lives and things begin to change. I don't want to write a "spoiler" review here, so I'm going to stop and tell you no matter where you are in your walk with God, you will be able to relate to Howard's story. It's not a "happily ever after" story that is hard to believe, but instead, it's a real life, honest and open sharing of how God's love can guide us to grow and change and reap the rewards of that growth.
When I was nearly finished with this book, I came across a Bible verse that I absolutely loved. I think it sums up things in Howard Wasdin's life. I'll give you a couple of the sentences surrounding the verse:
"When I humbled myself and showed the love I felt, relationships around me started healing. That's worth a lot more to me than being right. The Bible says that 'love covers a multitude of sins' (1 Peter 4:8 NLT). I have seen that in action."
Please be sure to look into this book for yourself - you won't be sorry. This book will remind you that no matter what your circumstances, you should never give up hope. You can learn more about Howard Wasdin by going to his website, or to the site called Last Rescue Book. He's also on Facebook but I have to warn you - right in the book he admits to not being a "Facebooker" so don't have high expectations there.
January 1, 2015
"The Last Rescue" is a memoir. Howard is the main viewpoint of the story, but Debbie gives her viewpoint of events at several points. Howard talked about his childhood and his injury in war to explain where he was coming from, but most of the book was about what happened when he returned: his recovery from his injury, his marriages, his attempts to make a living off his military skills, and finally choosing a new career--and life--path.
He was very open about admitting the ways that he was at fault in various relationship breakdowns and why he was acting that way. It was interesting to see his attitude changing from desperately wanting a loving family situation and needing to hold on to his "rock star" warrior status to slowly learning how to be a part of creating that loving, supportive family situation he craved and moving on to a new career path.
Though "rediscovering their faith in God" is in the book description, they didn't say much about their religious journey. The references were mainly about him feeling that God worked events in his life to bring healing and fulfillment and why he felt God had kept him alive. This book might interest returning war veterans who are having trouble readjusting as Howard has "been there, done that."
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher through BookLook.
He was very open about admitting the ways that he was at fault in various relationship breakdowns and why he was acting that way. It was interesting to see his attitude changing from desperately wanting a loving family situation and needing to hold on to his "rock star" warrior status to slowly learning how to be a part of creating that loving, supportive family situation he craved and moving on to a new career path.
Though "rediscovering their faith in God" is in the book description, they didn't say much about their religious journey. The references were mainly about him feeling that God worked events in his life to bring healing and fulfillment and why he felt God had kept him alive. This book might interest returning war veterans who are having trouble readjusting as Howard has "been there, done that."
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher through BookLook.
December 17, 2014
How do you go from being the most highly trained warrior, in one of the most infamous battles of our time, to full time family man and a 9-5 job? In this follow up book to best seller SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper, we find the story behind what got him through those darkest and hardest moments. As he strives to find his worth and a place in the world, he takes us through his struggles and most intimate failures and weaknesses.
I found that it was virtually impossible to set this book down. The writing was excellent and the story kept you wanting more. PTSD is such a scary topic for, both, those that experience it and those that know nothing about it. Having someone so respected and so in love with Jesus, openly dealing with his wounds, will bring about healing in many lives. Howard and Debbie are beautifully human and loveable in all their faults.
Please pick up a copy. This is a book you won’t regret reading; especially if you are personally struggling with PTSD, or know someone that is.
Thank you, BookLook Blogs, for sending me a copy of this book for my opinion. Here’s to many more!!
I found that it was virtually impossible to set this book down. The writing was excellent and the story kept you wanting more. PTSD is such a scary topic for, both, those that experience it and those that know nothing about it. Having someone so respected and so in love with Jesus, openly dealing with his wounds, will bring about healing in many lives. Howard and Debbie are beautifully human and loveable in all their faults.
Please pick up a copy. This is a book you won’t regret reading; especially if you are personally struggling with PTSD, or know someone that is.
Thank you, BookLook Blogs, for sending me a copy of this book for my opinion. Here’s to many more!!
January 24, 2015
The Last Rescue: How Faith and Love Saved a Navy SEAL Sniper, is the latest book by Dr. Howard Wasdin; father, husband, doctor, and retired Navy SEAL Team Six Operator.
I wasn't sure I would really like this book; I tend to get a little twitchy when people start spouting they were saved by love, but the lure of the tough guy Navy Seal persona was too much to resist.
The book is an emotional and touching journey of two very broken people, who are blessed to find, and heal each other. Two people, who decide to grow stronger together than apart, and whose faith and devotion to each other is an example for all.
Howard Wasdin really bared his soul in this book, never sugar coating his own shortcomings and struggles to regain normal in his life, while giving all the glory to his wife, Debbie, a warrior his equal.
The book is not only interesting because of this couples personal journey, but also it serves to remind us that each warrior brings war home with them, and that the deepest scars they carry are often invisible to the world. This was a great read, and a true inspiration.
I wasn't sure I would really like this book; I tend to get a little twitchy when people start spouting they were saved by love, but the lure of the tough guy Navy Seal persona was too much to resist.
The book is an emotional and touching journey of two very broken people, who are blessed to find, and heal each other. Two people, who decide to grow stronger together than apart, and whose faith and devotion to each other is an example for all.
Howard Wasdin really bared his soul in this book, never sugar coating his own shortcomings and struggles to regain normal in his life, while giving all the glory to his wife, Debbie, a warrior his equal.
The book is not only interesting because of this couples personal journey, but also it serves to remind us that each warrior brings war home with them, and that the deepest scars they carry are often invisible to the world. This was a great read, and a true inspiration.
January 21, 2016
I was given this book from the publisher in exchange for completing a survey. It is not the type of book I typically read, but decided to start it on a hunch. I am generally skeptical of chest thumping, ultra patriotic books by former military people. However, this book is different.
This is a tell all autobiography of a former Seal who was injured in Somalia on a mission to rescue the "Blackhawk Down" crew. It is mostly about his life after the military. He opens his soul and tells many personal events that most people would be embarrassed to discuss. I wasn't sure that I liked the book, but I was captivated by it and kept coming back. It has a strong message of physical and psychological healing as well as forgiveness and reconciliation.
This is a tell all autobiography of a former Seal who was injured in Somalia on a mission to rescue the "Blackhawk Down" crew. It is mostly about his life after the military. He opens his soul and tells many personal events that most people would be embarrassed to discuss. I wasn't sure that I liked the book, but I was captivated by it and kept coming back. It has a strong message of physical and psychological healing as well as forgiveness and reconciliation.
February 27, 2016
At first I thought this book was going to be a bang bang shoot'em up book. Wow, was I wrong. This is about an individual who's life was one without any control and would look as if there was no chance of any success in his life; but through the graces of God the riches of life has been turned into a multitude of blessings. Great American Hero who encounters life head on and full of vinegar but he will meet the sweetness of the what will become the love of his life. The true Beauty and the Beast story. Good read.
Thank you Howard Wasdin for your service and your openness to share.
Thank you Howard Wasdin for your service and your openness to share.
February 23, 2016
This is a very interesting book. From combat, to chiropractor. From dealing with a painful childhood, to becoming a Navy Seal and finding closure on certain things. Always looking to trust in God that your path may not be easily seen, but God has a plan and things we deal with today will have an impact on our lives in the future. I now want to get Howard's first book "Seal Team Six" and read it.
March 9, 2017
An absolutely powerful book by an author that's been there and done that. The author of seal team six now visits the subject of life after war. This is a powerful story of finding God in the middle of hell. I would highly recommend this book to soldiers coming home from work. Thank you Howard God bless you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews