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Lest We Forget: A Ranger Medic’s Story
Lest We Forget is a rare look inside the experience of an Army Ranger medic. Leo Jenkins tells the compelling true story of what it takes to become and operate as a special operations medic during the height of the global war on terrorism. The book includes detailed accounts of a number of many combat operations, including the search and rescue operation for the US Navy SEALS who were compromised in the mountains of Afghanistan during Operation Redwings. Take a look inside the US special operations medical course as the author trains for the reality of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Contains mature themes.
Contains mature themes.
Audible Audio
First published December 9, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 29, 2014
Great book Leo, although I must admit I am a bit biased with this review. This book had great action and it made me laugh out loud at times. My only wish, make the story a bit longer, and who doesn't love a good Ranger school story.... eh?
This book took longer for me to finish compared to most other books. As I read, different parts of the story would take me back to my time at 2/75. One time as I was reading the book I was exercising on a stair master; I read something that reminded me of one of my past experiences so I put the book down and reflected for a while. Next thing I know- someone says, “wow, how do you motivate yourself to exercise without headphones or anything?!?!” I look down and realize I had been “zoning out” for 30 minutes! This happened often throughout the book- so many stories are comparable to my own. Great book; I LOVE to read, and I love reading this genre although I have not read a book from “my” time frame, I was just unsure how I would feel. Now I look forward to the next GWOT book I pick up.
This book took longer for me to finish compared to most other books. As I read, different parts of the story would take me back to my time at 2/75. One time as I was reading the book I was exercising on a stair master; I read something that reminded me of one of my past experiences so I put the book down and reflected for a while. Next thing I know- someone says, “wow, how do you motivate yourself to exercise without headphones or anything?!?!” I look down and realize I had been “zoning out” for 30 minutes! This happened often throughout the book- so many stories are comparable to my own. Great book; I LOVE to read, and I love reading this genre although I have not read a book from “my” time frame, I was just unsure how I would feel. Now I look forward to the next GWOT book I pick up.
May 28, 2018
I picked up this book initially when I thought I would be attending 68W AIT. I was initially pretty upset when I found out that was the case, reading all about his adventures and world class training. I wanted to follow roughly the same path, be the best trained medic in the most elite unit, but this plan sort of fell through on me and after reading to the end I can say that I'm glad. I really don't think I could ethically live with myself in the rangers, that is not to say that I am better than them, or even that they don't have a purpose, just that our moral compasses are too different. Leo talks about how the men love when they go in and kill the bad guys, this is not me, I would have been joining to try and save lives, and I'm glad I discovered that before I ended up going down this path.
I appreciated his stories about life back home some of the stories were quite funny, and his stories about the time as a holdover were nothing short of therapeutic, as I was a holdover when I was reading them.
I appreciated his stories about life back home some of the stories were quite funny, and his stories about the time as a holdover were nothing short of therapeutic, as I was a holdover when I was reading them.
December 10, 2013
Thank you for putting your experiences out there Ranger Jenkins.
I served in A Co, 2/75 in the early 90's. This book brought back so many similar memories of my time in Battalion. I was laughing my ass off through half the book because there were so many things that were close to my experiences.
It's all about your Ranger buddies.
This is a very authentic look into the mindset of a Ranger. I am proud to have served with the same caliber of soldiers in the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Thank you for your service Ranger Jenkins!
RLTW!!!!
I served in A Co, 2/75 in the early 90's. This book brought back so many similar memories of my time in Battalion. I was laughing my ass off through half the book because there were so many things that were close to my experiences.
It's all about your Ranger buddies.
This is a very authentic look into the mindset of a Ranger. I am proud to have served with the same caliber of soldiers in the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Thank you for your service Ranger Jenkins!
RLTW!!!!
April 11, 2015
An excellent glimpse into the life of a Ranger Medic, from the rigours of training to become a Ranger, followed by the challenge of learning the ropes of how a Ranger Medic operates and what is expected from them. I've been wanting to read this book for some time now and I'm glad I picked it up. I was hooked on the first page.
March 9, 2022
An Informative Personal Account Of A Ranger Medics Journey From Training To The Battlefield
Ranger Medic Leo Jenkins shares an intimate account of his experience from his arduous training to his experiences on the battlefield. It is written with eloquence and passion. The account runs the gamut from light-hearted humor to gut wrenching battle accounts. The days off were saddled with alcohol fueled shenanigans which brings about some head shakes, eye rolls, and laughter.
We are quickly transported to the serious and extremely demanding account of what it takes to become a medic. Readers become privy to the essence of his training and the dynamics between the leadership and trainees.
The last thirty percent of the book takes us on the missions which are gut-wrenching and deeply emotionally moving. One particular passage that I feel summarizes his mindset so profoundly prior to disembarking a Chinook helicopter into a battle zone is quoted here. “Searing serenity, I accept death. I embrace the stink of his foul breath in this moment. I’m already dead. I look at the stoic shadowed ghost faces of the men around me, each accepting death in their own way, welcoming their immortality which accompanied death.”
I admire his honesty even when some scenarios can be construed as controversial. What actions should a medic take when the enemy is injured? Do you treat them like you would your own brothers in arms? No judgment here.
The story ends with his departure from the military. His story continue in another installment which is highlighted at the end of the book. I highly recommend this book. For someone like me who had never been in the military, it opens my eyes to the superhuman career choice this is, with intense hardships and self sacrifice that needs to be admired and respected. Without our military personnel in all capacities, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms we have. It sounds cliche, I know, but so very true.
A HEART FELT THANK YOU Leo Jenkins, for all your valiant efforts to keep our soldiers safe and treating the injured.
Ranger Medic Leo Jenkins shares an intimate account of his experience from his arduous training to his experiences on the battlefield. It is written with eloquence and passion. The account runs the gamut from light-hearted humor to gut wrenching battle accounts. The days off were saddled with alcohol fueled shenanigans which brings about some head shakes, eye rolls, and laughter.
We are quickly transported to the serious and extremely demanding account of what it takes to become a medic. Readers become privy to the essence of his training and the dynamics between the leadership and trainees.
The last thirty percent of the book takes us on the missions which are gut-wrenching and deeply emotionally moving. One particular passage that I feel summarizes his mindset so profoundly prior to disembarking a Chinook helicopter into a battle zone is quoted here. “Searing serenity, I accept death. I embrace the stink of his foul breath in this moment. I’m already dead. I look at the stoic shadowed ghost faces of the men around me, each accepting death in their own way, welcoming their immortality which accompanied death.”
I admire his honesty even when some scenarios can be construed as controversial. What actions should a medic take when the enemy is injured? Do you treat them like you would your own brothers in arms? No judgment here.
The story ends with his departure from the military. His story continue in another installment which is highlighted at the end of the book. I highly recommend this book. For someone like me who had never been in the military, it opens my eyes to the superhuman career choice this is, with intense hardships and self sacrifice that needs to be admired and respected. Without our military personnel in all capacities, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms we have. It sounds cliche, I know, but so very true.
A HEART FELT THANK YOU Leo Jenkins, for all your valiant efforts to keep our soldiers safe and treating the injured.
June 3, 2023
Let's face it: I like the gritty and true tales of those who have looked the demon in the face and lived to tell about it. This is one of those stories.
Leo Jenkins served as a Ranger medic in the Middle East, his response to 9/11. Having trained as a fireman and EMT, he added to that training to step in as yet a different kind of first responder: the one who rushes in when the bullets are flying to help a fellow soldier stay alive. As with many true stories I have read from those who took up a first responder role, this book is filled with everything from the hilarity of pranks tailor-made to blow off steam to the horrors of the reality the job entails.
It's obvious from the recollections that his experiences left him altered and a bit scarred both mentally and physically. But such is the reality of war. He is apologetic about the strong language in the book (well, not really), but with this being a phenomenon I've experienced first-hand while listening to civilian first responders I know, I thoroughly understand that the strong language is but a tornado to blow away the visions that remain when each battle is over and the reality that this was not a nightmare dreamt up but a reality lived through.
With my own extensive contact with the military, I can appreciate when Mr. Jenkins proclaims not to be a hero. None of them do. It's the job they chose and the duty they felt bound to. If you've ever wondered what that means, you should read this book. If you've never wondered what that means, you should definitely read this book.
My editor's eye caught a few mistakes (when talking of parachutes, for instances, it's "chute" not "shoot"), which is the only reason I subtracted a star.
Leo Jenkins served as a Ranger medic in the Middle East, his response to 9/11. Having trained as a fireman and EMT, he added to that training to step in as yet a different kind of first responder: the one who rushes in when the bullets are flying to help a fellow soldier stay alive. As with many true stories I have read from those who took up a first responder role, this book is filled with everything from the hilarity of pranks tailor-made to blow off steam to the horrors of the reality the job entails.
It's obvious from the recollections that his experiences left him altered and a bit scarred both mentally and physically. But such is the reality of war. He is apologetic about the strong language in the book (well, not really), but with this being a phenomenon I've experienced first-hand while listening to civilian first responders I know, I thoroughly understand that the strong language is but a tornado to blow away the visions that remain when each battle is over and the reality that this was not a nightmare dreamt up but a reality lived through.
With my own extensive contact with the military, I can appreciate when Mr. Jenkins proclaims not to be a hero. None of them do. It's the job they chose and the duty they felt bound to. If you've ever wondered what that means, you should read this book. If you've never wondered what that means, you should definitely read this book.
My editor's eye caught a few mistakes (when talking of parachutes, for instances, it's "chute" not "shoot"), which is the only reason I subtracted a star.
February 14, 2024
I bought “Lest We Forget” as a signed hardcover (number 47 of 100) from Leo Jenkins when it came out in 2016 or 17. I have read all of his other books and loved them. For some reason this one stayed on my shelf unread for years, until now. This is a great first hand account of a ranger medic’s experience during the global war on terror. Jenkins a natural storyteller and this book will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Whether it’s drunken shenanigans to blow off steam or the trials of war, he personalizes the experience in a way that truly gives you a fly on the wall perspective. I had forgotten how good of a writer he was and this book was a great reminder of just how adept he is “with a pen” (see what I did there). I highly recommend this book or any of his others for that matter.
December 25, 2017
A true down to earth telling of life as a soldier. Not overrun with too many details or ongoing accounts for pages and pages. I laughed out loud and also understood the need to write and share a story.
March 7, 2023
I really enjoyed the book and the reading of it. It did focus on all the trouble batt-boys get into leaving out the often less exciting but incredibly self-sacrificing way these guys treat each other and their battle-buddy's families. But...you can't possibly tell the whole story in one book.
June 5, 2024
Candid
Very conversational tone yet very eye opening stories. I feel the sincerity in his writing and I appreciate it. Great read for a person considering the medical field in the military, Ranger Regiment.
Very conversational tone yet very eye opening stories. I feel the sincerity in his writing and I appreciate it. Great read for a person considering the medical field in the military, Ranger Regiment.
April 22, 2019
A great story with many humorous moments! A glimpse into the life of US Army Rangers.
January 1, 2020
Easy read about some cool military stuff. Shinanagins and good people.
January 14, 2021
Funny at times, righteous at others, and a little whiney towards the end. Provides great insight as to how a young war fighter digests his world, one engagement at a time.
October 10, 2022
Interesting reading. Kept my attention.
August 2, 2023
It’s okay, just another war story.
September 26, 2023
Wow haven’t been able to sit and read and it keep my attention for a minute… busy doing army tings and as that is my current obsession this book kept my attention.
October 14, 2023
The first of several books on his Medic experiences by Leo Jenkins.
March 2, 2025
There is some good action in this book but there is also some questionable decision making.
April 28, 2020
Wish these brave soldiers well. But?
The human element described of his Special Forces comrades is to be admired. Killing to survive and defend your fellow unit members is being a hero, watching a fellow human die when you could help them is not heroic. As a Special Forces Medic I commend you skill, in 1967 we were not trained half as well as you were. Same training, half as long. We had the same chip on our shoulders as you did, not a pretty thing to recall at 75 years of age. I hope you put that behind you and enjoyed your children and grandchildren. That is as important as fighting for our freedom. I really enjoyed you descriptions of your relationships with your drill sergeants during your training, I laughed hard as it brought back memories. Those men gave me the ability to live, prosper, and live in a wheelchair for 45 years and counting. Being a Special Forces Medic is a special thing that not many even the very best can accomplish it. 87 started in Bragg 15 finished, 51 weeks later and we where not the smartest or the biggest, we wanted it, just like you. My ODA had three DPs, displaced persons, from WWII, two Germans, one Czechoslovakian, our team leader was Polish and survived 5 years in a Russian prison camp. I became a very humble junior medic who also had to prove my worth.
The human element described of his Special Forces comrades is to be admired. Killing to survive and defend your fellow unit members is being a hero, watching a fellow human die when you could help them is not heroic. As a Special Forces Medic I commend you skill, in 1967 we were not trained half as well as you were. Same training, half as long. We had the same chip on our shoulders as you did, not a pretty thing to recall at 75 years of age. I hope you put that behind you and enjoyed your children and grandchildren. That is as important as fighting for our freedom. I really enjoyed you descriptions of your relationships with your drill sergeants during your training, I laughed hard as it brought back memories. Those men gave me the ability to live, prosper, and live in a wheelchair for 45 years and counting. Being a Special Forces Medic is a special thing that not many even the very best can accomplish it. 87 started in Bragg 15 finished, 51 weeks later and we where not the smartest or the biggest, we wanted it, just like you. My ODA had three DPs, displaced persons, from WWII, two Germans, one Czechoslovakian, our team leader was Polish and survived 5 years in a Russian prison camp. I became a very humble junior medic who also had to prove my worth.
November 1, 2020
I look at these special forces books as a look into the reason we are still a free nation. Don't get me wrong all branches of our military are that reason. When I read about your extra training that y'all push your self to go the absolute love of our nation your dedication it feels my heart with pride to say I'm an an American. May God bless every member of our military. There's one thing y'all could teach every dam politican is that the oath you take to protect and defend the constitution of the United States is not just words it's the reason you fight bleed and at times make the greatest sacrifice of all laying down your life for another.
I chose this book because I'm interested in the fact that you that have chosen to defend our nation to stand for our freedom and to protect the Constitution of America is so amazing.
I've read many accounts from special operators from every branch of our military. I've taken such an interest in reading these stories, I'm 65 spent my life working on highway construction raising a family I've lost many family members and friends to war and fighting for our nation. I missed the Vietnam war by just a few months from finishing high school just wanted to say thank you all for defending our nation.
I chose this book because I'm interested in the fact that you that have chosen to defend our nation to stand for our freedom and to protect the Constitution of America is so amazing.
I've read many accounts from special operators from every branch of our military. I've taken such an interest in reading these stories, I'm 65 spent my life working on highway construction raising a family I've lost many family members and friends to war and fighting for our nation. I missed the Vietnam war by just a few months from finishing high school just wanted to say thank you all for defending our nation.
January 4, 2021
Another page-turner. This is my second 5 star this year. This is a gritty account of the early years of the war on terror. It is written from the perspective of a Ranger medic who deploys to combat several times in Afghanistan and Iraq. I laughed so hard in the beginning that my sides actually hurt. The humor is eventually replaced by the darkness of PTSD as it begins to consume the medic. I found the book to be enlightening and holds nothing back about the rigors of combat and the effect it has on a person. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy war, military, memoirs, and humor. I would not recommend this book to anyone who is sensitive to foul language, gore, and any other truths associated with American warfighters.
July 1, 2020
A quick but great read. I was captivated by the story from the beginning and had a hard time putting it down. The dark humor made me laugh out loud multiple times. Some of the antics carried out by the author and his friends early on in the book while stateside made me roll my eyes but I could appreciate them as being the actions of early twenty something y/o guys. I did find myself wanting to know more about his time/experiences while deployed. I felt like there was more there that was being held back. Overall, those of use who have not expereinced war/combat can not and will not ever understand I look to books like these to help give me even the slightest, briefest bit of insight.
May 22, 2015
Very realistic account of
The making of an Army Ranger Combat medic --warts and all.
I have a better idea of the horrors of deployment, and the brotherhood the experience built.
Of course, just reading about it can't begin to approximate the reality. Jenkins delivery is perhaps the closest most of us will ever get, or want to.
He stresses that it isn't all heroism and movie scenes. The hardships and hardening is part and parcel of the life of a Ranger.
Thank you. Sgt Jenkins. Rangers lead the way!
The making of an Army Ranger Combat medic --warts and all.
I have a better idea of the horrors of deployment, and the brotherhood the experience built.
Of course, just reading about it can't begin to approximate the reality. Jenkins delivery is perhaps the closest most of us will ever get, or want to.
He stresses that it isn't all heroism and movie scenes. The hardships and hardening is part and parcel of the life of a Ranger.
Thank you. Sgt Jenkins. Rangers lead the way!
July 26, 2020
Medic!
Leo's recounts his experiences as a Ranger Medic in both Afghanistan and Iraq with a clear voice. A combat medic pulls tough double duty and this account is unparalleled in its honesty and accuracy as he reveals the personal impacts that these events have on him. The crucible refines the man, rather than breaking him, as it breaks so many. He is the hero we needed, and the medic that Rangers deserve to have. I look forward to his next book about making the transition back to civil society. RLTW!
Leo's recounts his experiences as a Ranger Medic in both Afghanistan and Iraq with a clear voice. A combat medic pulls tough double duty and this account is unparalleled in its honesty and accuracy as he reveals the personal impacts that these events have on him. The crucible refines the man, rather than breaking him, as it breaks so many. He is the hero we needed, and the medic that Rangers deserve to have. I look forward to his next book about making the transition back to civil society. RLTW!
January 9, 2014
2.5 stars
This short (192 pages) non fiction book is basically just a bunch of little snippets about one man's experiences being an Army Ranger Medic. Some of the stories are entertaining (especially the ones dealing with combat) and some aren't really worthwhile (it's not that fun reading about someone getting drunk). And almost none of them go into enough detail to be truly enjoyable. Jenkins has some potential as a writer, but I was left wanting much much more detail.
This short (192 pages) non fiction book is basically just a bunch of little snippets about one man's experiences being an Army Ranger Medic. Some of the stories are entertaining (especially the ones dealing with combat) and some aren't really worthwhile (it's not that fun reading about someone getting drunk). And almost none of them go into enough detail to be truly enjoyable. Jenkins has some potential as a writer, but I was left wanting much much more detail.
March 30, 2015
A first-hand look at how wars are actually fought and the brotherhood that's formed among those fighting them. My only gripe was that there were a few too many stories about drunken debauchery, and too few stories about the actual military. The military experiences, from training to the last mission, were good reading, but the book could also have done with a professional edit.
Either way, Mr. Jenkins, thank you for your service.
Either way, Mr. Jenkins, thank you for your service.
September 22, 2014
An honest story
Jenkins tells us his experiences as a ranger without hollywood finishes or worrying about anyone's feelings. it's not like most books where there is the one event and everything revolves around it. it's the life of a ranger medic from training till end of enlistment. I thought it was awesome and worth reading. Leo Jenkins is the man!
Jenkins tells us his experiences as a ranger without hollywood finishes or worrying about anyone's feelings. it's not like most books where there is the one event and everything revolves around it. it's the life of a ranger medic from training till end of enlistment. I thought it was awesome and worth reading. Leo Jenkins is the man!
January 27, 2015
Absolutely astonishing book
This book was absolutely incredible, I loved reading every second of it as I myself hope to one day be one of the men to follow in Leo Jenkin's footsteps. Amazing man that I would love to meet one day meet and thank for serving our country the way he did, will definitely read anything he releases as this is only the first novel I have read by him.
This book was absolutely incredible, I loved reading every second of it as I myself hope to one day be one of the men to follow in Leo Jenkin's footsteps. Amazing man that I would love to meet one day meet and thank for serving our country the way he did, will definitely read anything he releases as this is only the first novel I have read by him.
March 9, 2014
Different decade, different Battalion. But Leo's story could have been my story. Fast paced, gritty, heartfelt at times, and absolutely hilarious. All I can say is "thank you." For your service, for sharing your story, and for bringing back the best (and worst) times of my life. Well done, Doc.
January 22, 2015
Solid account of a Spec-Ops medic! No editorial mess, just first hand account and enough transparency for you to get a glimpse of what goes through their mind the good, the
bad, and the ugly. Would have liked a little more about the author's post military life.
bad, and the ugly. Would have liked a little more about the author's post military life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews