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Blackdeath 23: My Journal as an Army Helicopter Pilot in Iraq
Blackdeath 23 is Robert's journal from the time he joined the Army on 9/11/2001, the day we suffered devastating attacks to our country, through two deployments to the war zone in Iraq.
Re-live the day to day experiences with Robert, just as he lived them. Robert's daily journal will give you a realistic experience from his cockpit. His writings cover the entire spectrum, from the joys of simply receiving mail from home, living in harsh conditions, experiencing frequent enemy attacks, aircraft emergencies and losing a fellow pilot, to making the ultimate decision of pulling the trigger to end one life in order to save another. Robert states, "I never intended to write a book. It took over three years to complete. Some of it was extremely difficult to get through."
Re-live the day to day experiences with Robert, just as he lived them. Robert's daily journal will give you a realistic experience from his cockpit. His writings cover the entire spectrum, from the joys of simply receiving mail from home, living in harsh conditions, experiencing frequent enemy attacks, aircraft emergencies and losing a fellow pilot, to making the ultimate decision of pulling the trigger to end one life in order to save another. Robert states, "I never intended to write a book. It took over three years to complete. Some of it was extremely difficult to get through."
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
74 people are currently reading
601 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 17, 2014
I have always wondered what being a soldier in a foreign land would be like... to feel my feet on strange soil and know that all of my loved ones are a million miles away. How would I feel about everyone going on with their lives while I am stuck in the middle of nowhere, fighting for my country and my life? Could I handle killing someone after being taught the Ten Commandments since I was old enough to attend Sunday school?
Perhaps all of these questions came to mind because I have three sons, each of them considering enlistment at one time or another. Having never been far from them, hidden beneath my pride and patriotism, I feared for their lives and for the unknown. I knew that the experience would forever change them.
Robert Mills’ book, Blackdeath 23, is a personal day by day account of military life as a helicopter pilot, portraying his deployment experience in a manner that is both honest and candid. Upon reading this book, you will have an inside look on what goes through a soldier’s mind when he is miles from everyone and everything he has ever known.
I immediately accepted when asked to edit this book, and as I worked, there were times when I found myself getting caught up in the story. Looking back, I realized that I had forgotten all about the task of proofreading. From start to finish, this manuscript had hooked me, as I experienced the same emotions as the author.
I found myself wondering how many other editors have laughed or cried over books they are working on, and if they have ever had to close a manuscript and clear their minds. While I am not sure about the answers to those questions, I am quite sure about one thing: Blackdeath 23 is anything but ordinary.
Perhaps all of these questions came to mind because I have three sons, each of them considering enlistment at one time or another. Having never been far from them, hidden beneath my pride and patriotism, I feared for their lives and for the unknown. I knew that the experience would forever change them.
Robert Mills’ book, Blackdeath 23, is a personal day by day account of military life as a helicopter pilot, portraying his deployment experience in a manner that is both honest and candid. Upon reading this book, you will have an inside look on what goes through a soldier’s mind when he is miles from everyone and everything he has ever known.
I immediately accepted when asked to edit this book, and as I worked, there were times when I found myself getting caught up in the story. Looking back, I realized that I had forgotten all about the task of proofreading. From start to finish, this manuscript had hooked me, as I experienced the same emotions as the author.
I found myself wondering how many other editors have laughed or cried over books they are working on, and if they have ever had to close a manuscript and clear their minds. While I am not sure about the answers to those questions, I am quite sure about one thing: Blackdeath 23 is anything but ordinary.
December 3, 2014
Wow! Fantastic!
Articulate, Gripping, Emotional, and Hard Hitting
As I read Blackdeath 23, I found myself there with the author! Written as it was happening on nearly a daily basis. Articulate, gripping, emotional, and hard hitting. I found it hard to put down. You will find yourself completely immersed in the story from CW2 Mills as he draws you into his personal account, thoughts, and feelings. From his decision to join the military, to finding himself in the middle of the Iraq war, his family, his faith, and his honor for God and Country.
Veteran's will immediately relate to CW2 Mill's day to day sacrifices for service to Country. No matter which branch of the military you served in, you will find yourself nodding, laughing, and crying with CW2 Mills.
Articulate, Gripping, Emotional, and Hard Hitting
As I read Blackdeath 23, I found myself there with the author! Written as it was happening on nearly a daily basis. Articulate, gripping, emotional, and hard hitting. I found it hard to put down. You will find yourself completely immersed in the story from CW2 Mills as he draws you into his personal account, thoughts, and feelings. From his decision to join the military, to finding himself in the middle of the Iraq war, his family, his faith, and his honor for God and Country.
Veteran's will immediately relate to CW2 Mill's day to day sacrifices for service to Country. No matter which branch of the military you served in, you will find yourself nodding, laughing, and crying with CW2 Mills.
February 29, 2016
This book is literally a journal with entries ranging from the mundane (or as mundane as you can get in a war zone) to the heart wrenching to the amusing. Overall it is one persons account of life as an Army Helicopter Pilot, but also an incredible portrait of what our soldiers go through and a reminder of what they give so others can be free.
It's also a quick read so I definitely recommend giving it some time to read and sit with.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free as part of the Goodread's First Reads program.
It's also a quick read so I definitely recommend giving it some time to read and sit with.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free as part of the Goodread's First Reads program.
March 20, 2015
Blackdeath 23 is very insightful. It’s nice to have the opportunity to know more about the day to day struggles and feelings of serving in the military and being physically far away from family and friends. A very good read.
I received a free copy of this book from the First-reads program. Thanks for sending me this book.
I received a free copy of this book from the First-reads program. Thanks for sending me this book.
January 18, 2015
An insightful look from a birds eye view of the war. From the day to day living to flying over insurgents. A must read for the people cheering from stateside for our troops. Thank you for your service and loyalty. I recieved this book through goodreads.
December 24, 2017
Thank you for your service
As you should know there have been many before you that have served being away from home for long periods of time. You spent to much time talking about how much you missed your family.
As you should know there have been many before you that have served being away from home for long periods of time. You spent to much time talking about how much you missed your family.
June 13, 2019
Hard to put this book down
I enjoyed reading Mills collection of his military experiences, and his transition to civilian life. He demonstrated how prayer was a major part of his life, along with well founded family support.
I enjoyed reading Mills collection of his military experiences, and his transition to civilian life. He demonstrated how prayer was a major part of his life, along with well founded family support.
November 25, 2019
No action.
To much on family life. He did not want got go into the military I read only for a little action. If you like home life and what goes on every day in the barricks this is the book for you not me. Like I said no action
To much on family life. He did not want got go into the military I read only for a little action. If you like home life and what goes on every day in the barricks this is the book for you not me. Like I said no action
July 4, 2017
A journal
This is exactly what the title says, a day by day journal of Mills time. There were some slow points in the book, however that's to be expected
This is exactly what the title says, a day by day journal of Mills time. There were some slow points in the book, however that's to be expected
July 6, 2018
Soldier and his Family
This writer stuck to the subject. I enjoyed how he integrated his family into the story. The details carried the narrative.
This writer stuck to the subject. I enjoyed how he integrated his family into the story. The details carried the narrative.
December 21, 2018
An important role to play
Job well done soldier. You integrated your Christianity in your job as a soldier. Appreciate your sacrifices for your country.
Job well done soldier. You integrated your Christianity in your job as a soldier. Appreciate your sacrifices for your country.
February 2, 2020
Excellent
Found this while looking for a non fiction book to read and found this to be an interesting look into the life of a helicopter pilot.Very quick reading.
Found this while looking for a non fiction book to read and found this to be an interesting look into the life of a helicopter pilot.Very quick reading.
June 13, 2019
As a former combat helicopter pilot, this rang very true. Days and weeks of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror. People looking for lots of "i was there " scary war stories may not like it. Those who want to see what is really like in war, the routine Army stuff and the day to day life will. I especially liked his unashamed accounts of his faith and family which got many of us through and helped us after, though many of us never talked about it.
Future aviators should read this so they know it's not all glory, but the team work of being part of a large "machine" and the rewards that brings.
Good Job Robert and thank you for your service and sacrifice.
from Seawolf 10
Future aviators should read this so they know it's not all glory, but the team work of being part of a large "machine" and the rewards that brings.
Good Job Robert and thank you for your service and sacrifice.
from Seawolf 10
April 8, 2016
Originally posted here
I have had this book on my TBR pile for a year and I finally decided it was time to pick it up and read it. Blackdeath 23 is the collected journals of the author's experience in the military, serving as an army helicopter pilot primarily in Iraq during the years 2001-2009. Through the journal format, the reader is given an intimate portrait of daily life being deployed in a war zone. I honestly feel like there needs to be more books like this one. I know nothing really about the war in Iraq or what it was like for those soldiers that bravely served, so I really appreciated the inside look.
The book is filled with photographs that help to visualise what it was actually like in the army and it was absolutely riveting from start to finish. I was really touched at the role that faith had in the author's experience and this book gave me a great perspective of the American viewpoint of the war in Iraq at that time. There are even additional photographs and videos on the accompanying website, that added further perspective for the reader.
There were many military acronyms to keep track of and there is an index at the back that helps but I found that not every acronym was included. There were also quite a few typos and mistakes but ultimately none of that hampered my enjoyment of the book overall. I think this book would be great for readers who are involved with the military but it's equally enjoyable for readers that aren't familiar with the military at all.
Disclaimer
I received this book through Goodreads giveaways - I was not required to give a review, all opinions stated are entirely my own.
June 28, 2016
I received this book from Goodreads.
I'm beginning to sound like a broken record by now, but-I wanted to like this book!
My very favorite genre to read is true accounts of people's experience during a war, or any combat situation. This book should have been right up my alley. But it wasn't.
The main thing that irritated me was that it was so dang vague. It reminded me of a shopping list.
Eat.
Fly Helicopter.
Pray
Get flight experience.
Land.
Clean helicopter.
Eat.
Pray.
Worry about my wife being independent.
Eat.
Call home.
Pray.
Sleep.
Move some of those randomly around on the list every chapter and you have this book.
Yes, I understand that combat is all of those things and more, that there are a lot of boring parts to it. But, the reason I was interested in this book was because I wanted to read about it!
Like, how bored were you? What did you do to pass the time? What did you and your buddy's get up to? What interesting conversations did you have? How sun burnt were you during the first weeks and how much did it hurt? Who pranked who, and how? Did you ever put your underwear on backwards in a rush and only noticed it later?
Details, please! This book is starved for details!
....On the plus side, this book does give the reader a glimpse into Iraq from the air. It includes some pretty awesome pictures.
I'm beginning to sound like a broken record by now, but-I wanted to like this book!
My very favorite genre to read is true accounts of people's experience during a war, or any combat situation. This book should have been right up my alley. But it wasn't.
The main thing that irritated me was that it was so dang vague. It reminded me of a shopping list.
Eat.
Fly Helicopter.
Pray
Get flight experience.
Land.
Clean helicopter.
Eat.
Pray.
Worry about my wife being independent.
Eat.
Call home.
Pray.
Sleep.
Move some of those randomly around on the list every chapter and you have this book.
Yes, I understand that combat is all of those things and more, that there are a lot of boring parts to it. But, the reason I was interested in this book was because I wanted to read about it!
Like, how bored were you? What did you do to pass the time? What did you and your buddy's get up to? What interesting conversations did you have? How sun burnt were you during the first weeks and how much did it hurt? Who pranked who, and how? Did you ever put your underwear on backwards in a rush and only noticed it later?
Details, please! This book is starved for details!
....On the plus side, this book does give the reader a glimpse into Iraq from the air. It includes some pretty awesome pictures.
November 30, 2016
BlackDeath 23 by Robert Mills is his journal written while flying helicopters in Iraq. The book begins with Mills leaving for basic training on September 11, 2001. Due to the events of that day in America his basic training was postponed. BlackDeath takes you day to day with Mills for the duration of his service in the military.
Mills had a wife and daughters, but felt that God was calling him to do something other than what he was doing - Computer Analyst. Flying helicopters had always been a dream and desire of his-2001 was his chance to live that dream and truly do what he felt he was called to do.
This journal is as raw, personable and forthright as any you will read. Mills takes you through his daily routine and at times grind - the ups, the downs, the quiet and the harrowing experiences he lived through. Mills not only covers the military side and life of a soldier, but also the personal feelings and longings for home and family.
This journal brings you to a personal level with Mills, and does a great job of enlightening the reader of what our helicopter pilots and other military endure in war.
Great read!!!
Mills had a wife and daughters, but felt that God was calling him to do something other than what he was doing - Computer Analyst. Flying helicopters had always been a dream and desire of his-2001 was his chance to live that dream and truly do what he felt he was called to do.
This journal is as raw, personable and forthright as any you will read. Mills takes you through his daily routine and at times grind - the ups, the downs, the quiet and the harrowing experiences he lived through. Mills not only covers the military side and life of a soldier, but also the personal feelings and longings for home and family.
This journal brings you to a personal level with Mills, and does a great job of enlightening the reader of what our helicopter pilots and other military endure in war.
Great read!!!
December 25, 2015
Das Buch ist nur bedingt interessant. Der Verfasser ergeht sich über ca. 50 % des Buches darin zu erzählen, wie sehr er seine Familie und Gott liebt und seine Familie vermisst. Auch sonst bleibt das Buch sehr seicht, Kampfhandlungen werden eher minimal dargestellt nur kaum kritisch reflektiert. Über den Irak-Krieg lernt man so wenig, obwohl die Tagebucheintragungen sich mehr oder minder auf die beiden Einsatzzeiten im Irak konzentrieren, am ehesten kann man noch etwas über das Lernen, was einem Soldaten fern seiner Heimat so durch den Kopf geht.
December 2, 2016
Death by Boredom would be a better title
Read this book if you want a story of a soldiers faith and family.
Read something else if you want a book about combat in an Air Cavalry Troop.
I was a rotorhead for the U.S. Army, including a tour in OH-58's, I gave this book up as a total waste of time by Chapter 8.
Read this book if you want a story of a soldiers faith and family.
Read something else if you want a book about combat in an Air Cavalry Troop.
I was a rotorhead for the U.S. Army, including a tour in OH-58's, I gave this book up as a total waste of time by Chapter 8.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews