The Hero Next Door: Stories of Patriotism and Purpose

by Martha Raddatz

The beloved Emmy Award–winning face of ABC News and New York Times bestselling author Martha Raddatz shares ten stories of American warriors and their families, whose superhuman sacrifice and resilience—on and off the battlefield—show that true courage comes in many forms.

Martha Raddatz has seen the uncommon courage of service members and their families and watched—in war zones but also on the home front—as they have faced daunting odds and come out stronger. She asked veterans whose character and actions have impacted her deeply to relive their most challenging moments, so that others will know who they are and what they have done.

We meet an air force rescue parajumper who put his life on the line to save a man whose fate would become entwined with his; a marine ambushed in Helmand whose life-changing injury forced him to take on a different kind of fight; a trailblazing F-18 fighter pilot haunted by what she saw; a combat surgeon who pioneered a new way of saving people with traumatic brain injuries and turned his world upside down to train doctors in Ukraine; an intelligence officer who forged a lifetime friendship with the man who saved him on 9/11; two mothers whose love and sacrifices embody the ideal of selfless service.

Some were inspired to join the military by parents who served and some left abusive families, determined to do better. Some joined when everyone was against it. They were there because they wanted to be part of something bigger than themselves. Raddatz shows how the qualities that made them shine on the battlefield gave them the strength to conceive of transformative second acts. The focus, mental resilience, and emotional fortitude kept them going through physical and emotional setbacks. They started companies to fill a need, created nimble nonprofits, and hunted for humor wherever they could find it.

Most Americans don’t know these people. They’ve shown real courage, and yet they would say they don’t deserve the accolades. There is no sure way to spot a hero, but we should do more to honor and celebrate the heroes next door.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Biography, History, War, Military Fiction, Journalism

368 pages, Hardcover

Published May 26, 2026

Reviews

[Daulton]

Love the book! Written super well as a bunch of mini biographies that kept me engaged with everyone’s story. A great reminder that regardless of political circumstances there are still hero’s serving.

[Brandice]

Engaging, Moving, Inspiring. The stories Martha Raddatz shares in The Hero Next Door are powerful. I’m grateful for the brave men and women of the our military and thankful for the sacrifices they and their families make, every day. I’m glad I listened to this book and appreciate Raddatz sharing these stories, a welcome reminder of humanity and our real heroes.

[Richard Muro]

For twenty-five years Martha Raddatz has seen the courage and resilience of the men and women who have been fighting America's wars since 9/11.

The Hero Next Door offers a glimpse of servicemen and women who are every bit as inspiring as those of the Greatest Generation.

Many veterans returned from Iraq and Afghanistan with wounds that never fully healed. There isn't one of them who would say they could have done it alone.

Life has so much to offer each and everyone one of us (civilian or soldier) and can turn on a moment, and who's to say what we'll do when that moment arises?

Well worth the time sit back, read stories of veterans that loved this country, took an oath, served next to their many brothers and sisters from ALL walks of life and when brought together as the branches of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines) did they meet the challenge and sacrifice themselves their lives and affected love ones, family and friends.

Bravo Martha Raddatz ….thank you

[Hilary Swiers]

“How best to live a life that has been so permanently altered?” Captain Derek Herrera

The Hero Next Door offers a glimpse into the lives of servicemen and women who fought on the front lines fighting America’s wars since 9/11. Some of these men and women were only in high school when the Twin Towers were struck, but each of them felt a calling to serve their country.

Derek Herrera was deployed to Afghanistan in June 2012. His mission was to disrupt the flow of Taliban weapons and the fighters themselves. While on the roof of a farmhouse, surrounded by heavy gunfire, Derek was hit. His injury left him paralyzed from the chest down. As he began to heal and realized his paralysis was permanent he asked himself, “How do I live my best life when it has been so permanently altered?” He went on the design and create a catheter for paralyzed men. He transformed his physical and mental trauma into purpose. Derek’s is just one of the remarkable stories of heroism and patriotism in this book.

I think what makes this books so deeply moving is Martha Raddatz, who is the Chief Global Affairs Correspondent reporting for ABC News, developed trust and eventually a friendship with each of the veterans she portrayed. She personally knows and loves each of the people whose story she highlights. Her research is not from books, but from face-to-face contact and years of building relationships with veterans and their families.

[Luke Custer]

Reading The Hero Next Door hit differently for me than it probably would for most readers. The day after September 11th, I dropped out of college and quickly joined the military. Less than two years later, I was part of the initial push into Iraq in 2003. So when Martha Raddatz tells the stories of the young men and women who answered the call after 9/11, these aren't just historical accounts to me. They feel familiar. They feel personal. They remind me of people I served with, people I knew, and people who never came home. In many ways, this book feels like the post 9/11 generation's version of Tom Brokaw's The Greatest Generation. A collection of stories about ordinary people who found themselves living through extraordinary times and chose to step forward when their country needed them.

One thing I really appreciated about this book is that it pushes back against the lazy narrative that younger generations lack toughness, patriotism, work ethic, or a willingness to sacrifice. That's complete bullshit. The stories in this book are proof of that. Raddatz highlights people from different backgrounds, different walks of life, and different circumstances, yet they all share common traits: courage, resilience, loyalty, and a willingness to put something larger than themselves first. The heroism she writes about isn't limited to the battlefield either. Some stories involve combat, while others involve sacrifice, perseverance, leadership, and simply doing the right thing when nobody is watching. The book serves as a reminder that heroism doesn't always look like what Hollywood tells us it should.

I also found myself reflecting on how complicated it can feel to be a veteran today. The current political climate has turned military service, patriotism, and even the American flag into political weapons, and frankly, that's frustrating as hell. For those of us who served and who may strongly disagree with the people currently in power, it can sometimes feel like our service has been hijacked and repackaged into something we don't recognize. Books like The Hero Next Door are important because they strip all of that away. They remind us what service was actually about: duty, loyalty, sacrifice, friendship, and answering a call when your country needed you. Martha Raddatz does a fantastic job capturing those values without turning them into a political statement. More than anything, this book reminded me that there are still plenty of good people in this country doing hard things for the right reasons. They may not make the news every night, but they're still out there. And that's a message worth remembering.

[Sandy]

I listened to the audiobook version of this book. The author narrates and does a very fine job. I really enjoyed listening to the stories. Many examples of
heroism, some from unexpected avenues, and from all walks of life. And as expected, many had me shaking my head, would I have behaved as admirably? Others caused me to really have to hold back emotion. Highly recommend.

[Sarah Ewald]

This was one of those books that everyone should read. It's not an easy one though. Some of the stories are so difficult that you need to give yourself a break before going to the next chapter. Those who serve our country are a special breed, and for that, I thank them for their service. As a mom, I was taken emotionally with the chapter, A Mother's Love, about two extraordinary women who stepped up when their sons returned from the middle east war with horrific brain injuries. With their determination,, they kept going when doctors didn't think there was a future for their sons. A mother's love, indeed.

Also impressive was the chapter, The Skull Cracker, about Rocco Armonda, a neurosurgeon who served our country and patched up our guys on the battlefield, and then, after retiring from the service, volunteering in hospitals in Ukraine. The procedures he innovated during his time in battlefield hospitals, saved more lives than ever before.

"Draped in sea-blue surgical scrubs, we are standing together over an open skull. Just inches beneath us, on an operating table, is a brain pulsing through a five- or six-inch opening where a bone saw carefully removed a portion of the skull. Dr. Armonda is gently and skillfully probing the glittering mass, searching for bits of shrapnel.
The man on the table, a severely wounded Ukrainian soldier in his twenties, was hit by Russian artillery earlier that day. I have seen many images of the human brain, but never a real one up close. I was also keenly aware that the brain on the table belonged to someone's son, or husband or father."
That was just the start of the chapter...

Trailblazers is a chapter that detailed the service of Rosemariner, and Danielle Thiriot, Navy pilots who bravely served overseas. Their service inspired other women to take up flying and service as well. I wonder what the future holds for them and others in the wake of a DOD run by Hegseth.

Not an easy book to read, as I felt I needed time to reflect on each and every chapter, but well worth knowing those whose stories Martha Raddatz told.

[Dlora]

This is a book about heroes: the military men, their families, the support people. “There is no sure way to spot a hero.” Well, maybe “the one sure way to spot a hero may be to look for the ones who insist they are not.” In a war zone you learn “how a moment can reveal character, and I have learned valuable lessons from the service men and -women I have come to know, life lessons about courage and selflessness, purpose and resilience, that have relevance for us all. I also learned, early on in my time as a war correspondent, that true heroes are rarely the ones you’d imagine.” The people featured in this book “represent the generation that has answered the call to service since 9/11, who collectively serve as powerful antidotes to the corrosive cynicism that prevails in so much of our culture today.” The book read like a string of short stories, but that underlying thread of heroism and purpose, in small ways and large, connected them all. I was as much impressed by author Martha Raddatz as by her subjects.

[Melissa]

This review is based on an advance copy.

This book has ten chapters that each tell the story of a different veteran or group of veterans and their families. As she says in her introduction, while people may agree or disagree with a war, there are people behind all the headlines we read. They are doing incredibly brave things and making huge sacrifices and they should be appreciated and honored. This book does an adequate job of spotlighting some of these people from all walks of life and with all different roles, both within the military itself and from the military families. I do think that the variety of people spotlighted here is a huge benefit. The effect on the families of their loved ones returning permanently injured or not at all is also shown here, something that has far less awareness than stories of the military members themselves.

Overall a good read, but a bit repetitive at times. The perfect book for Memorial Day.

[Mary Ann]

The true hero is the one who doesn’t think he or she is a hero. They don’t boast, they don’t put up statues to themselves or hang giant self-portraits on public buildings. These are the individuals who when the time comes to step up do so with great humility, courage, and respect for their fellow human beings. Martha Raddatz provides portraits of about a dozen “heroes,” men, women, and mothers and fathers who show us all what a true hero is made of. Raddatz is a natural storyteller and every one of the chapters is moving, emotionally engaging, rich in detail, yet reflecting of the character and individuality of each hero. These are the heroes of today, the post 9/11 heroes, our present day Greatest Generation.

[Sue]

This one hit differently. I have people I love who serve, and I had to take The Hero Next Door one chapter at a time — giving myself space to breathe between each one.

Martha Raddatz introduces us to ten men and women who would call what they did ordinary. We know better. These are people who run toward danger, who sign up willingly, who sacrifice more than most of us will ever understand. And Raddatz doesn't forget the families left behind to pick up the pieces — their story is in here too. We may not all agree on war. But I believe we can agree on this: these are heroes. Every one of them. Deeply moving, beautifully written, and an important read — especially right now.

[Karen S. Laird]

Patriotism is Still Alive in America

Martha Raddatz gives a beautiful, broad view of honor, loyalty and patriotism in several different categories of American lives and characters that is still alive and well in our country. For anyone who thinks that the old fashioned values are lost on today's youth, her stories show how wrong that notion truly is. Her stories show the strength and hard work in getting through extraordinarily tough situations from all different angles, that people still have in abundance. She shows a variety of the forms of heroism that appear all around us all the time. Great read!!

[Becky Flanagan]

Inspirational book by the author. With every HERO written about, I became teary eyed. Knowing what the injured heroes went through before, during, and after their injuries, just to survive. The trail blazers of the other stories. The most heart wrenching tears were Martha's interviews and investigational information on the mothers who cared for their injured sons/heroes after their discharge to HOME, and not to a nursing home. A mother's love and caring can never be diminished. It's all encompassing forever.

[Marisa]

Wow! What a great compilation of various military perspectives. As a mother myself, I especially enjoyed the final stories about Debbie Schultz and her son Steven and Gail and her son Shurvon. The character, grit and pride of everyone in this book was apparent. The book gave multiple accounts that dove down deep to the root families of our military, behind every man or woman in their uniform is a family and friends behind them. I’m forever grateful no only for our military members, but the families that support them.

[Wendy]

If you need to know why we stand for the flag, read this book.
It’s only a very small look at the sacrifices our soldiers give. The men and women who come home paralyzed, missing limbs, broken with wounds you can’t see, lost relationships, and the ultimate coming home in a casket draped in our flag.
This book gives you a small window of what they have gone through for us. The love and loyalty they have for their country.
It’s an amazing book
Have tissues handy
God Bless our soldiers!
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[Bev Stegmann]

First I would like to say Thank you for your service to each person highlighted in this novel. Heartbreaking and heartwarming read of heroes. I was given an advanced reader copy of this well written novel by NetGalley and I am freely sharing my review. #netgalley @netgalley #martharaddatz @authormartharaddarz #avidreaderpress @avidreaderpress #simonandschusterpublisher @simonandschusterpublisher

[Carol Cross]

My first thought ws why is an 88 year old woman with no military contact reading a book like this. Then, I realized it was a feel good book. Each of the persons interviewed had had a devastating war experience, and, yet, they and their families had made conditions so they could live a life that was fulfilling. The author inserts her relationship with the subjects of the book. There is the right amount of this candor. Congratulations, Martha Raddatz. A job well done.

[Jolene Elison]

Great stories of men and women who were amazing heroes. I could not read it straight through as parts were gritty, graphic, and sad. But taken in smaller doses each day I found myself uplifted and inspired. I think Martha Raddatz is an inspiring hero herself for all she has done to help veterans. Her reporting has made the world know more fully the many facets and costs of war. However there is no hero chapter in this book for her. A must read

[Mych]

Martha Raddatz has written an incredible book. Many of the great war stories of the United States revolve around the most morally just war ever fought, World War II. Martha dedicates time to portraying the heroes of modern wars, even those less morally clear, while still highlighting their remarkable qualities. This book will evoke feelings of patriotism and gratitude for our modern heroes and provide some moral clarity on the United States’ current position in the world.

[Kim]

Well- written, compelling and inspirational, this book is a collection of 10 profiles of everyday military heroes. The author has known several of the subjects for many years and her admiration of their service to their country is palpable. Often at a horrific cost, these men and women truly represent the best of America and are true American heroes.

[Yvonne]

so moving

Excellent book with great writing, heart and reverence. Each of these stories show courage and bravery and also modesty and love. Thank you for taking us on their journeys. This should be required reading for all American cans who consider themselves patriots. Thank you Ms Raddatz

[Emma Stewart]

A Well Chosen Title

Martha Raddatz’ new book’s title is an apt description of those who have served our country both at home and abroad. These stories of families of military personnel she has connected with during her many years of covering world conflicts are unforgettable. It is a book well worth your time.

[Cheryl Rowland]

I have always admired Martha Raddatz as person who goes where the story is. I loved this book because she was both on the Frontline with servicemembers and also on the home front talking with these same servicemembers and their families about how their lives were changed by being in Afghanistan and Iraq. I retired from the Army 24 years ago and the servicemembers are my heroes.

[Christie]

The true stories of US service members highlight what heros they, and their families, are. I'm so thankful that Ms. Raddatz tells their stories to bring awareness to what so many suffer through so that the rest of us can enjoy freedom.

I received this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Molly]

A powerful book of stories about military men and women who’ve made tremendous sacrifices for our country. Not to mention the sacrifices their families have made in caring for them when they got home. Martha Radditz is an excellent story-teller and author who has presented these histories with compassion and honesty. I listened to this book on Audible and she narrates herself. It was riveting.

[Mary Wissink]

This book is a powerful collection of stories about military members and their families who have shown extraordinary courage and resilience. Raddatz writes with compassion, highlighting not only their sacrifices but also their strength, humanity, and sense of purpose. This moving and inspiring book reminds us that true heroes are often ordinary people who rise to meet extraordinary challenges.

[Louise Sullivan]

In the Hero Next Door, journalist Martha Raddatz highlights the stories of veterans and their families. Many of these heroes have overcome unimaginable adversity. Not every story had a happy ending but they all showed me what real courage is. I listened to the audiobook which was read by the author.

[Margaret J Dooley]

Impartial for all generations!

Extremely well written this book provides insights into worlds most if us will never experience. One that our husbands, brothers and other relatives never felt comfortable sharing. Thank you Martha Raddatz.

[Lenny Zwik]

Remember and Respect

Communicated with an emotional depth and impact as no other story I've read this is a story of brave heroes. Every American should read this book, but be prepared to cry a lot.

[Tammy Leslie]

I appreciate the insights that Martha provides about the military members and their families stories represented in the book. Thank you Martha for your bravery reporting from the places that we will never experience but our active duty soldiers will live through and carry the rest of their lives..