"The leadership lessons learned in combat apply here at take care of the people to your left and to your right. You are the frontlines--no matter where or how you serve."
2017 National Independent Publisher Book Award Winner (IPPY) Recommended Reading List for the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Center of Excellence Library & Museum It began as a personal memoir for her son. Reflecting one day on her ten years of post 9/11 military service, Marjorie K. Eastman wanted to capture the lessons and inspiration she'd learned serving beside men and women who represent the very best of what it means to be dedication to a job well done, selflessness, character, and a belief that one person can make a difference. And these servicemen and women represent just 1 percent of the American public. This unfolds in the intentional progression of the narrative, which focuses on Eastman's experiences first, then on those around her as she grows as a person and leader. As she writes, Eastman identifies the people of this post 9/11 era as the Frontline Generation for today, and notes it is an untapped reservoir of leaders--now back in our communities--who have been strengthened by the unique difficulties of post 9/11 service. Eastman's wartime journal entries further reveal frustrations, inspiration, joy, heartbreak, laughter, purpose, resolve, and the remarkable ways service members came together to solve problems and break boundaries well beyond the heartbreaking day of 9/11. She defines the legacy her Frontline Generation leaves on this country, and encourages readers to think about who they want to be, how they can make a difference, how they can make their lives count. Service is the key. The compelling journey of Eastman's time in uniform culminates in her final assignment, when she was responsible for the lives of over 100 troops--men and women--scattered throughout Eastern Afghanistan. Her first-person account of that time is a moving story from personal commitment to the conviction that service--no matter where or how--is the best path to success. She offers lessons on life, leadership, service, and the way for every person to find a role in them. The Frontline Generation abounds with wisdom, compassion, and humor.
As the daughter of two soldiers and the wife of a Marine, and having served in law enforcement myself, there are lessons in this book I believe every American needs to read. Women forging paths in places women don’t typically “belong”, parents raising daughters to aspire to serve, civilians who don’t understand the military or the draw to service, veterans who are worried the nation has forgotten we are at war or simply doesn’t honor their service, employers struggling with creating a veteran hiring program - everyone should read this book. It is enlightening, empowering, and teaches so much about the combat experience, as well as the heart of service.
Outstanding book, and the audible version is read by the author, which is a great bonus. Strongly recommend this book be read by anyone seeking to understand the mindset of the Frontline Generation.
This book is written by a friend of mine, Marjorie Eastman. It is about lessons she learned while serving our country. It's a book filled with lessons about leadership, life, service, and purpose. Although I've heard it described as "a book you can't put down," I preferred to read it a chapter or two at a time so that I could think about the stories and the pearls of wisdom from them. I soaked up some of the details and insights about what it is like for those who have served and are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan; it gave me a new appreciation for what they experience. It's a reminder that such a small percentage or our population chooses to serve our country, which translates into how easy it is for most of the population to forget. Marjorie challenges us all to find a way to serve.