Warrior's Creed: A Life of Preparing for and Facing the Impossible

by Roger Sparks, Don Rearden

The riveting story of how a young boy's upbringing with outlaw culture and charismatic role models forged him into an elite Marine and a decorated Pararescueman.

"Absence of self is my sword" comprises the final line in "The Warrior's Creed," a 14th century poem written by an unknown Japanese Samurai, and this is the code Master Sergeant Roger Sparks embodied as a Recon Marine turned Alaskan Pararescueman. A living legend in the military, Sparks first made a name for himself within elite Marine Reconnaissance units. He went on to become an instructor where he trained future Reconnaissance Marines with unorthodox and ancient indigenous warrior techniques. A decade later, the same methods would keep him and others alive, when he hoisted into a maelstrom of violence to rescue an embattled platoon in the rugged mountains of eastern Afghanistan.

Introduced to a tough code of honor, family, and brotherhood from birth, Roger Sparks rose to become a distinguished instructor in Marine Reconnaissance and a Silver Star recipient as an Alaska Pararescueman. A raw and exhilarating tale of guts, grit, and heart, Warrior's Creed recounts the hidden side of special operations training, heroic and heartbreaking Alaskan wilderness rescues, and the surreal and deadly rescues during Operation Bulldog Bite in Afghanistan’s Watapur Valley.

This powerful and inspirational story is as much of a self-help book as it is an edge of your seat military memoir. Warrior's Creed reveals a motivating and mindful approach to overcoming the odds, facing the impossible, and finding mercy and grace in the aftermath.

Genres: Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Memoir, Military History, Philosophy, Audiobook, War

320 pages, Hardcover

Published August 13, 2019

Reviews

[Linden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sparks has written an intense, often difficult to read, memoir about his life growing up and his transition to a career as a Recon Marine turned Alaskan Pararescueman. He saw combat in Afghanistan, and offered this disturbing observation: “People might not realize this, but throughout history, countries project war as a means for profit.…A vast majority of the people on Bagram [Afghanistan] are not even military; they are contractors. And those contractors are there to develop infrastructure. My friend was the CEO of the corporation that manages and funds those contractors. And now you also have an army of people who work in security detachments to protect those contractors. In so many ways it’s a dirty business.” He hopes that by sharing his story each reader might be encouraged to “contemplate [their] own life and create value out of [their] experiences.”

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt compelled to write this review because, well, this book is highly compelling. It's enthralling, in no small part because it's true, and an inspiring mix of Japanese samurai/warrior philosophy and how it applies to our lives today, as embodied in one incredible human being: Roger Sparks. This man has lived a life that almost doesn't seem real, and although he would probably reject the title, he is a great role model. He is a true warrior, having served in both the U.S. Marine Corps' elite Reconnaissance battalions and the U.S. Air Force's elite Pararescue units, earning a Silver Star for valor along the way. He is a warrior/philosopher in the classic sense; far from a knuckle-dragging brute, he is very intelligent and constantly seeking to improve himself and understand why he and others do what they do and behave the way they behave. Some of my favorite parts were reading about his studies of ancient warrior training methods and how he Incorporated them into his instruction while serving as a Marine Recon instructor. Just reading his words is powerful. You can feel his intensity, his will, his resolve and his spirit, and hopefully a little bit of him becomes a part of you.

I'd place this book alongside a few other similar ones I've read and recommend: "Where Men Win Glory" (about former NFL player turned Army Ranger Pat Tillman) "Can't Hurt Me" (about former Navy SEAL turned ultra-marathoner David Goggins) and "The Crystal Horizon" (about famous climber Reinhold Messner and his attempt to be the first to complete a solo ascent of Mount Everest, without supplemental oxygen).

All of these books have, for lack of a better phrase, rubbed off on me a little bit, which is why I wrote this and why I hope it reaches just one person who may be on the fence about getting this. I would never dare call myself half the man these men are, but I know that reading about them and the amazing things they've done has influenced me, even if only a tiny bit, and even if it fades away as life moves on and my resolve is ground down. Whenever that happens I know I can look to these pages for strength and purpose and help and guidance.

[Wildernest · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an extraordinary memoir! The WARRIOR'S CREED, by Roger Sparks and Don Rearden, is fascinating, gripping and intensely heartfelt. The action, adventure, risk, pride and selflessness; interwoven with themes of duty, honor, sacrifice: These are the stories we don't hear enough about in our world today. Thank you NetGalley, Roger Sparks and Don Rearden for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story on the mindset required to do the impossible and overcome all manner of personal setbacks with resolve

[CVZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Recon Marine “Swift, Silent, And Deadly” To Air Force Pararescueman, “That Others May Live.” Two Contrasting Roles, One Unprecedented Individual.

I feel compelled to begin this review by saying that I just completed Jimmy Settle’s detailed personal account of the intense training in the PJ program. The book is titled “Never Quit.” It was for me an amazing read. Roger Sparks was revered and respected by his peers as a mentor and painted as an extremely gifted and honorable man in “Never Quit.” Though that book is not a prequel to Warrior’s Creed, I felt I knew Roger Sparks already having completed that story. One gut wrenching account that overlapped in both books is Operation Bulldog Bite in Afghanistan. It was impeccably told with graphic detail. I know that I will forever recall the account of the devastation and human suffering in that recovery mission.

Roger Spark’s bares his heart and soul in this book. He is a truly one of a kind individual. Aspiring to the teachings of the Samurai philosophies and principles and adapting Metaphysical Spirituality, he continuously strived to challenge himself far beyond what most of us would ever willingly endure and sought out adversity and hardships. His belief that “ until you’re uncomfortable, you’ll never know growth,” was forefront in his thinking, and drove him to pursue the avenues in the military that this story highlights and details. It’s a very introspective account of his experiences as well as his thoughts and emotions. The universe tested his resolve with personal events in his life that are guaranteed to make readers pause and say, “What the heck!” Family tragedy and devastating personal injury accounts tug at one’s heartstrings.

There are many thought provoking pearls of wisdom throughout the book. I would like to share my favorite one. “True power is in dichotomy. I can be this warrior, but in essence I am just that young boy scared about never walking again. To be strong, you must first be gentle, and appreciate weakness. Understanding violence is out of balance until you know mercy, love and grace. The only healthy way of the universe is to find the dichotomy in the middle.”

I thoroughly loved this book and it gave me a greater understanding of the little known and extremely vital role of the pararescueman. The harrowing and dangerous rescue missions these selfless PJ’s are tasked with are mind boggling….. “that others may live.” God Bless them!

Oh, as a side note, being a woman myself, I feel the need to give a shout out to Roger Sparks wife as well as all spouses of these great men. They deserve recognition too. It takes a special person to be able to support these men and simultaneously successfully raise a family with little assistance. These men would not be able to perform their duties without those at the home front doing their part and more.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Marine + Authenticity = Incredible Journey. This is NOT at all what I expected, but so, SO much better. In reality, Roger Sparks began his training as a boy seeking out ways to better himself. He found himself in yoga and hard physical training. As a Marine, he continued making choices the propelled him in the direction of his dreams. Sparks shares his life experiences, self-realization, and lifelong journey living life authentically. Some of us live life a few steps back from a window. Sparks lives it with his face pressed up against the glass! This memoir is so much more than what you see on the cover. You will be so surprised and be a better person having read it. In the words of Instructor Chilly, "Read this."

[Grimm Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

After caring for my Momma during her rapid decline from cancer, I find myself isolated in the memories of her pain, suffering, and loss. Nothing prepares one to draw close to the physical, mental, and emotional suffering of a loved one bear the end. The sounds, sights, textures, smells, and actions are not of the sort one experiences in their daily life—I was not trained for this. Still, it was my duty—a duty of love for my mother—that gave me strength during those months and days. “I will not abandon you,” became my mantra and promise. I have found almost no solace since her passing, but in the memoirs and stories from military veterans I found a perspective and language—a raw honesty—that has brought me some comfort, and this book by Roger Sparks lives in that space. The last four chapters were intense, not just in Roger’s raw telling of his experiences as a pararescue jumper in Afghanistan, but rather the power these recollections had to cut deep into the space of my pain, loss, suffering, grief, and memory. I am no soldier or veteran, but Roger has the ability to bring you with him into the desperate, horrible spaces he found himself in, as much as anyone can. Post traumatic stress is real and occurs in a myriad of ways. Combat seems to be the most condensed cause for it—I am grateful to Roger and others like him for sharing the brutal truth of these spaces and their realistic path toward entering the “vacant neon sign” (as Roger put it) of the civilized world. Am I better for having read this? Perhaps, if I’m willing to adopt some form of the Warriors Creed to face each day. At the end of this book I felt relief, which might seem odd to the insulated individual considering the often gruesome experiences retold in Roger’s book, but the relief is real nonetheless. I am very glad I found and read this book, and I am grateful for the heroes—those just like Roger Sparks—that run toward suffering and offer all they have to those in need, seeming to say, “You are not alone—I will not abandon you.”

[Anne Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good enough, I guess… if you like the self-aggrandizing kind of memoir. In a way, it illustrates how someone can succeed in spite of himself.

Technically, the book has its flaws and could use an editor. There are quite a few instances of phrases being reconstructed without correcting things like article usage. Perhaps the most interesting slip of the word-usage type is this one: "I think at the time I was a bit curt with him, when all he wanted was to welcome us and get us into his wife." [Italics mine.] Ummm… Yeah, that would be quite a generous welcome, no doubt. However, I think you meant "in to his wife," Mr. Sparks. Yessiree, a space can make a whole lot of difference in the meaning of a sentence.

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! “The riveting story of how a young boy's upbringing with outlaw culture and charismatic role models forged him into an elite Marine and a decorated Pararescueman. "Absence of self is my sword" comprises the final line in "The Warrior's Creed," a 14th century poem written by an unknown Japanese Samurai, and this is the code Master Sergeant Roger Sparks embodied as a Recon Marine turned Alaskan Pararescueman. A living legend in the military, Sparks first made a name for himself within elite Marine Reconnaissance units. He went on to become an instructor where he trained future Reconnaissance Marines with unorthodox and ancient indigenous warrior techniques. A decade later, the same methods would keep him and others alive, when he hoisted into a maelstrom of violence to rescue an embattled platoon in the rugged mountains of eastern Afghanistan. Introduced to a tough code of honor, family, and brotherhood from birth, Roger Sparks rose to become a distinguished instructor in Marine Reconnaissance and a Silver Star recipient as an Alaska Pararescueman. A raw and exhilarating tale of guts, grit, and heart,” this story ultimately recounts the hidden side of special operations training, heroic and heartbreaking Alaskan wilderness rescues, and the surreal and deadly rescues during Operation Bulldog Bite in Afghanistan's Watapur Valley.

[Marcy Liu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep, Impactful and Traumatic **Trigger Warning**

The autobiography recounts many incredible things that Roger Sparks has enjoyed. As a survivor of Domestic Violence, the opening chapters containing remotes of his father were traumatic for me to read. If you have been through any violence and abuse, you may want to skip the first two chapters.

The stories and accounts of what Sparks went through definitely makes you contemplate the depths of human potential. He is an extraordinary man who has had an extraordinary life. There are many lessons that can be learned from this book.

4 star were given because at some points the writing was all over the place and I struggled to reach a conclusion of why the author was sharing certain with us.

Overall, definitely worth reading if you are on a path of self discovery or self development.

Once again, trigger warning for victims and survivors of abuse for the first 2 chapters. And trigger warning for anyone who has seen military combat towards the last chapters. If you can move past your own trauma, the lessons shared in this book are definitely worth enduring the pain of your own memories.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an emotional and riveting view of one man's journey through the military, and beyond...

Roger Sparks is not your typical person, he exemplified the military lifestyle, pushing himself and others harder and farther then they thought possible. Warrior's Creed takes us on a journey that one will not soon forget. I was enthralled from the first page, and could not put it down. As a veteran, I listened to the story and could only imagine what he was feeling, thinking, and going through.

I am still processing my thoughts on the book, but WOW, this was an eye-opener!

This book is a surefire winner and not your typical "military read."

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC copy for an unbiased and original review.

[William Schram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is unpredictable. We must be able to weather our storms or get torn to shreds.

Warrior’s Creed is the story of a man named Roger Sparks. The book uses passages from Hagakure to emphasize the message. Sparks had a remarkable life.

Some people are told something and they accept their fate. Others spit in the face of that same fate and show the world what they are made of.

For example, Sparks had cancer in his knee and would never run again. That is what the doctor told him as a fourteen-year-old boy. Sparks didn’t take that lying down though.

The book is a memoir and a very moving one at that, but hard to read sometimes. The events described are ones of tragic loss and war.

Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.

[Kurt Rocourt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book represents itself well. The author brings a view to his life that is gripping. The problem is that it's like this book was edited by two people. The first half was well paced and very readable. I was engaged in the storytelling about the authors life. The second half was decent but it did not flow well. It dragged at certain points. The later half of the book is a sprint to the finish. That's fine but it lacks the weight that I believe the author intended it to have. I will be looking up some of the names that are in the book as they seem like very interesting people. Tha'ts something you don't get out of many books.

I read this book via NetGalley. I thank them for this book.

[Stephen Dull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about being a warrior, and just how a man becomes one. Violence is not hidden from him nor is the reality of life.

When exposed to these things at such a young age, men become more calloused, aware of their emotions and can learn to quietly deal with them.

I understand that in today's day and age everyone wants to show their feelings, and emotions, but after reading this book it solidifies my belief on the necessity of a man learning to control his emotions rather than sharing them with every single person.

Spartans, Vikings and all warriors learned at a young age to work, and to prepare for war.

[Derek Hammock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an authentic and powerful glimpse into the brutality of war and those that sacrifice beyond measure for service.

The gentle and humble badass Roger Sparks tells it raw and brought me to tears several times. He does not brag, he does not lie, he does not peacock.

There is no grand story telling of victory and success in this book. This is not your Hollywood war story. This is raw, authentic, soul searching and healing all in one book.

I am a better person for this book and will embrace the pain. This book will shake your soul and you will be better for it.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a poignant and heart-wrenching memoir, Roger Sparks takes you on a journey through his life from childhood, to the military, to pararescue, to tattoos. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to become a better person and to anyone who is trying to understand the aftermath of combat on the human person.

Roger Sparks does not write eloquently, but he writes honestly, and his writing resonates with his authenticity.

[Travis Meserve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories from inside some of the U.S. military's most elite teams, along with a unique perspective on character and what makes for a life well lived that's contrary to many of modern society's norms. Particularly took away from this book the author's repeated viewpoint that embracing uncomfort, and even seeking out uncomfort, is what leads to growth and meaning.

[R Dark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my all time favourite books. without a doubt. It helped me through training for the military and afterwards, i still go back to it now. the audible version is fantastic and is read by the author.

Rogers story and journey is inspiring and really resonated with me. i have recommended this book to countless people over and over again, and will continue to do so.

[Greg Lamothe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roger Sparks is a man who sought out the most intense experiences life had to offer and as a result, gained a perspective that few others could ever achieve. This was an incredible book. Highly recommended.

[Megan Dax · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most emotional book I’ve read in a long time. If you can look past the poor writing, I recommend taking the time to read this book. If you’re prior military or active, the story will most likely open a door of emotions.

[Norkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

It drew me in with all the adventures, determination, grit and heroic stories. The one that stuck with me the most were the moments of paralyzation and his efforts to save his younger son, Oz, in a moment of despair along with a tough upbringing. Sparks excelled in the service and is continuing beyond in other efforts and I was delighted to see Oz is included in those efforts.

[Bob Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read......

I bought this book because I just started rucking and it was for sale on the go-ruck website. I highly recommend it to anyone. Probably the most realistic and gritty portrayal of war That I've read. Not for the faint of heart But an excellent read.

[Justin Greenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most powerful, heartfelt memoirs I’ve ever read. If it shakes you, you know it’s good. This one got me. Thank you Roger Sparks. It’s uncomfortable being exposed. But this act of selflessness will yield good fruit. It’ll change lives. It will ripple into the universe.

[Adam Andrewjeski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is sort of all over the place when it comes to teaching, spirituality, life lessons but there is no doubt that it is an enthralling read. If you enjoy military/wilderness rescue stories it’ll probably be worth the read

[kaleigh wotring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book full of brave accounts of one mans grit in persuit of what he wanted to feel to make himself accountable for a life well spent.

[Ace Ohoolihan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly vivid and inspirational tale of a gritty life which embraced samurai culture and applied it every day.

[Jonathan Metze · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

[Susan Garver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking and engaging.

[London Tiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandatory reading for any aspiring PJ.