Rebuilding Sergeant Peck: How I Put Body and Soul Back Together After Afghanistan

by John Peck, Dava Guerin, Terry Bivens

"I met Marine Sgt. John Peck, a quadruple amputee who has received a double arm transplant, at Walter Reed in 2017. Today, it was my honor to welcome John (HERO) to the Oval, with his wonderful wife Jessica. He also wrote a book that I highly recommend, Rebuilding Sergeant Peck."—President Donald Trump Marine Sgt. John Peck survived an IED during the War on Terror that left him with a traumatic brain injury, amnesia, and cost him his marriage. He survived another three years later, one that left him with three and a half limbs missing. He’s one of only two living people to survive the flesh-eating fungus he contracted in recovery at Walter Reed, one that left him as a quadruple amputee. And that’s only the beginning of his story. What followed was a recovery nothing short of miraculous. With resilience and the help of advocates like actor and philanthropist Gary Sinise, FOX’s Jennifer Griffin, and Bill O’Reilly, John would use a specialized “Action Trackchair” wheelchair and a newly-built SmartHome to get a third lease on life. In 2016, Peck underwent a groundbreaking bilateral arm transplant, receiving two new arms. To date, the surgery has been successful. Today, Peck is a motivational speaker, a philanthropist for veteran and wounded warrior causes, and is pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a chef with the help of Chef Robert Irvine. From the lessons learned in a difficult childhood and as a homeless teenager, to dealing with depression in recovery, to learning how to chop with another man’s arms, Rebuilding Sergeant Peck is Peck’s account of an honest, visceral, and inspirational story that is truly unique.

Genres: Biography, Memoir, Nonfiction

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 7, 2019

Reviews

[judy m · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I want to thank John Peck for his service to our great country. This is an amazing story that proves that sometimes life isn’t fair but you can overcome the bad stuff if you set your mind to do it! If John can get through all his challenges, so can you! More people should read this and learn to be happy with what they have instead of whining that they have it bad. Attitude is everything!

[Ricardo Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading and learning about John Peck. He is a Marine, quadruple amputee and recipient of a double arm transplant. The book provides great perspective on his amazing life and struggles he had to overcome. I recommend his book.

[Phoebe Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!


Great book -

We can all learn a lot from John's storey .His resilience and courage is astounding -if only it could be bottled!

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring story of another warrior who has dealt with the unimaginable - loss of all four limbs. Sgt. John Peck is one of five War on Terror quadruple amputee veterans who survived.

I've been fortunate enough to meet and spend time with two of these men. Brendan Marrocco, US Army was the first survivor - I spent an evening with him and his brother in Washington DC. Brendan later was the recipient of a double arm transplant.

John Peck also received a double arm transplant and I was asked to be on the field with him when he threw out the first pitch at a ball game in Pomona, Rockland County NY. I watched the game from a sky box with John and his wife Jessica (thanks to Marine Vet Barry Fixler and the Barry Fixler Foundation).

We all can learn from the strength and determination these men, and their families show.

In both cases you'll find that there are people who do so much - Gary Sinise, the Stephen Siller Tunnels To Tower Foundation (Frank Siller and my friend John Ponte who worked directly with both thses men to build accessible houses for them)

Spending time with these

[Lloyd L Wright]

This is a tale of heart-breaking tragedy befallen to a Marine in service to our country, followed by many positive actions, both on his part and the part of those who dealt with his tragedy. It is a story of courage in the face of adversity. And it is a story of those people who go the extra mile to aid those who have paid such horrible costs for their service. It Is a story of medical miracles and ingenuity. Moreover, it is a story of physical, emotional and spiritual rebuilding of a life. And, most importantly, it is a story of the unselfish donation of organs and limbs by average every-day people.

[Jane Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Memoir blew my mind. It is an insightful read about a young Marine who endured so much after a blast left him as a triple amputee. Sergeant Peck overcame so much. He is such an inspiration and a strong young man to have the attitude he has today. This is a man to be admired and overcame many odds of survival. I loved his honesty and open heart recollecting to us readers the events of his life.

I consider Sergeant Peck to be a true hero. His story can help thousands like him. Thank you Sergeant Peck for your many years of service.

I won a kindle copy of this book from a ‘Goodreads’ Giveaway..

Reviews are posted on Goodreads, Amazon & B&N.

[Kristin Cardoza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose this book after seeing President Trump's recommendation. Having been a military wife with a husband who served in the same wars that Sgt Peck served in, I felt like this was a book for me. I appreciate Sgt Peck's endurance, sacrifice, and willingness to be vulnerable and honest. I find his respect for his donor incredibly honorable. He has an amazing story. The three star rating is not for his story, but for the amount of cursing throughout the book.

[Anna Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stellar

Written from the heart, Sgt Pack's book shows how his experiences were never, at any point, the end of his story...merely the beginning of a new one!

His writing style, layered with authenticity and vulnerability, lead readers through myriad challenges, some of which any one of us could experience. Each struggle gives readers hope, courage and direction.

I pray his motivational speaking changes many lives...

[Zack Kier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book about perseverance, personal courage, and the ability to look inward for strength while building a community around you. This memoir poignantly highlights how the U.S. Government can often discard our veterans after their injuries and also how the public at large treats our wounded warriors. SGT Peck is funny, unflinching, and presents his life in a true down-to-earth manner that made the book enjoyable and touching.

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, captivating memoir. What a hero! I am absolutely mesmerized by his story. I feel bad for Peck for his divorces, he deserved better while he was struggling with his TBI and an amputee. I am happy that he had new arms, even if he struggled with his new arms for a bit. Thank you for your service Sergent Peck!

[Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very inspiration story how a person can over come childhood abuse. Join the Marines and learn that with hard work and dedication you can made your life better. Those lessons aloud Sgt. Peck to recover and grow from his quadruple amputee injury.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you think things are bad in your life, take a walk with Sgt Peck. A traumatic brain injury in an explosion couldn't keep this Marine down, and neither does a later explosion that completely changes his life.

[Charlene McGrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

What a miraculous book. The amazing resilience of John is amazing to me. I love his honesty and appreciate him sharing his story. Thank you for your service! Praying for God's continued blessings on you.

[Michael Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful inspirational book.

[Jim Haan]

Great book

[Jeff Learned · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational!

[Rietta Boksha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a story! I couldn't imagine trying to escape the darkness Sgt. Peck experienced and not only that but to share it. Incredible.

[Dwayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arms for sgt peck

It was a very good book had a hard time putting it down I am a former marine I will tell others about it

[Mary Vogelsong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soldier who received a rare double arm transplant.

[Sara Goldenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to read. Overwhelming story.

[John F. Loye, III]

inspiring

This was a true story of a man who underwent unbelievable hardships, and overcame them. I can’t even imagine what he had to go trough just to survive. We have brave men and women every day who are struggling and I hope they read his story and seek help and are inspired to continue the struggle.

[Ria Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Rebuilding Sergeant Peck; How I put Body and Soul Back Together After Afghanistan" reminds us that despite the complexities that come with managing disabilities everyone is capable of living a fulfilling and purposeful life. It is a great read for anyone facing challenges in their lives be they physical, such as the loss of a limb, or mental, such as depression and anxiety. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for an inspirational page-turner. “Rebuilding Sergeant Peck; How I put Body and Soul Back Together After Afghanistan” challenged me to look for opportunities for growth within problems I experience and to recognize that life is more than the events that make it up. It is okay to feel despair in the face of suffering, yet remember that it is only a part of your story. Life doesn't always happen the way we expect, and living with that uncertainty is something we all have face