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War Story
Every soldier has a war story.
Steven Elliott's opens with the death of American hero Pat Tillman by "friendly fire" in Afghanistan--when Army Ranger Elliott pulled the trigger, believing he and his fellow soldiers were firing on the enemy.
Tormented by remorse and PTSD in the aftermath of Tillman's death, Elliott descended into the depths of guilt, alcoholism, and depression; lost his marriage and his faith; and struggled to stay alive. The war that began on foreign soil had followed him home.
A must-read for veterans and their loved ones, War Story is an explosive look at into the chaos of war--and the battle for life in its aftermath. It confronts some of life's biggest questions: Why do we choose to fight for a country or a cause? What happens when the cost of that fight overwhelms and destroys? Can we forgive and be forgiven? How do we find hope? At its core, War Story is a dramatic personal encounter with war and faith, love and tragedy, and ultimate renewal.
Steven Elliott's opens with the death of American hero Pat Tillman by "friendly fire" in Afghanistan--when Army Ranger Elliott pulled the trigger, believing he and his fellow soldiers were firing on the enemy.
Tormented by remorse and PTSD in the aftermath of Tillman's death, Elliott descended into the depths of guilt, alcoholism, and depression; lost his marriage and his faith; and struggled to stay alive. The war that began on foreign soil had followed him home.
A must-read for veterans and their loved ones, War Story is an explosive look at into the chaos of war--and the battle for life in its aftermath. It confronts some of life's biggest questions: Why do we choose to fight for a country or a cause? What happens when the cost of that fight overwhelms and destroys? Can we forgive and be forgiven? How do we find hope? At its core, War Story is a dramatic personal encounter with war and faith, love and tragedy, and ultimate renewal.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 21, 2019
16 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Steven Elliott
1 book7 followersSteven Elliott graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. degree in international business from Oral Roberts University in 2003. Three weeks later he began army Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Like many others, Steven joined the military in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He successfully completed the Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP) and became a member of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. In November 2003, at the age of twenty-two, he was assigned to the same platoon as Pat and Kevin Tillman. In April 2004, Steven deployed to the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. On April 22, in the midst of an enemy ambush, he was one of four Rangers who mistook Pat Tillman’s position for that of the enemy and fired there. Steven is one of two Rangers considered likely to be responsible for firing the bullets that killed Pat Tillman (the source of the fatal bullets has never been conclusively determined) and is the only shooter to speak publicly about the incident and its aftermath. Steven served honorably and with distinction during his remaining years in the service and fulfilled his four-year term in 2007. Today, he is the president of Capstone Trust and Capstone Asia (久盛信托)in Olympia, Washington. He has served as a volunteer veterans court mentor and continues to speak about his experiences in an effort to advocate for change in how the unseen wounds of war suffered by those in uniform are recognized and treated. Steven and his wife, Brook, have two daughters, Gracie and Hazel.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 13, 2019
War Story is an excellent memoir about the lasting challenges many veterans face. I enjoy reading memoir, and this one is exceptional. It has been on my mind for several days and is shaping my prayer life.
I don’t remember exactly how I found War Story. Maybe it was in the “suggested reads” bar on Amazon. I do remember clicking on the description and scrolling down to find the publisher. Since it is published by Tyndale Momentum, that sold me. The last book I read from Tyndale Momentum permanently changed my perspective and deeply moved me. War Story has done the same.
This story about an Army Ranger resonated with me. Though I have no personal experience with military life, other than knowing cousins, uncles and grandpas who served, I find their stories interesting. Movies like American Sniper and Indivisible have gripped me with their descriptions of heroism contrasted with crushing personal struggles. Since I have suffered from depression myself, I am empathetic with the mental and emotional trials soldiers often face.
Author Steven Elliott grew up in the Midwest like I did. He enlisted in the Army in 2003 and completed rigorous training, which he details in the book. He was deployed to Afghanistan in the spring of 2004.
Shortly after his deployment, he was involved in a friendly fire accident with a fellow Army Ranger, Pat Tillman, a former NFL star. The Army first covered up the story, then released it after Pat’s nationally-televised funeral. Since Steven was still in Afghanistan and had limited access to the news, he didn’t realize the nation was in uproar about this tragedy.
Steven describes how it felt to come back to the U.S. with confusion, guilt, depression and anger. He had grown up in the church and attended a Christian university, but his faith took a big hit after the accident. His marriage suffered and he became addicted to alcohol as the Army continued to investigate the case. Steven honestly describes his struggles with self-worth, doubt and fear. At the end of the story, he describes how God eventually redeemed him from all these problems. His story offers great hope and wise perspectives.
Without specialized therapy and help from other Christians, Steven would likely still be struggling. He says that many veterans who are struggling are not living on the streets. They are trying to raise families, working at regular jobs, and attending church. Their struggles with PTSD are significant and sadly private. He is now an advocate for veterans with unseen wounds of war.
War Story is smart and well-written. It is also sensitive to readers, explaining that the strong language (though mostly indicated only with the first letter of a curse word) is a realistic depiction of the world of war. The book is spiritual but not preachy. Both men and women will connect with the story because it is so authentically told.
One of the best parts about this book is that Steven is donating 100 percent of his author proceeds to serving the mental health needs of the military community. By making a purchase, you automatically give to veterans in need.
You can’t go wrong by purchasing this book. It’s a powerful, engaging read with an excellent purpose. You will learn more about an entire group of brave Americans who need our help and prayers. If you enjoy memoir, War Story is my top recommendation for the genre in 2019.
I don’t remember exactly how I found War Story. Maybe it was in the “suggested reads” bar on Amazon. I do remember clicking on the description and scrolling down to find the publisher. Since it is published by Tyndale Momentum, that sold me. The last book I read from Tyndale Momentum permanently changed my perspective and deeply moved me. War Story has done the same.
This story about an Army Ranger resonated with me. Though I have no personal experience with military life, other than knowing cousins, uncles and grandpas who served, I find their stories interesting. Movies like American Sniper and Indivisible have gripped me with their descriptions of heroism contrasted with crushing personal struggles. Since I have suffered from depression myself, I am empathetic with the mental and emotional trials soldiers often face.
Author Steven Elliott grew up in the Midwest like I did. He enlisted in the Army in 2003 and completed rigorous training, which he details in the book. He was deployed to Afghanistan in the spring of 2004.
Shortly after his deployment, he was involved in a friendly fire accident with a fellow Army Ranger, Pat Tillman, a former NFL star. The Army first covered up the story, then released it after Pat’s nationally-televised funeral. Since Steven was still in Afghanistan and had limited access to the news, he didn’t realize the nation was in uproar about this tragedy.
Steven describes how it felt to come back to the U.S. with confusion, guilt, depression and anger. He had grown up in the church and attended a Christian university, but his faith took a big hit after the accident. His marriage suffered and he became addicted to alcohol as the Army continued to investigate the case. Steven honestly describes his struggles with self-worth, doubt and fear. At the end of the story, he describes how God eventually redeemed him from all these problems. His story offers great hope and wise perspectives.
Without specialized therapy and help from other Christians, Steven would likely still be struggling. He says that many veterans who are struggling are not living on the streets. They are trying to raise families, working at regular jobs, and attending church. Their struggles with PTSD are significant and sadly private. He is now an advocate for veterans with unseen wounds of war.
War Story is smart and well-written. It is also sensitive to readers, explaining that the strong language (though mostly indicated only with the first letter of a curse word) is a realistic depiction of the world of war. The book is spiritual but not preachy. Both men and women will connect with the story because it is so authentically told.
One of the best parts about this book is that Steven is donating 100 percent of his author proceeds to serving the mental health needs of the military community. By making a purchase, you automatically give to veterans in need.
You can’t go wrong by purchasing this book. It’s a powerful, engaging read with an excellent purpose. You will learn more about an entire group of brave Americans who need our help and prayers. If you enjoy memoir, War Story is my top recommendation for the genre in 2019.
March 2, 2021
I don't really understand the religious views of the author but it was a brilliant book on addressing PTSD sooner rather than later. The lies and disinformation made by the US army/ Pentagon and the
harassment of Steven Elliott and other soldiers were awful but typical of Big Brother trying to put on positive spin to a terrible event. I would say this is typical military policies for all the countries in the world but you really have to shake you head when in happens in the USA. I was amazing that a few years ago the loser Tump tried to make Pat Tillman a hero and demigod opposed to the protest lead by Colin Kaepernick. I'm not sure but think that Tillman would have taken a knee along side his fellow
fellow football players in solidarity of racial bias in the USA.
harassment of Steven Elliott and other soldiers were awful but typical of Big Brother trying to put on positive spin to a terrible event. I would say this is typical military policies for all the countries in the world but you really have to shake you head when in happens in the USA. I was amazing that a few years ago the loser Tump tried to make Pat Tillman a hero and demigod opposed to the protest lead by Colin Kaepernick. I'm not sure but think that Tillman would have taken a knee along side his fellow
fellow football players in solidarity of racial bias in the USA.
February 2, 2022
Easy read. This is an individual’s recount of his time during the friendly fire incident with Pat Tillman. He tip toes on the information where the government tried to say it initially wasn’t friendly fire. More of this information is cited or even a quick youtube search can help grasp everything.
Majority of the book details his side, relocation to another unit, problems with family/substance abuse and multiple.
It also shows the “brotherhood” where people can be left out of information and cause hate to others. This author definitely went through a journey.
Multiple people/families were hurt over this incident. Some people find light at the end of the tunnel, some dont.
Majority of the book details his side, relocation to another unit, problems with family/substance abuse and multiple.
It also shows the “brotherhood” where people can be left out of information and cause hate to others. This author definitely went through a journey.
Multiple people/families were hurt over this incident. Some people find light at the end of the tunnel, some dont.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2021
As someone who battles her own mental health demons, it was an eye-opener to be able to see the "behind the scenes" perspective of a veteran. Steven is originally from Hays, KS which is about 40 min away from me. I worked alongside his mom at the nursing home I worked at after HS. Steven did, what I feel was an amazing job, telling his story and bringing awareness to all the events surrounding the unfortunate death of NFL star and Ranger Pat Tillman. The awareness he brings to the issue of mental health is much needed, solider or not, mental illness doesn't discriminate.
June 16, 2022
This is a personal account of the same incidents addressed in Jon Krakauer’s Where Men Win Glory. Elliott’s account is first person, focused on the consequences of the event itself and not on the political or policy issues Krakauer addressed. Elliott addresses the deeply personal impact felt by a modern soldier and the individual cost of war paid in guilt, PTSD, relationships with family and God. Not the typical war/history book. Highly recommend for anyone who read Where Men Win Glory or dealing with post combat issues.
December 23, 2019
Outstanding, truly shows what military personnel experience when they go to war, and they have to deal with when they return to the U.S. The many trials & tribulations the people in the military must deal with when they return stateside. The horrors of combat that comeback to haunt them, and the lack of professional help that is available to them. It would be wise to make this book a must read for all politicians who send our military to war.
October 30, 2020
This is such a moving story about the realities of war and life after war. Steven writes about his experience and the horrible events he went through, and also how it followed him back home in the form of PTSD. It's a great read for anyone seeking to understand the mental health realities that often follow soldiers home.
Disclaimer: this book does contain some heavy language at times.
Disclaimer: this book does contain some heavy language at times.
March 23, 2021
This one was difficult. The author is likely one of the men who killed Pat Tillman and it follows his journey from childhood to his DD-214 and meeting Pat’s mother. I appreciated his honesty regarding his alcohol use as a way to numb his pain and deal with his ptsd. Very interesting to hear other Army voices discuss the events of April 22. Will have to read more on this.
May 20, 2021
It took me way to long to finish this book but once I started back up on it I just couldn't get through it fast enough! It was a great story with an emotional underlay. The things Steve went through could have bested any other man but he pulled through some how he did. I was brought to tears so many times it was crazy. Amazing story, amazing recovery, amazing graces, this man was truly blessed
August 5, 2019
This book is so important. Vulnerable and impossibly difficult, Steven's authenticity shines through on a topic that has long been full of shame and quiet. The story is powerful and the redemption is sweet. Compelling read that is important for everyone...
May 17, 2019
If you or someone you love might be suffering mental and physical challenges - please consider this enlightening text.
October 4, 2025
This book was wonderful. I would love to have a chat with the author. I do believe he doesn’t tell everything he went through and how painful it all must have been. My heart hurt when it came to the part where Pat died, even though I knew it would happen. I have a soft spot for soldiers. I don’t know why. Maybe because their lives are similar to the life of a struggling Christian.
This is my third time reading this book and it hits me hard every time. I wonder she the author is now. I would still love to talk with him. A beautiful story.
This is my third time reading this book and it hits me hard every time. I wonder she the author is now. I would still love to talk with him. A beautiful story.
October 2, 2019
thought provoking
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews