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Thank You for My Service
Mat Best may be the only man alive known for both crazy-intense military ops and crazy-funny YouTube videos. In Freedom On!, he uses the gallows humor and ribald sensibility that earned him over a million Facebook followers to tell his personal story of military service and the bumpy transition to civilian life and successful entrepreneurship.
Beginning as a teenager in a military family dealing with 9/11, continuing through the intensity of four years as an Army Ranger and five years as a private military contractor, and concluding with one of the most meaningful moments in Best's life--screening a movie he wrote, produced, and starred in for soldiers deployed overseas--Best gives readers a fuller sense of the person they might only know from his major online and video persona.
Beginning as a teenager in a military family dealing with 9/11, continuing through the intensity of four years as an Army Ranger and five years as a private military contractor, and concluding with one of the most meaningful moments in Best's life--screening a movie he wrote, produced, and starred in for soldiers deployed overseas--Best gives readers a fuller sense of the person they might only know from his major online and video persona.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published August 20, 2019
8 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 5, 2019
Thank you Mat Best for writing this book!
Let me just start by saying this book was a breath of fresh air. I reallllllllyyyyy need to switch up my book choices sometimes, because stories like Thank You For My Service, is relevant, hilarious, and such a welcomed change from psychological thrillers and mysteries.
Do I normally chose biographies? Never!
If I do, do I at least choose one I can relate to? Apparently not!
I am not in the military nor am I familiar with guns, war, combat training or acronyms like RASP. But Mat made it easy enough to follow along for a clueless American born in San Diego.
What can I say? This book had me laughing my ass off. Mat has a special way of communicating with his readers in a no bullshit, hilarious and upfront way. We learned about his past and growing up in a military family. Did I mention I got his audiobook? It was A M A Z I N G Go out and get the audio version. Trust me. It’s a million times better hearing the story from the author’s eyes and mouth. He was so easy to listen to and I was bummed the book was around 3 hours (I listen at a high speed, I can’t help it) and I kept rewinding so I can hear his funny stories multiple times. His deliver is perfection.
Mat gives you an inside look at every aspect of his life, and I won’t lie, hearing about his sexual life was TO DIE FOR. This guy got a lot of women and I don’t doubt it. [Have you seen what he looks like? I mean… wow.] You got the humorous side where he’skindaaaa hooking up with two women at once, but then you got the darker side of war: combat.
It was fascinating hearing him describe raids in the Middle East and the hard truth of war. People die. Good and bad. The bond and connection he had with his brothers was indescribable and visceral. There are a few gory details [ahem: BBQing, all I will say] but that’s the truth. That’s his life and that’s what he dealt with on a daily basis. Death is not pretty and sometimes, you have to do terrible things to get a job done. [ahem again: cutting off heads and arms]
This book is hilarious, dark, and most of all, REAL. Some people forget that these men and women are leaving behind a life to fight for our country. They’ve seen and done things we’ll never, ever know or ever have to experience. They are risking their lives every day to protect the citizens and values of America. Mat Best has done wonderful things for veterans. I personally think veterans are pushed to the back, and in reality, a spotlight needs to be shown on them. They deserve this publicity and I hope one day things will change and they will be made a priority. I can’t imagine doing what Mat has done and eventually leaving the military and just be expected to live a normal civilian lifestyle.
If you’re in need of something different, original and funny, pick this up. If you’re sick of the typical romcoms and predictable thrillers, you might need a change and this is perfect for you. If you like stories involving F bombs, real bombs, killing, fucking and perfect storytelling, you need to read Thank You For My Service.
Let me just start by saying this book was a breath of fresh air. I reallllllllyyyyy need to switch up my book choices sometimes, because stories like Thank You For My Service, is relevant, hilarious, and such a welcomed change from psychological thrillers and mysteries.
Do I normally chose biographies? Never!
If I do, do I at least choose one I can relate to? Apparently not!
I am not in the military nor am I familiar with guns, war, combat training or acronyms like RASP. But Mat made it easy enough to follow along for a clueless American born in San Diego.
What can I say? This book had me laughing my ass off. Mat has a special way of communicating with his readers in a no bullshit, hilarious and upfront way. We learned about his past and growing up in a military family. Did I mention I got his audiobook? It was A M A Z I N G Go out and get the audio version. Trust me. It’s a million times better hearing the story from the author’s eyes and mouth. He was so easy to listen to and I was bummed the book was around 3 hours (I listen at a high speed, I can’t help it) and I kept rewinding so I can hear his funny stories multiple times. His deliver is perfection.
Mat gives you an inside look at every aspect of his life, and I won’t lie, hearing about his sexual life was TO DIE FOR. This guy got a lot of women and I don’t doubt it. [Have you seen what he looks like? I mean… wow.] You got the humorous side where he’s
It was fascinating hearing him describe raids in the Middle East and the hard truth of war. People die. Good and bad. The bond and connection he had with his brothers was indescribable and visceral. There are a few gory details [ahem: BBQing, all I will say] but that’s the truth. That’s his life and that’s what he dealt with on a daily basis. Death is not pretty and sometimes, you have to do terrible things to get a job done. [ahem again: cutting off heads and arms]
This book is hilarious, dark, and most of all, REAL. Some people forget that these men and women are leaving behind a life to fight for our country. They’ve seen and done things we’ll never, ever know or ever have to experience. They are risking their lives every day to protect the citizens and values of America. Mat Best has done wonderful things for veterans. I personally think veterans are pushed to the back, and in reality, a spotlight needs to be shown on them. They deserve this publicity and I hope one day things will change and they will be made a priority. I can’t imagine doing what Mat has done and eventually leaving the military and just be expected to live a normal civilian lifestyle.
If you’re in need of something different, original and funny, pick this up. If you’re sick of the typical romcoms and predictable thrillers, you might need a change and this is perfect for you. If you like stories involving F bombs, real bombs, killing, fucking and perfect storytelling, you need to read Thank You For My Service.
January 7, 2021
I read this book quite awhile ago. This book helps civilians understand what it is REALLY like to join the military. You will have a much higher level of appreciation for the armed services after reading this book. If you don't like "guy talk" .... then you may not want to read it. The language is realistic and "normal" for these guys in my opinion. It's a good read as well.
November 30, 2019
Thank You For My Service was a great book! A close look into Mat Best and what makes him tick. I recommend it!
March 18, 2024
This was a hilarious and fantastic book; it definitely does not deserve some of the negative reviews it received. Granted, if you don't come from a military background or if you take issue with guns and/or war, you may not enjoy some of the humor and stories and this probably isn't the book for you.
It reads like a cross between "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell" and "American Sniper", with a combination of outlandish hilarious stories mixed in with some gallows humor and dark grit of real war. It definitely gets a bit bro-esque at times; the only parts I didn't really like or get was some of his unbelievable tales of his sexual escapades. They seemed oddly out of place in the book, like when he brags about using a "whole box" of prophylactics in one night, and the stories make even less sense in the context that's he's currently married to amazingly gorgeous woman.
But Penthouse-forum-style tales aside, this book was a hilarious, light and easy read. His hilarious writing style and witty adjectives and phrases had me literally laughing out loud throughout the book. I also highly recommend the audio book, just for the hilarious voices and phrasing that Mat uses.
It reads like a cross between "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell" and "American Sniper", with a combination of outlandish hilarious stories mixed in with some gallows humor and dark grit of real war. It definitely gets a bit bro-esque at times; the only parts I didn't really like or get was some of his unbelievable tales of his sexual escapades. They seemed oddly out of place in the book, like when he brags about using a "whole box" of prophylactics in one night, and the stories make even less sense in the context that's he's currently married to amazingly gorgeous woman.
But Penthouse-forum-style tales aside, this book was a hilarious, light and easy read. His hilarious writing style and witty adjectives and phrases had me literally laughing out loud throughout the book. I also highly recommend the audio book, just for the hilarious voices and phrasing that Mat uses.
September 26, 2019
Mat Best is an Army Ranger. However, Thank You For My Service is not like other autobiographical books about war heroes. Mat Best first and foremost wants to describe the incredibly powerful life experience that serving your country, protecting its freedoms and bonding with your fellow warriors can be. He was passionate about his fighting career....not pathologically, but in a healthy, patriotic, "band-of-brothers" way. I believe he intended Thank You For My Service to illustrate a completely different mind set about war service, duty, honor and camaraderie....a call to the nations youth that military service can be an exciting, fulfilling, rewarding, positive life force. Hurray to Mat Best! May his book positively impact the thinking and the lives of many, many young Americans. Thank You For My Service is a hugely enjoyable read also....hilarious. I highly recommend.
September 17, 2020
Overall, an overview into a life very different from the average non-military person. Lots of exploits and jovial antics that make you laugh out loud (and people stare at you on the plane). Topics include: high school, puberty, sex, military life, war, entrepreneurial knowledge. Some rah-rah 'Merica go team thoughts but I wouldn't expect anything less, after all the cover says it all. I look forward to Mr. Best's next book which I would personally like to see address dealing with leadership and creating businesses -- towards the end of the book you can hear this knowledge leaking out with a lot more to offer.
February 2, 2025
I appreciate Best's honesty in his writing, however the way he speaks/thinks about women is kind of gross. I feel conflicted about some of the dark humor as well: again, I appreciate the honesty, but without space for reflection and context, it comes off as immature and flippant.
Something that showed a lot of promise/could have been expanded on is how Best contemplates and develops his thoughts about the portrayal of people in the military, particularly in regards to the PTSD and hero tropes that have been overplayed over the past 20+ years.
Something that showed a lot of promise/could have been expanded on is how Best contemplates and develops his thoughts about the portrayal of people in the military, particularly in regards to the PTSD and hero tropes that have been overplayed over the past 20+ years.
September 15, 2019
May Best is hillatious. He talks about his life in a military family, his life before and after. He couches his military as irreverent and true with tragedy and humor. It will make laug, cry and understand military life with aex, drugs and rock and roll.. It is a great, short read. It is written for both military and ninmilitary. Overall great read.
September 7, 2019
Thank You For My Service by Mat Best is one of the better military memoirs I've read. He's a badass, I guess... I think he would've been cooler as a Marine, though. I'm not biased. As military adjacent, I like reading up on military nonfiction/memoirs, but as a critic, I'm wary because I've read some racist bullshit masquerading as a war memoir. I was surprised be this one and kept giggling by Best's turn of phrase.
https://onthebl.org/2019/09/06/thank-...
https://onthebl.org/2019/09/06/thank-...
September 17, 2019
This insight into the lives of our fighting men and women is eye-opening and yet told in the hilarious Mat Best way. The history of the Article 15 clothing and Black Rifle Coffee company and how it's been built around veterans is inspiring.
September 27, 2019
From Army Ranger, Military Contractor, and entrepreneur. Mat Best writes a hilarious, inspiring memoir from his life so far.
Love this book and the product he has created that are mention in the book!
Love this book and the product he has created that are mention in the book!
September 30, 2019
My copy of the book is just called "Thank you for my service", I don't know why Good Reads is calling it "freedom on". That's a stupid name.
I know this isn't high literature but I had to give it 5 stars for making me laugh out loud like a maniac.This book was very funny very often.
I know this isn't high literature but I had to give it 5 stars for making me laugh out loud like a maniac.This book was very funny very often.
November 11, 2019
Mat Best did a great job putting a strong message out in his book. His life has presented him with a lot of great opportunities. He has been knocked down but never gave up. It’s a book all Veterans should read. Rangers Lead The Way.
February 4, 2020
I LOVE THIS BOOK. It felt just like a conversation transpiring instead of big, crazy words and unnecessary jargon. It was an easy read and full of patriotism. So, if you're looking for a freedom boner since you love America - this book is for you.
August 24, 2019
Actually laughed out loud!! One of best books I have read all year!!
August 25, 2019
A great book which literally made me laugh out loud in parts.
August 28, 2019
I loved this book. It’s written with a twisted kind of humor everyone should expect from this writer.
August 30, 2019
Actual title is Thank You For My Service
September 14, 2019
Audible version SO good!! Loved it!
October 30, 2019
hahaha this is solid gold! #righteousness
November 8, 2019
Absolutely love Mat Best! Merica!!!
November 15, 2019
Brilliant book. Audiobook is just very very good.
December 9, 2019
Truly a one of a kind story. Very good read.
December 10, 2019
Loves this fresh honest look at war and those who fight it. This book was funny and eye opening. Mat is open and Frank and his creativity and hilarious side spills out.
January 22, 2020
This is a military version of “I hope they serve beer in hell” and it’s amazing
July 31, 2020
Very insightful book. A must read.
October 7, 2023
Pretty basic Army humor...
May 13, 2025
Thank You for My Service is an unapologetically bold, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt memoir that offers a unique look into military life and what comes after. Written by Mat Best—with help from Ross Patterson and Nils Parker, this book stands out for its raw honesty, self-deprecating humor, and refusal to sugarcoat the veteran experience.
Best, a former Army Ranger and internet personality, brings readers along for a wild ride through his deployments, personal challenges, and post-military ventures. What makes this book so engaging is how effortlessly it mixes outrageous, laugh-out-loud moments with sincere reflections on service, identity, and purpose.
It's not your typical military memoir—it's loud, irreverent, and full of personality. But beneath the humor is a clear respect for the armed forces and a serious message about mental health, veteran reintegration, and living life fully after war.
Whether you're a veteran, know someone who served, or just want a fun, fast-paced read with substance, Thank You for My Service delivers. It entertains, informs, and might even surprise you with its depth.
Best, a former Army Ranger and internet personality, brings readers along for a wild ride through his deployments, personal challenges, and post-military ventures. What makes this book so engaging is how effortlessly it mixes outrageous, laugh-out-loud moments with sincere reflections on service, identity, and purpose.
It's not your typical military memoir—it's loud, irreverent, and full of personality. But beneath the humor is a clear respect for the armed forces and a serious message about mental health, veteran reintegration, and living life fully after war.
Whether you're a veteran, know someone who served, or just want a fun, fast-paced read with substance, Thank You for My Service delivers. It entertains, informs, and might even surprise you with its depth.
February 7, 2022
AMERICA! It's what we shout when we do something awesome! And rightfully so! Because AMERICA IS AWESOME and Mat Best agrees! Not only is Mat a super-badass when it comes to serving our country, he became a contractor with the CIA due to his skill-set and passion for killing those who are literally dead-set on killing Americans.
But wait, there's more! Mat has shown veterans and critics that those who serve in the military aren't just a bunch of degenerates who all have PTSD and can't function in society. Honestly, we all have a bit of PTSD from something. Mat is a Army Ranger, CIA operative, creator, and entrepreneur! He is living his American dream! And he is incredibly thankful for it!
This book is an homage to America and those of us who have allowed him to do amazing things! His passion, humor, and dedication to his craft and his country shine through in this "thank you" letter to America. It's a great casual read that will inspire you to get up and answer the call that life has for you!
AMERICA!
But wait, there's more! Mat has shown veterans and critics that those who serve in the military aren't just a bunch of degenerates who all have PTSD and can't function in society. Honestly, we all have a bit of PTSD from something. Mat is a Army Ranger, CIA operative, creator, and entrepreneur! He is living his American dream! And he is incredibly thankful for it!
This book is an homage to America and those of us who have allowed him to do amazing things! His passion, humor, and dedication to his craft and his country shine through in this "thank you" letter to America. It's a great casual read that will inspire you to get up and answer the call that life has for you!
AMERICA!
September 23, 2021
A hilarious look into the life of an army ranger and how he became a juggernaut of an entrepreneur. This book holds a special place in my heart because it serves as a constant reminder not to sweat the "champagne problems" and to focus on what is important.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews