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Ghosts of the Valley
Ask around your local VFW about what a military police soldier does for a living. The answers will make you laugh, cringe, and sometimes simply lean back at the nonsensical tales we evoke from our comrades in arms. Even to the standard military police soldier, their experiences from one to the next are largely different depending on any number of influences. Whether that is duty station, deployments, specific type of military police.
In this book, you will see the far edge of the combat spectrum for a military police soldier. Every so often, military police get training that enables them to be attached to units conducting missions well outside the purview of a standard military police soldier. For those soldiers, their story goes largely untold. Whether due to the incredulity of the story, or because some stories are hard to talk about. The events in this book are told exactly as they happened. Some have been modified due to security concerns and for the privacy of comrades. Ghosts of the Valley gives a full spectrum recount of the incidents that took place in Afghanistan, and the recovery process that became necessary upon return to the peace of home. The book itself will hopefully serve as a benefit to soldiers who have not yet deployed, civilians who struggle to understand the average combat veteran, and the soldiers who have redeployed that still struggle in their recovery process.
The book is not meant to glorify war, but to expose the horrors of it. Ghosts of the Valley also provides a comprehensive, and up-to-date as of the publication, list of resources for those struggling with PTSD, or those who simply need help.
In this book, you will see the far edge of the combat spectrum for a military police soldier. Every so often, military police get training that enables them to be attached to units conducting missions well outside the purview of a standard military police soldier. For those soldiers, their story goes largely untold. Whether due to the incredulity of the story, or because some stories are hard to talk about. The events in this book are told exactly as they happened. Some have been modified due to security concerns and for the privacy of comrades. Ghosts of the Valley gives a full spectrum recount of the incidents that took place in Afghanistan, and the recovery process that became necessary upon return to the peace of home. The book itself will hopefully serve as a benefit to soldiers who have not yet deployed, civilians who struggle to understand the average combat veteran, and the soldiers who have redeployed that still struggle in their recovery process.
The book is not meant to glorify war, but to expose the horrors of it. Ghosts of the Valley also provides a comprehensive, and up-to-date as of the publication, list of resources for those struggling with PTSD, or those who simply need help.
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Published June 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 21, 2020
This book was excellent. Soul shattering. I felt like I was right there with him in every chapter. I highly recommend this inspiring story. Must read!
August 12, 2022
It’s really something amazing to hear an MPs perspective in their combat role. Many do not appreciate the MP Corps sacrifice in recent times.
February 15, 2021
One of the greatest books I’ve ever read! As a combat vet, it’s like he wrote a book on my life and my struggles daily.
June 29, 2020
Love. Unfailing love is one of the best words I can use to describe SFC Sean Ambriz and his book. His love for his country and fellow man bleeds out of him daily and especially through this book. He has a willingness to constantly be a light and a helping hand to anyone who needs it. This book is the perfect example of that.
When Sean was first writing Ghosts of The Valley we had a discussion about the vision for his book. The voice he wanted to tell his story was one that allowed even the most average person, with no military experience to feel as though they were standing in his shoes, and the shoes of every service member that ever stepped into war.
Frankly, he nailed it. Watching his vision for this book come full circle has been such an honor and a true blessing. I laughed, I got angry, I cried, my heart broke, and yet some how I found a sense of peace and understanding reading this book.
Sean’s vulnerability to put his story out to the world is something that I truly admire. A story of walking through hell and coming out the other side. A story with the sole purpose of providing truth. From the beginning all Sean has ever said about this book is, “I hope that I can help even just one person.” And I can promise, you’ve helped much more than that.
I can’t recommend this book enough to literally ANYONE who is willing to read. It’s an absolute must. Regardless of your background, Sean shines a light to help others better understand and empathize, what service members of every branch and job field experience and the loads they carry throughout war and its aftermath.
Sean, thank you for sharing your story. Your accounts of war and the truth about your struggles during and after. You have set the example for others to find strength and healing in their own traumas. You have given them permission to have a voice. You beautifully told the world of the incredible characteristics of the heroes you served with. Best friends. Comrades. Brothers.
So go grab y’all a copy. It’s on Amazon, Kindle, Nook and other places. If you can’t find it, hit me up and I will gladly point you to it. 🖤
When Sean was first writing Ghosts of The Valley we had a discussion about the vision for his book. The voice he wanted to tell his story was one that allowed even the most average person, with no military experience to feel as though they were standing in his shoes, and the shoes of every service member that ever stepped into war.
Frankly, he nailed it. Watching his vision for this book come full circle has been such an honor and a true blessing. I laughed, I got angry, I cried, my heart broke, and yet some how I found a sense of peace and understanding reading this book.
Sean’s vulnerability to put his story out to the world is something that I truly admire. A story of walking through hell and coming out the other side. A story with the sole purpose of providing truth. From the beginning all Sean has ever said about this book is, “I hope that I can help even just one person.” And I can promise, you’ve helped much more than that.
I can’t recommend this book enough to literally ANYONE who is willing to read. It’s an absolute must. Regardless of your background, Sean shines a light to help others better understand and empathize, what service members of every branch and job field experience and the loads they carry throughout war and its aftermath.
Sean, thank you for sharing your story. Your accounts of war and the truth about your struggles during and after. You have set the example for others to find strength and healing in their own traumas. You have given them permission to have a voice. You beautifully told the world of the incredible characteristics of the heroes you served with. Best friends. Comrades. Brothers.
So go grab y’all a copy. It’s on Amazon, Kindle, Nook and other places. If you can’t find it, hit me up and I will gladly point you to it. 🖤
July 9, 2020
As someone who struggles with anxiety, I was concerned about reading this, but I also love supporting new authors. I was torn for a few weeks about whether or not I wanted to go for it.
I WISH I HADN’T WAITED!
I’m not from a military family. I have a few servicemen in my family like most people, but I am wildly ignorant when it comes to war and the like. I’m not proud of that, but it’s true. This book is so raw, so real and eye opening. It’s like the author is sitting next to you on the back porch spilling his guts and yet he understands the weight of his story so he relieves some of the weight with comedy. He also somehow manages to explain things where even the most ignorant (*raises hand*) can understand.
Overall, I am more educated on the workings of the military and on the realities of war. It’s nice not being so naïve, so oblivious. I feel more passion for my country and gratitude for my freedoms. I’m appreciative to the men and women who have fought unimaginable fights so I can have these freedoms.
Random thought: This book is in no way political (hallelujah, amiright?). Just putting that out there for those who might avoid reading this due to their personal views on war.
I WISH I HADN’T WAITED!
I’m not from a military family. I have a few servicemen in my family like most people, but I am wildly ignorant when it comes to war and the like. I’m not proud of that, but it’s true. This book is so raw, so real and eye opening. It’s like the author is sitting next to you on the back porch spilling his guts and yet he understands the weight of his story so he relieves some of the weight with comedy. He also somehow manages to explain things where even the most ignorant (*raises hand*) can understand.
Overall, I am more educated on the workings of the military and on the realities of war. It’s nice not being so naïve, so oblivious. I feel more passion for my country and gratitude for my freedoms. I’m appreciative to the men and women who have fought unimaginable fights so I can have these freedoms.
Random thought: This book is in no way political (hallelujah, amiright?). Just putting that out there for those who might avoid reading this due to their personal views on war.
December 19, 2020
This book was eye opening, heart breaking and inspiring. Most of us will never know the struggles of our military service members and first responders. Thank you for your first hand account to help us remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and for your WHY... to be that leader your younger generation needs so that they can function and survive well. I pray for your healing, and all those who have come back different, to find physical, mental and spiritual health and PEACE.
October 7, 2022
This book is a fantastic look into the world of the Army MP in deployed operations. It is straight forward and honest about the author’s experiences. The book is written in a style that most junior enlisted will read, recognize, and appreciate. It is also a good example that a military member does not have to be a part of the special operations community to find themselves doing incredible actions under the harshest of situations.
February 8, 2021
This book resonated with me personally because our paths began very similarly, at nearly the same time.
I didn't know SFC Ambriz, or any of his comrades personally, but I knew many like them. This story, the tragedy, the heroism, and the experience rings true and exceptionally close to home. It is gritty, honest, and vivid. There is little else you could ask of a memoir, however the language is understandably softened. It had little effect on the overall. This should be required reading for the Military Police Corps as the Army transitions the MOS from all 5 of its operational taskers to more limited operations. MPs get a bad rep for policing the force, but when you're outside the wire and the gloves are off, they get the job done, protecting as much as policing - of the troops, for the troops.
Stories of combat MPs are quickly disappearing and this book will serve as one organization's battle record. Its even difficult to find such rich and specific narrative in the Army's Heraldry. Sean is your neighbor, your fellow citizen, a veteran and a hero. We are better for him and his story is a clear reminder of that.
I didn't know SFC Ambriz, or any of his comrades personally, but I knew many like them. This story, the tragedy, the heroism, and the experience rings true and exceptionally close to home. It is gritty, honest, and vivid. There is little else you could ask of a memoir, however the language is understandably softened. It had little effect on the overall. This should be required reading for the Military Police Corps as the Army transitions the MOS from all 5 of its operational taskers to more limited operations. MPs get a bad rep for policing the force, but when you're outside the wire and the gloves are off, they get the job done, protecting as much as policing - of the troops, for the troops.
Stories of combat MPs are quickly disappearing and this book will serve as one organization's battle record. Its even difficult to find such rich and specific narrative in the Army's Heraldry. Sean is your neighbor, your fellow citizen, a veteran and a hero. We are better for him and his story is a clear reminder of that.
January 13, 2021
Relatively quick read at ~160 pages, but even more so because you won’t be able to put it down. Incredible story on heroism, camaraderie, death, and post war struggles. As a fellow MP with deployments it’s incredible to read this story and I’m amazed at the unique opportunities given Sean Ambriz. They say MP stands for multipurpose and Ambriz lived that out. MP, Medic / EMT, Squad Designated Marksman. There are many MPs and other MOS’s outside of combat arms that don’t get these opportunities, and I can’t imagine them giving them to a better soldier. Great job Sean, you did good. To all the readers considering reading this book, do it. Once you’re done go ahead and shelve it next to Black Hawk Down and American Sniper. The book, but more importantly Sean Ambriz has earned his spot among these hero’s. 🇺🇸
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews