The Road to Unafraid: How the Army's Top Ranger Faced Fear and Found Courage through

by Jeff Struecker, Dean Merrill (Contributor)

Jeff Struecker, a "Black Hawk Down" hero, the Army's Top Ranger, now an Army Chaplain, relates his own tales from the frontlines of every U.S. initiative since Panama, and tells how God taught him faith from the front in fear-soaked times. As readers go on-mission with Struecker through his harrowing tales, they will learn how to face their own fears with faith in a mighty God. Just as he told one of his charges in "The difference between being a coward and a hero is not whether you're scared, it's what you do while you're scared."

Genres: Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Biography, Christian, War, Military History, Memoir

222 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2006

About the author

Chaplain (Major) Jeff Struecker was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He entered the Army as an enlisted soldier in September 1987 and remained on active duty until April 2000 when he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army Reserve as a Chaplain Candidate. He confessed Christ as Savior as a teenager and was called to the ministry while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Ft. Benning, Georgia.

He served for ten years in the 75th Ranger Regiment in positions from Ranger Reconnaissance Specialist to Platoon Sergeant. While serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment, Chaplain Struecker competed in the David L. Grange Best Ranger Competition for three consecutive years. His efforts culminated with a first place finish in 1996. He also served as an Assistant Instructor of Military Science at the University of Louisville and was recognized in 1998 as the US Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Noncommissioned Officer of the year.

Throughout his career Chaplain Struecker has attended numerous professional military schools and has received many awards and commendations. Some of his awards include the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Master Parachutists Wings, Military Freefall Master Parachutist Wings, British Parachutist Wings, Thai Parachutist Wings, German Parachutist Wings, and German Sports Efficiency Badge. He has been awarded other commendations and decorations for successful completion of professional military schools throughout his military career.

His combat experience includes participation in Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Iris Gold in Kuwait, Operation Gothic Serpent, in Mogadishu, Somalia, and multiple tours in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards for actions in these imminent danger zones include the Southwest Asia Service Medal (1 Service Star), Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2d award), National Defense Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal (with "V" Device for valor, 3rd award). He has received other medals as recognition for his service in the United States Army.

Chaplain Struecker holds a Master of Divinity Degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, a Bachelor of Science Degree and Associate of Science Degree from Troy University in Alabama.

Chaplain Struecker and his wife, Dawn, have five children: Aaron, Jacob, Joseph, Abigail and Lydia.

Reviews

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Christian I absolutely loved this book as it has so many great messages on life and how to live it. His book and the way God lead him through some tough times is awe inspiring. He is probably one of the toughest and bravest men alive, in the army and in life in general who stands by his beliefs and he lives his life to be a great example to other people. A must read for Christians.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeff Struecker seems like a great guy but it just wasn't the most well-crafted memoir I've ever read. It's not that it had any obvious failings, - it just wasn't awesome. Really, I blame the co-author. Merrell isn't a bad writer, he just has no idea how to write anything that isn't Only Religious. It sort of put a damper on Struecker's own introspection and made his journey seem Lifeway-end-cap-fodder.
It took the grit and reality that makes a memoir like this so gripping and meaningful and made it almost bubblegum. This is unfortunate because Struecker really has had a fascinating life and has taken an incredible journey; I plan to dig around the internet and see if I can find some interviews since I have a feeling he'll be a better speaker. If he'd been paired with somebody like John R. Bruning I think it could've been better told, but without compromising what Struecker wanted to say.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Capt. Jeff Struecker hits the nail on the hit with his analysis of death and why it consumes us. I enjoyed learning more about the military, their training, thinking and other things that a normal citizen is not aware of. I am grateful to our armed services for everything they do for our country to keep me safe.

[Benjamin Duchek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember my first experience with an Army chaplain and it wasn't good. It was my first road march with my new unit in the 10th Mountain Division and the chaplain hopped in the trailing vehicle after mile 2. 2 of 12. My experience with chaplains didn't improve as the years went by. One guy missed a funeral (yes, that seems hard to do and yes, he lost his job.) It wasn't until I served with Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan, which was assigned a Ranger-qualified chaplain, that it became obvious: this is where they keep the good chappies!

Jeff Struecker, no doubt, was a great chaplain. The fact that he won Best Ranger demonstrates he was a great Ranger. What he isn't, unfortunately, is a great memoir writer. This book is serviceable -- Struecker and his ghost writer get his point across, that he's unafraid in combat because he's right with Jesus -- but there's not much else in terms of insight. His religious education? Ignored. What he gets out of earning his bachelor's? Not mentioned. Even the insights he receives as serving as a chaplain? There's none?

Of course, it doesn't advertise that in the title. And maybe that's not even the purpose of the book; it may be meant for some young hooah to think a little more deeply before going to serve in an illustrious unit like the Ranger Regiment. But not too deep.

[Maddie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story, and definitely a quick read! Jeff writes of his time from joining the army and then going to Ranger Regiment in great detail. He also goes into great detail about one of the most dangerous battles during his time in the Army in the Battle of Mogadishu (Black Hawk Down). It was interesting to see how God changed his life going forward after he got home from Mogadishu. He found his calling!

[Siri Stenslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Road to the Unafraid by Jeff Struecker is an inspiring and powerful read that shows courage isn’t about the absence of fear, but the choice to move forward anyway. Through gripping real-life experiences and a strong faith-based perspective, Struecker delivers practical lessons on leadership, resilience, and purpose. Honest, motivating, and impactful, this book is highly recommended for anyone seeking encouragement to face life boldly.

[E.G. Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping, fascinating, and inspiring account of faith in the midst of horrible trials. I appreciated the author's honesty, even in regards to his own faithlessness and vulgarity during the early parts of his career, and watching him journey to become a dedicated follower of Christ was compelling. This book left me encouraged to follow Christ boldly, trusting Him to provide - as He always will.

[Ron Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I enjoyed the author's description of military action, military life, and dealing with family concerns throughout his military career. It's nice to read about someone who's a faithful father and husband. I love story after story after story about dealing with challenges in life and the fight for good versus evil.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an account from one person's, that was a part of my husbands military unit, personal life and perspective of their military career and some of their experience that became such a huge topic "Black Hawk Down". I loved everything about his journey and learning how his life shaped. This is an interesting read because he is known to our family!

[Joshua Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book on following convictions and leadership.

I would reccommend such a book to friends, business leaders, church laypeople, and those sensing a call toward ministry. This book winsomely displays how to lead in perilous times.

[Brooklynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!

[Nicholas Maulucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very easy read. Good book, though. Recommended for junior high/high school students.

[Robert Wallace · Rating 1 out of 5]

There's no such thing as a Navy F-15.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding memoir. Highly recommended!

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting tale of a war fighter and his round about path to the chaplaincy. A worthwhile read.

[Sharon Zink · Rating 5 out of 5]

A soldier's eye view of training and war. Very good. This book also has a Christian message.

[Logan Michaels · Rating 1 out of 5]

don't waste your time

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did a fantastic job, while reading it i could put myself on location and could feel his enthusiasm, he surely writes from experience with knowledge

[Joey Allseitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Road to Unafraid" is a action thrilling adventure, the main character Jeff Struecker(one of the real characters of "blackhawk down") who is also one of many army rangers in this book, writes about his stories and fears he has to go through to earn the courage and name of an Army Ranger. Jeff and a team of Ranger soldiers who runs towards the war instead away go through difficult obsticales and terrain to try and rescue two down Blackhawks behind enemie lines for hours of exchanging bullets. Also Jeff talks about other missions he have been deployed to in his career time. I think the authors purpose of writing this book is to show what happens and what goes through even the toughest worriors thoughts and actions, and to show the world what happens on the battlefeild and what war can do to ones self. The author deffenitly achieved his purpose in writing this book, I really think this could open alot of peoples minds about war that goes on. It's not as ruthless as people think it is. In fact every time war goes on there are "Rules Of Engagment" or ROE that they must obied by. This book is really powerful and effective towards ones mind and thoughts. Jeff talks about all the deaths and the action he goes through, also the decisions that he has to make that are critical to all the other operations. Jeff also has to make very complicated decisions so he can find the best future God has given him, while he trys to take care of his wife (Dawn) and his five children without dying in combat as a "Ranger Chaplin." A chaplin is a person who talks to other military personal about the word of God and help them through the battles and concerns on their minds. Every person you here about in this book and when Jeff talks and communicate with others, its like an average day conversation, and what would go through our minds in those situation. Their isnt really any weakness about the book, every page you read your hooked to. Your tense when the battles around and when he describes the very exact moment things happen, it's like your witnessing the action right in front of you , sad or down when he talks about his wife and children and how he doesn't want to lose them or die in combat and grow up by themselves and with no man of the house to look over them. The authors arguments are noticable and add to my opinions about life in general, Jeffs conclusions about life and putting your faith in God can help you lose that sense of fear and help you be more motive and take more obsticals. My overall opinion about this book is that it is a great book and has alot of questions and anwsers that alot of people look for, as well as being attatched and drawn into the book for its intense action. I would love to recommend this book to everyone that ask about it. You don't have to be a christian or love the military to read this outstanding book. Jeff talks about things you want to know or already know. Jeff is a regular american who wants to provide the best for his family and future along the side of his almighty God to help him and to protect him.

[Tracey Cramer-Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for reasons I hadn’t expected to. I expected to read a harrowing account of an Army Ranger’s experience in Somalia and other hot spots, especially another view of the Black Hawk Down event (Struecker was involved in the push to retrieve those bodies). As a memoir, I expected to get inside Struecker’s head, expected a certain level of honesty and sobering self-realization.

There were in fact some war-time details, but they weren’t as in-your-face as some other memoirs I’ve read. There was a lot of reflection about death - in particular, what comes after death - and the concept of fear. “The difference between being a coward and hero is not whether you’re scared, it’s what you do while you’re scared.”

What made this memoir most interesting was the faith aspect. Struecker made no secret of the fact that he’s a Christian, and he talked about how hard it is to be Christian in the Army. This resonated with me because I felt the same way when I was in the Army (years ago); in fact, I let the prevailing (non-Christian) attitudes rub off on me. At one point, he said “no more than five” Army folks expressed support of his desire to attend seminary.

He was the perfect fit for a particular job (the one he needed to provide for his five kids and still go to school) but because of some dumb Army process about “classification” of his position, he should never have been able to land that job.

But he did, and that was an illustration of God at work. At the close of the book, Struecker is an Army chaplain embedded with Army Rangers - the perfect fit for him.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Road to Unafraid is definitely a quick and suspenseful read. The author briefly tells us about his childhood and training to become a Ranger (and, later, a chaplain). He spends most of the book describing his combat experiences and the military-related challenges he's faced.

Jeff Struecker is very open about the fears, frustrations, and challenges he dealt with while in combat and what he learned from them. He also gives insight into military culture and a soldier's view of the various military conflicts the U.S.A. has been involved in since he enlisted in the army.

While he descibes scenes from his various deployments, much of the book is a detailed view of the part he played in the Somalia "black Hawk Down" incident. His vivid descriptions made me feel like I was with him in the scene, surrounded by danger. It certainly did get my heart racing. His descriptions of the Best Ranger competition were also excellent--I got tired just reading about all they went through.

The author also described how his Christian faith helped him deal with the stresses of military life and the fears involved in combat. Overall, this book well-written, suspenseful, and insightful. I'd recommend it to anyone who has never been in the military but who wants insight into what soldiers may face when in training and combat.

[Jerome Otte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Road to Unafraid is definitely a quick and suspenseful read. The author briefly tells us about his childhood and training to become a Ranger (and, later, a chaplain). He spends most of the book describing his combat experiences and the military-related challenges he's faced.

Jeff Struecker is very open about the fears, frustrations, and challenges he dealt with while in combat and what he learned from them. He also gives insight into military culture and a soldier's view of the various military conflicts the U.S.A. has been involved in since he enlisted in the army.

While he descibes scenes from his various deployments, much of the book is a detailed view of the part he played in the Somalia "black Hawk Down" incident. His vivid descriptions made me feel like I was with him in the scene, surrounded by danger. It certainly did get my heart racing. His descriptions of the Best Ranger competition were also excellent--I got tired just reading about all they went through.

Jeff Struecker also describes how his Christian faith helped him deal with the stresses of military life and the fears involved in combat. Overall, this book well-written, suspenseful, and insightful. I'd recommend it to anyone who has never been in the military but who wants insight into what soldiers may face when in training and combat.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such an inspiring book about facing fears and acknowledging Christ Jesus as Savior. I actually had the opportunity to hear Jeff Streucker, the author of 'The Road to Unafraid' speak, and I was so moved by his story and his words that I bought this book a day later.

What I loved most was that this man had real struggles, and faced very real fears. Yet he had the strength (and I'm not talking about his physical strength), to overcome those fears in a realization that even in the face of death, he could emerge victorious because he was firm in his faith. He realized that life or death situations were 'win-win.'

Even if you aren't a Christian, or religious in any way, I'd recommend this book just because it was such a great read. It gave an inside look at the U.S. Ranger missions, including Black Hawk Down and more. What made this book even more interesting was the fact that it was told through Struecker's perspective, and reading about his reactions and emotions to certain dangerous situations made me realize that some of the toughest men in the military struggle with the same things I do - fear of losing friends, fear of failure, and fear of death.

It was a short and easy read - very worthwhile!!

[John F · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an Autobiography. I really like this book. This book has alot of adventure and action and tells a little about his point of view of the wars he was in. But this book is mainly about how he came to a saving relation ship with Jesus Christ. And he goes on to tell about how his life changed because of his relationship with Jesus. After he became a Christian he never lost his main point of view what is Jesus Christ. Jeff Strucker wanted to be in the war but he wanted to be the best so he went to become a ranger. One of the hardest things in the Army. Jeff is now a motivational speaker and he also shares his testimony.

[Ms.soule · Rating 5 out of 5]

The non-fictional account of a Christian soldier's journey past his fears and into Ranger training, the "Black Hawk Down" incident in Somalia, and ultimately into a new career as an army chaplain, helping the men he used to fight beside find God, hope, and courage amidst death and destruction.

An inspiring story of faith and the protection of God in desperate circumstances. The account of fighting in Somalia to reach the downed helicopters is seriously intense - I felt like I was right in the middle of the firefight (which he was).

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like many people saw and read Black Hawk Down. I was suprised to find out Captain Struecker lived in Fort Dodge where I lived at the time. I had always wanted to hear more about his story. When perusing a used book store I stumbled across this and am so glad I did. I am sure some will find the author to be preachy at times, I am however not one. This is a man telling his story and how he found his "Road to Unafraid." If God is how he was able to do that, why not glorify His name. I personally found myself feeling more spiritual and closer to God. 5 stars.

[RANGER · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you saw the movie or read the book, Black Hawk Down, you will appreciate the first hand account by the leader of the Ranger rescue convoy, Jeff Struecker. Struecker describes how his Christian faith helped him overcome fear and how his combat experiences stirred him to pursue his calling to preach the gospel. Well written, inspiring, perfect for challenging real men to serve Jesus Christ with all their heart. Buy three copies, one for a friend, one for a vet, one for you. Rangers lead the way.

[Ronie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most compelling books I've read in a while. I managed to read it over three 1.5 hours stints. Struecker's experience in Somalia during the famed Black Hawk Down incident is eye-opening and heart-wrenching. I was moved by the poignant way he portrayed his experiences and those of the Rangers around him. It was also fascinating reading about his journey toward becoming a chaplain and God's protection over him during each mission.

[Lorelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not the kind of person that likes these kind of books but I found it interesting. I don't want anything to do with wars (I'm twelve)but i keep reading. I don't know why (it could be because I'm related to him even though I haven't met him that I can remember) I keep reading. i like it in a way that i don't like many books.