Not On My Watch: The 21st Century Combat Medic

by Joshua M. Peters R. Fansler

Our story takes you on a journey from our lives before the war to the mountainous terrains of Afghanistan and the barren deserts of Iraq. It is our desire to bring to life what it is like for the American Soldier fighting in the war on terror overseas. Not just from a Soldier's perspective, but from the Combat Medic's perspective. We want you to learn about the heartaches, the fear, the excitement and the terror of combat today. These stories are not intended to bring glory upon ourselves. They are written to show the courage and bravery of every American Soldier with whom we served. While this book is written from our first person view, the "I" and "we" are inclusive of all the Medics that have served Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Every medic deployed in support of these operations have similar stories to tell. The title, Not On My Watch, The 21st Century Combat Medic expresses the fervor with which we serve. First, our Not On My Watch. This speaks not only of the personal pride and sacrifice that we, as Combat Medics have in our assignment, but also of our willingness to sacrifice in order to save a fellow Soldier's life. We are saying, "As long as I am there, I am going to sacrifice everything I have to give the wounded Soldier a second chance at life". The latter part of the title stresses how combat and combat medicine has evolved to our generation from the generation of the heroes who served from the very first shot of the Revolutionary War until now. We have met the men and women of past wars at welcome home ceremonies, the local VFW's, and through everyday interactions. Every story is different, yet every story is exactly the The same courage, bravery, honor, and dedication to fellow Soldiers on the battlefield. We remember the look of pride in the eyes of every Vietnam, Korean, and WWII veteran as they shook our hands at the airport upon our arrival back to the United States. It is that look that lets us know that alt

Genres: Military Fiction, War, Nonfiction

248 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 2004

Reviews

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being that I remember exactly where I was when I watched the towers fall and was called to health care to serve our military, this book evokes so many emotions. This is a book well written and I believe everyone should read it to honor the fallen and all of those who have done so much for us.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book written by two men who actually were medics was much more enlightening and realistic than if it had been written by a reporter/observer. I just cannot imagine going through some of the things they did. I also watched the National Geographic documentary Restrepo and held my breath through probably the first half because I was sure I'd see something I couldn't bear. Such a good film in that we see the people involved not just as soldiers but as men there to do a job but they're still fun-loving, caring people. In showing this, the film brings a sense of wholeness that the media leaves out in our nightly news. Most surprising to learn in my readings on this topic was that during World War II the medics wore uniforms that identified them as such and the enemy made an extra effort to kill them. In the film when Restrepo was killed, the viewer realized quickly that he wasn't just a friend and fellow soldier but that as the medic he rather held the morale of the unit in his hands. They could do their job because they knew he was there for them and when he died it was a major impact on them. I wish everyone would watch this film and read these books to understand that despite the common state-side feeling of "oh, that's over there and doesn't pertain to us here" that it pertains to us very much.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

War from the Combat Medic's perspective. Not as good as I wanted it to be and desperately in need of better editing, it still had high-impact moments. It's a quick enough read, just not one of the better medic books I've read. -Doc: Platoon Medic- by Daniel Evans still leads the genre.

[Peggy Emard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A high-level nonfiction account from two combat medics who have served in the Middle East. The stories are interesting and vivid. Not for the squeamish.