This book is an attempt to do something that is, well, almost unbelievable. Something so big, that in the beginning I thought, “I’m not sure if this is even possible, but God.” This is a story written to “Lil’ Ben”, the son of a fallen Army Paratrooper. His dad’s name is Johnathon F. Davis, and he was K.I.A. (Killed In Action) 29 March, 2012 A.D.. Lil’ Ben never got to meet his dad. For lil’ Ben was born just a few weeks later. I served with his dad, and was there on the mission, when he took his last breath. Our troop commander and I were the ones on the ground, when our brother’s body was lowered to us, down the wall. Subsequently, his blood got on my uniform. And, three days later, as a means to grieve. I ended up writing a poem titled, “Blood of my Brother” in his honor. My fellow squad leader Rainmaker 1 actually helped me with a crucial line, so technically it was written by Rainmaker 1 & 2. That poem somehow ended up being read at his funeral, back in the states. Years later, I had a special American flag stolen from my front yard. I had purchased this flag in Afghanistan, from the Army PX. (Post Exchange) Because of the stolen flag, I befriended an ex-special forces brother. We eventually became close friends. He told me during one of our whiskey sessions, when we were talking about the poem, “You need to make this a book!” To me, it just seemed like confirmation. Later you will learn how I ended up getting my flag back. The plan is to have a proper flag burning ceremony with Lil’ Ben when he is older.
Through this endeavor, I hope to honor his dad, and to change the life of lil’ Ben. Primarily by ministering to his heart. I mean, how cool would it be to get a book. A book written to you in honor of your dad that you never met!? But also, by setting him up for a successful future. (Read the book, “Rich dad, poor dad.”) And not only lil’ ben, but some struggling veterans. And to inspire other veterans to reach out to their struggling brothers and sisters. If the veterans will take a more active role in reaching other vets, with sometimes, hard truth. I think the suicide rate will drop and we will not be so dependant on the VA.
Whether you are an Atheist, Agnostic, Christian, Satanist, Liberal or Conservative. I’m sure there will be times you will laugh, possibly cry, and hopefully find some part of this story, that you (can relate to/connect with.) Just try not to get too easily offended. I learned the hard way, that the words “silent” and “listen” have the exact same letters, just arranged differently. I also want the reader, to realize just how important they are, to this story. That by simply purchasing this book, God-Willing, that many veterans and their families will be helped.
I am not an experienced writer and I was diagnosed with a T.B.I. (Traumatic Brain Injury) from my time in the army. Don’t feel sorry for me, I have all my fingers and toes! For that, I will gladly deal with some memory issues, and light sensitivity. And maybe a slight case of turrets. Think more like polite turrets, “YOUR HAIR LOOKS LOVELY!” (lol). I tend to say what I’m thinking which can make for candid conversations. And this book, is written in more of a conversational, letter style. A conversation between a 21 year old son, who never met his father. And a 40 year old veteran, that served with his dad. A conversation that others need to hear. Otherwise for some, they might not ever have the courage to have it. Parts of this book may remind you, why you should never drink and then post on facebook! (lol) Hopefully, other parts will compel you to buy this book for not just yourself, but perhaps for some veteran you know. During this process, there were people I met, and stories that were shared. And for me, they were life changing, and I will, forever be grateful!
Lil’ Ben’s copy of the book is going to be special. Certain parts of “this” book will not be the same as his, for security reasons. It’s kinda like the movie, “Sisterhood of the traveling pants” but not so much “chick flick.” Except, this is a about a gun. When I was deployed, I had a custom military edition pistol made. And when Lil’ Ben turns 21, I’m gonna give it to him. A blacked out, specially engraved 1911, double-stack .45 caliber pistol. This thing has been gunsmithed by an ex-special forces brother and brought up to operator specs. And then given to an active duty operator to use in combat. In honor of Lil’ Ben’s dad. The active duty operator, whom we’ll call “Tunes” has already used it in actual combat. So “Tunes”, my ex-Special Forces brother, “Professor Killmore”, and myself, all journaled about the gun. I took what everyone wrote and made a story about the journey of Lil’ Ben’s gun. Lil’ Ben’s special copy of the book will be the only one like it, and for his eyes only.
Professor Killmore, used to cross-train with Marcus Luttrell, a former Navy Seal. And when this manuscript/book is completed, it will be sent to him. Hopefully M.L. will do the forward for this book. A portion of the proceeds of this book will go to his foundation, to help other veterans and their families. It will be invaluable to have a fellow veteran and author who has been down this road before. Especially someone who has already turned their book into a movie. If you watch “Shark Tank” you will know giving away a percentage of your company for a bigger market, is more than worth it! (lol) If I can’t get him on board for whatever reason, this part should probably be taken out of the book. (lol)
LiL’ Ben as I call him, is currently 6 years old. And will be 21 years old, in the year 2033 A.D. On his 21st birthday, I imagine him graduating, from maybe college or junior college. Maybe he is meeting all the parents of his friends, and perhaps starting to feel a little sorry for himself, or really just missing his dad. When he goes home, he will receive a very special, life changing package. I see a UPS driver pulling up in front of his house, and showing him exactly, “What brown can do for you!” (lol) He will learn of everything he has coming. In his package, he will get a folded American Flag, his special copy of this book. And an envelope with his instructions. He will have a trust fund set up, with conditions. Sort of like the movie, “The ultimate gift” with James Garner. It’s a must see. I know, if I were 21 and got a large sum of money, it might be the ruin of me. We don’t want to see Lil’ Ben on the news getting busted with cocaine and hookers! That’s a no go! (lol) He will have a percentage of his money set aside for a home, a car, wedding/honeymoon, and to help take care of his mom and grandparents. So, on behalf of not only myself, but Lil’ Ben and his family, and the other veterans who will benefit and hopefully have their lives changed from the proceeds of this book/screenplay. Thank you for standing in the gap. “Buckle up dorothy, Kansas is going bye-bye.” Like Zig Ziglar used to say, “See you over the top!”
The warrior ethos:
“I will always place the mission first.”
“I will never accept defeat.”
“I will never quit.”
“I will never leave a fallen comrade.”
Keep paying it forward!
“Airborne, All the Way!” “Fury from the Sky” “Get after it!”
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