Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader Author: | Language: English | ISBN:
B00FRS944I | Format: EPUB
Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader Description
Decorated Navy SEAL Lieutenant Jason Redman served his country courageously and with distinction in Columbia, Peru, Afghanistan, and Iraq, where he commanded mobility and assault forces. But his journey was not without its supreme challenges. He was critically wounded in 2007 when he was struck by machine-gun fire at point blank range. During his intense recovery period, Redman posted a sign on his door, warning all who entered not to "feel sorry for [his] wounds." His sign became both a statement and a symbol for wounded warriors everywhere. Vivid and powerful, emotionally resonant and illuminating, The Trident traces the evolution of a modern warrior, husband, and father, a man who has come to embody the never-say-die spirit that defines one of America's elite fighting forces.
- Audible Audio Edition
- Listening Length: 12 hours and 21 minutes
- Program Type: Audiobook
- Version: Unabridged
- Publisher: Harper Audio
- Audible.com Release Date: November 5, 2013
- Whispersync for Voice: Ready
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00FRS944I
Many of the books I read are finished in a few reading sessions. This one was different. I found myself reading a couple of chapters and then putting it down and thinking about it for a few days. I was amazed by Jason's story. While I am always amazed at anyone's journey towards becoming a member of the SEAL teams, this one was different. Here was a smart man, incredibly determined, willing to overcome anything to realize his goal of wearing a Trident. Yet he made that road so much tougher because he was always his own worst enemy.
Jason was young, arrogant, and with a little too romantic a view of the world. That view of the world was partially shaped after reading Dick Marcinko's Rogue Warrior. SEALs were supposed to be bad-ass hard chargers that could drink all night and then run combat missions in the morning. It did not matter what you said or did, your actions would speak for themselves and others would understand and look upon you with awe.
But he ended up burning a lot of bridges and lost the trust and respect of his teammates. In the SEAL teams, reputation is the currency, without it you cannot survive. Your teammates will not go into battle with you if they do not trust you. And he lost that trust.
His world came crashing down around him after he made some poor decisions during a combat mission. He went against his training because he was still immature and impulsive.
When he got called in to explain his poor choices he was filled with indignation. This was a personal vendetta by a Chief who just had it out for him. They were just trying to take away his Trident. He did nothing wrong, they were all ganging up against him. This had happened before, why were they treating him like this? How could they not see he was right?
"The Trident" is a beautifully written, brutally honest first person account of tenacity, failure, tragedy, and, ultimately, the triumph of determination and love.
Of the many SOF autobiographies out there, this is as good as it gets.
Redman shows incredible courage as a survivor of catastrophic injury, and also with his stunning admission of personal shortcomings that practically derail his career and destroy his lifelong dreams of being a SEAL. His long road to recover first his reputation, then repair his shattered body, are two gripping reminders of the tenacity and strength of character that makes SOF warriors, especially those wearing the coveted Trident, so unique and inspirational.
Most poignantly, the love Redman shares with his "Spartan wife" (check Steven Pressfield's "Gates of Fire" if you don't really get this reference) and her insurmountable patience, strength and love are an extraordinary tribute to his wife Erica and a beautiful reminder of the power of love. While we traditionally ask ourselves, where do we find such men, "The Trident" also shows us that we should be so fortunate to have someone like Erica Redman in our life, or surrounded by love like theirs.
Redman's story is also a vivid reminder of the sacrifices so many servicemen and women (and their families!) give to those of us who walk unmolested through our daily lives (rough men stand ready indeed!). It should serve as a clarion call to make the most of one's life, focus on the power of love, be grateful to those who serve, and push us all to make a difference in the lives of veterans everywhere, especially those wounded on our behalf. The Redmans' own Wounded Wear Foundation is a great place to start.
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