Battle Ready

By Mark L. Donald & Scott Mactavish

Battle Ready - Mark L. Donald & Scott Mactavish
  • Release Date: 2013-03-12
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4
4
From 132 Ratings

Description

The gripping memoir of Navy Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart recipient SEAL Lieutenant Mark L. Donald, Battle Ready.

As A SEAL and combat medic, Mark served his country with valorous distinction for almost twenty-five years and survived some of the most dangerous combat actions imaginable.

From the rigors of BUD/S training to the horrors of the battlefield, Battle Ready dramatically immerses the reader in the unique life of the elite warrior-medic who advances into combat with life-saving equipment in one hand and life-taking weapons in the other. It is also an uplifting human story that reveals how a young Hispanic American bootstrapped himself out of a life that promised a dead-end future by enlisting in the military. That new life begins with the Marines and includes his heroic achievements on the battlefield and the operating table, and finally, of his inspirational triumph over the demons caused by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that threatened to destroy him and his family.

Reviews

  • A Holistic Story worth reading!

    5
    By JimMFr
    A tremendous story of dedication, service and leadership built around courage and self-awareness. Not your typical book. The stories of the horror of war are in the bigger context of how it effects the person. Thank you for your service Mark both to the country and to those with the after effects.
  • Battle Ready

    5
    By Steve R., PJ Doc
    A deeply meaningful story about a determined man of character whose guidance by a woman of substance and profound insight, his mother, produced a selfless and good person who worked hard, and sacrificed comfort and his own peace to defend freedom and help others. This book covers a series of important episodes in Mark's career. Without getting buried in details, he tells the story so it is captivating and educating, reveals its essence, and leaves the reader with an emotional connection to the author and the events. Mark's account of his career and experiences serve as a sweeping overview of the nation's experience before and through the global war on terror, both regarding the big picture of the conflict , and the impact of that conflict on an individual in the fray itself. The evolution through his years in the Navy from junior medical provider to an experienced medical professional is inspiring and exemplary to all young Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who will answer the calling of medicine to grow in their career. As a Physician myself to SOF members, I have dealt with individuals who continue to recover from horrific experiences in service to our nation. This book provided moments for reflection for me on how we citizens have to provide support and love for our men and women who are emotionally affected by their experiences in dangerous places, and doing jobs they perform on our behalf. Mark provides a few opportunities at the end for us all to contribute to. I commend Mark for laying himself open with his honest appraisal of his situation. He has helped himself and will help others by doing this, and be a shining light for others who need to understand their predicaments and to accept or seek help to heal. This is just another step in his career as a health professional in helping and saving brothers in arms. The depth and breadth of interesting and profound anecdotes and insights is enhanced by the declarative nature and clarity of the writing, making the points all the more effective, and easy to read. Finally, the triumph of love, social support, a sense of purpose, optimism, persistence and hard work in overcoming challenges are all the lessons any of us or our children need to face a challenge.
  • Insightful read

    5
    By DJake78
    Great book I highly recommend it even if not interested in certain aspects of war and combat. It's more about the person, his journey, and viewpoint. Being a medic myself from good experience, although still only in the first portion of my career how can you not give respect to someone who was Marine Recon, to Naval Corpsman, and then a SEAL. That's someone who is has gluttingly for pain and a hard worker.
  • A great read

    5
    By Geo_1973
    Thank you for your service!
  • Awesome book!

    5
    By Boodleblond
    This book is worth your time and money ! The early sections of the book are an exciting look at what it takes to be a SEAL. Then Mark explores the reality of a demanding career on his family and the reality of war. He then openly explores his struggles with PTSD and how it impacted his family. He shares how he journeyed back and importantly gives insight and a pathway for others living with PTSD and their families. It's got something for everyone..