Jason Redman was critically wounded in a fierce firefight in the Al Anbar province of Iraq in 2007. He almost bled to death that night, thousands of miles away from his family, and friends.  The note he hung from his hospital door during his recovery vent viral, and inspired many. The Trident is his story.

I started reading Jason’s book on my way back from Poland. I had just finished a quick visit with some of our Special Ops GROM brothers, and cracked open the book on the long flight home back to Manhattan.

I found it hard to get through the first couple of pages. This was not because of the writing, it’s very well written. It was difficult because of the long, sobering list of names he placed upfront, a list of all the SEALs lost since 9/11/01. It hit me in the face like the icy winter waters of the Pacific ocean and sent chills down my spine as I sat in 40D. I paused, staring off into blankness long enough for people to start looking at me funny, then I snapped back in and read on.

I’ll be honest with you, I secretly wished I didn’t know any of them. It would be easier to not know them, just acknowledge their bravery and read on.  Robinson, Retzer, Campbell, Axelson, Lee, Tumilson, Dietz, Murphy, Suh, Kyle, Freiwald and many more, all men I knew well, brothers, my generation of Team Guys, all gone.

Fast forward a week and as I was finally getting around to writing this review, my oldest son was sitting next to me. He looked over and asked, “What are you writing dad?” I told him that I was writing a book review for SOFREP. “Is it a good book,” he asked. I told him that is was a great book, and then told him I loved him. I plan on letting him read it next.

I can’t help but think about how many of my SEAL brothers will never again have an opportunity to hug their kids and tell them they love them. My only solace is knowing that they died with their eyes wide open, doing something they loved and cared deeply about. We should never forget them, and books like The Trident ensure that their memories continue to live on in story.

When you read Jason’s book you’ll know that he is extremely lucky to be alive today.  Jason has an amazing wife, family, and network of friends that served as his foundation during his multi-year recovery. Learning about his long road to recovery reminded me how important these people are in our daily lives, and how I should appreciate them more for it.  The people we surround ourselves with matter, and we are who we hang out with. I’d hang with Jason Redman any day.

Jason’s Sign

Attention – To all who enter here

If you are coming into this room with sorrow or to feel sorry for my wounds, go elsewhere.

The wounds I received, I got in a job I love, doing it for people I love, supporting the freedom

of a country I deeply love.  I am incredibly tough and will make a full recovery.

What is full?  That is the absolute utmost physically my body has the ability to recover.  Then

I will push that about 20% further through sheer mental tenacity.  This room you are about to

enter is a room of fun, optimism, and intense rapid regrowth.  If you are not prepared for that

Go Elsewhere.

Photo: The sign that went viral and inspired America

Every now and then a book comes along and you know it’s in a special category. The Trident is such a book. Read it, you’ll be a better person for having done so.