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A Soldiers Struggles June 19, 2020 Reviewer: Lymey Driggers - Amazon Review   As a veteran and having a deployment under my belt I related to Sean's book. He is a dear friend of mine and I never fully understood his personal struggles. The book sheds light to soldiers before, during and after deployments. Ptsd should not have such a negative stigma and hopefully it leads to more readily available resources for Soldiers returning from deployments even when they don't think they need the help or try to solve these issues on their own. Most importantly, it can teach families how to better support and understand their Soldiers! Was this review helpful to you?

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Perspective and truth in one book June 19, 2020 Reviewer: Dorothy Hunter- Amazon Review   This book brought back memories of time served in Afghanistan with this admirable Soldier and all the men and women deployed to that region. Most critical is his perspective on life after coming home. The difficult transition each service member faces, whether remaining in the military or on the civilian side, is never simple. This book brings light to the silent struggle. Read. Understand. Share. Was this review helpful to you?

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I challenge you to read this. June 19, 2020 Reviewer: John Reynolds - Amazon   It was such a fantastic read that was so descriptive and emotional that it not only during the deployment but also on the home front. Purpose, resiliency, direction and passion are just few words that describe this book. Such an amazing read! The detailed description on the 2nd and 3rd order effects that a deployment has on someone’s life is what kept me flipping through the pages. I would definitely be recommending this book to many of those that I have served with. I challenge those that have struggled in the past to read this book. Was this review helpful to you?

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100% Life Changing June 19, 2020 Reviewer: Alicia Hollenbeck- Amazon   The story’s that Sean tells in this book is absolutely amazing. This is such an important and life changing book that anyone (military or not) can benefit from. Sean shows that PTSD is real for everyone, while also showing that it IS okay to get help. There seems to be a stigma for soldiers that it’s a “bad” thing or it makes you “weak” to seek help when needed, but it’s not. This book & Sean’s stories, describes what it’s like to faced with the devil, in a foreign country, defending the ones around you. Sean was very selfless, as well as all of the soldiers that he served with. Sean expressing his thoughts, feelings, and nightmares in a book is something a lot of people might be afraid to do. I hope that this is just the beginning of his stories, because I would love to hear more. 100% without a doubt, do not hesitate to read this book. Was this review helpful to you?

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Life changer June 19, 2020 Reviewer: Ashley Phillips- Amazon   Ghosts of the Valley takes you through the hardships of a young man finding his purpose in life, to the challenges of being deployed in the harshest environment this world has to offer. On a journey as a young private in the Military Police Corps to eventually leading his team into battle as a Sergeant and the mental tribulations that continues upon return home, Sean walks you through the physical and emotional demands very few experience in this world. The continuous climactic battles and also devastating moments in this story left me in chills. Having the humorous and truthful inner dialogue throughout, truly painted a picture of what the author experienced leaving me quite often speechless. As I finished the book I didnt want it to end and quite frankly, I started rereading it immediately. I'd recommend this book to ANYONE civilian and military alike. For someone on the verge of giving up finding their purpose or a Veteran looking for someone to relate to. It covers it all. Very highly recommend. Was this review helpful to you?

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Brotherhood June 19, 2020 Reviewer: Kimberly - Amazon   It took me about 4 hours to read this book. As soon as I started I couldn't put it down. The way Sean describes every moment, from a young private to a NCO, makes you feel included. From being put in uncomfortable situations, the camaraderie, the heartbreak, and what can come from it in the end. Sean shows the side of the MP Corps that not many are ever going to see. He shares the strength and discipline of those he was lucky to serve with and their dedication to the country and eachother. The Officers and NCOs described in this book are what every leader and soldier should strive to be like and it was a great reminder of why we signed that dotted line. The passion and vulnerability that went into writing this book is known from the very beginning and only grows stronger as you continue to read. It reminds you that beneath every rank is a beating heart and not a computer meant to say "roger", but a choice to do what is right because you feel it. It reminds you that you are human and if you are struggling there are options to get help and that you are not alone. It also shows civilians a little about what a soldier can go through and might not want to talk about but there are many options for help. 100% recommend this book; junior enlisted, senior enlisted, officer, or civilian....it won't disappoint. Was this review helpful to you?

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Good read and resource for soldiers and spouses June 19, 2020 Reviewer: Eros- Amazon   I originally purchased this book for my soldier. He had served with Ambriz and wanted a look back at their tour. The book was a vivid window into Ambriz's life, from being the FNG (Freakin New Guy), to finding brotherhood with his team in the mountains of Afghanistan, to feeling lost upon arriving stateside. Ambriz details his first-hand experience of the war in those mountains. He captures the feeling of nervous optimism that quickly became exhausted drudgery. He copes with utter loss that was overridden with the simple desire to "Wake Up" to a semblance of who he was before deployment. The pages tell his daily life from the mundane to the hilarious while also capturing tragic events in stream of consciousness writing that brings the reader to the front line. The words flow and take the reader into Ambriz's mind. For those who deployed with him, and the spouses that supported them, reading the book is a tour through our memories as well. Sometimes his thoughts echo with sharp splinters that stick with the reader. When he writes "Bring it in Immortals," we are instantly teleported back to February 2009 and the announcement that would change not only Ambriz's life, but all those deploying with him. His spotlights on friends and fellow soldiers was a bright spot of memory for those that knew them as they were before and after their tour. His detailed revisiting of firefights and missions where they were under fire and surrounded is accompanied by his own emotional cacophony as he tries to save his friends, save himself, and all the while "Wake Up" to complete the mission. In the end, Ambriz leaves us not with some hopeful jaunty line, but with the realistic view that PTSD is a daily battle. He doesn't sugar coat his experience to give false hope. He accepts who he is, what he's done, what he couldn't do, and what he will continue to strive for as he continues to serve. For all those striving with him to finish the mission and "Wake up," his closing says it all. "When I cross that invisible line...I will be bringing my ghosts of the valley with me." I highly recommend Ghosts of the Valley because it creates a window to the past, but also a bridge forward for those processing trauma. This autobiography is a solid resource for those dealing with TBI and/or PTSD, or even for spouses and family members who want a better grasp on a soldier's perspective. The book also contains a list of websites and numbers for those who need help and are not sure where to turn. Was this review helpful to you?

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Wow amazing June 19, 2020 Reviewer: david lowery- Amazon   Read this book in 2 days. Couldn't put it down. Really paints a picture on some of the things soldiers had to deal with. Being able to take charge and overcome obstacles even in horrible situations. Highly reccomend not just to soldiers but to anyone wanting a good read Was this review helpful to you?

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Perfect LDP book June 19, 2020 Reviewer: john- Amazon Review   Riveting. Compelling. Addictive. Absolutely could not stop reading! Set out this evening to read a chapter or two to unwind—finished the entire book! A definite read for military and corporate leadership development. —MAJ Pleasants Was this review helpful to you?

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A must read!! June 19, 2020 Reviewer: glenna dimauro- Amazon Review   Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down! I read it in less than 24 hours. It is so well written and just grabs your attention and makes you feel like you’re right there with Ambriz every step of the way. It is never easy to open up and talk about the things that go through your head and how things make you feel but he did such a great job describing his feelings and making it a point to let others know that it is ok to have the same feelings and to seek help if they need it. Each and every military member should take the time to read this book. Was this review helpful to you?