Acknowledgments

There are two people without whom this book would not be in print. To my agent and friend, Gillian MacKenzie, who has walked this long road to publication with me, believing in me every step of the way. Janie Fransson, your notes and edits took this story to another level, and I am so grateful to you for all of your help. I’ll think of you every time I order a bourbon . . . so I’ll think of you a lot.

There are hundreds of people without whom I would never have had such an amazing career, both in the military and out. To the men and women I’ve served with who epitomize the Rescue motto of “These things we do that others may live”: Your sacrifices and bravery are priceless to those on the battlefield and off. Steve, TieJie, George, Dave, Finn, Darren, BT, Rhys, Blue, Astro, Jimmy, Andy, Gibby, *****, Red, Nate, Matt, Dono, Zerk, Rabbit, TK, and many others, it was the honor of my lifetime to have gone into battle with you.

Ric, my Brit Commando hero, thank you for your contribution to this work and your unwavering support. Quil Lawrence, you got me off to a great start! To Penguin Random House and Berkley Publishing Group for believing in this story enough to champion it with your teams. Greg Crouch and Conley Giles, thank you for your guidance and mentoring. Pat Muller, thanks for letting me steal your loving phrase for Jude and Daniel’s dedication. To Julia Bringloe, a true warrior, you are my hero, and I am humbled anytime anyone uses our names in the same sentence. To the ACLU, we may not always agree about everything, but I will be forever grateful to you for continuing to challenge the status quo.

To my stepkids, you have shown a resiliency that I aspire to myself, and I hope that the things I do today will help create a better world for you as you grow up.

To my mom, Grace Jennings, for supporting me all of these years. Your sacrifices and strength have made all of this possible. To my sister, Elaine, thank you for being Aunt Lanie to Jude and Daniel.

To my dad, David, who inspired me to try anything without wondering first if I would succeed. To all of my friends, family, and comrades-in-arms who have filled my life with these stories. Thank you.

And to everyone who ever tried to convince me that I couldn’t win, thank you for inspiring me to prove you wrong. Na-na na-na boo-boo.