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Brad Kasal

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Brad Kasal
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It’s a story that stands behind the picture of First Sergeant Brad Kasal taken by Lucien Read in Fallujah, Iraq on November 13, 2004. The book is about Brad Kasal’s journey through life. He grew up in Afton, Iowa. In I984 he left his hometown to boot camp at MCRD, San Diego, where he was meritoriously promoted to PFC by graduation. After completion of SOI he started out as a Dragon gunner at his first duty station, Camp Pendleton, CA. He participated in Operation Desert Storm, and he was assigned to special duty as a recruiter in Minnesota. By March, 2003, when operation Iraqi Freedom started, he was 1st Sgt of Kilo Co. 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment.
The Battle of Fallujah is described in detail over several chapters. The mission …show more content…
Due to the injuries, Kasal lost four inches of bone in his right leg and has undergone over 20 surgeries in order to repair his injuries and save his leg.
Because of his actions, Brad Kasal was awarded the Navy Cross, the nation’s second highest award for heroism.
The book is full of Marine jargon, acronyms, and history, and it provides insight into Marine training and combat preparation. This book shows not only the endurance, courage, unselfishness, and loyalty of Brad Kasal, but also the heroism, valor, and honor of the United States Marine Corps.
I found this book to be very inspiring because it shows that anyone, from any background, experience, education, etc., can become a hero. All it takes is the right attitude, which 1st Sgt Kasal had throughout his entire Marine Corps career leading up to this point in his life.
This book should be read by all junior Marines to follow 1st Sgt Kasal’s example. The language and writing style is not very complicated, so it makes it easy for junior Marines with no college education to follow. I also think the general population needs to read this book so they can see the true spirit of today’s
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