Living With No Excuses – The Remarkable Rebirth Of An American Soldier – Book Review
I have nothing but respect for the men and women who serve in the armed forces and protect our country while risking their lives all around the world. It’s hard to fathom the depth of the injuries and scars – both physical and psychological – that these brave Americans carry with them when they return home.
The media often tends to portray their lives in extremes. Often, they minimize the after-effects of war by showing vets who appear appear to have completely assimilated into society with no problems at all, or they highlight vets who have not adjusted well and are in the midst of some horrific headline story in the evening news.
Rarely do we catch a glimpse into the lives of vets who live their lives somewhere in the gap between those two extremes – but that is where Noah Galloway resides in Living With No Excuses: The Remarkable Rebirth Of An American Soldier.
I first met Noah Galloway in my living room as he began visiting my home week after week on Dancing With The Stars – if not for that show, I’d probably have no idea who this brave soldier was. But as I watched the show, I was introduced to Noah – a young man who is now a multiple amputee as a result of his service time in Iraq – and learned just what he was capable of. The show included heartwarming segments about the before and after moments of Noah’s life. But the emphasis of those clips was showing the DWTS audience Noah’s ability to overcome the odds and learn to dance.
But Living With No Excuses takes us on a more realistic journey through Noah’s life before, during, and after his injuries that fateful night in Iraq. This journey is not warm, fuzzy, or pretty – it’s dark, gritty, and real. Even before Noah was injured, he was a desperately flawed man. As his memoir reveals, catastrophic injuries intensify both the strengths and flaws that already exist inside you.
What I like about Living With No Excuses is the raw and honest matter in which Noah shares his story and the fact that no matter what life has thrown his way, that he has never stopped fighting and never given up. Noah’s story will provide many readers strength, courage, and hope.
Living With No Excuses is the personal story of one brave man, but it’s also a tribute to ever man and women who has ever served our country.
May we always remember that the freedom we experience each day is due in large measure to men and women like Noah Galloway.
About Noah Galloway
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Sergeant Noah Galloway was assigned to the 1st of the 502nd Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Just three months in to his second tour of duty, he experienced a life changing injury. On December 19, 2005, Galloway lost his left arm above the elbow and left leg above the knee in an Improvised Explosive Device attack. He was transported to Germany to receive medical treatment, remaining unconscious for five days. Galloway woke up late in the evening on Christmas Eve to learn he lost two of his limbs and sustained severe injuries to his right leg and his jaw. Galloway was then transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC.
After a long stint in recovery and rehabilitation, Galloway did what many disabled veterans do, becoming withdrawn, out of shape and depressed. The former fitness fanatic and hyper competitive athlete was now drinking, smoking and sleeping his days away. But late one night, Galloway took a long look in the mirror and realized there was more to him than the injuries. And he set a goal to get back in shape, be healthier and inspire others.
Now a fitness expert and motivational speaker, Galloway doesn’t take excuses from his clients, fans and followers – and finds ways to get things done. He continues to compete, participating in adventure races around the country, such as Tough Mudder, Spartan events, fitness competitions plus numerous 5Ks, 10Ks and marathons.
A sought after public speaker, Galloway travels the country sharing his story, encouraging and motivating others to offer no excuses. He is also a third place finalist in ABC’s hit series, Dancing with the Stars.
A firm believer in giving back to those around him in need, Galloway recently created the No Excuses Charitable Fund, which raises money and awareness for organizations that mean the most to him, including Operation Enduring Warrior and No Barriers USA.
Resources
For More Information
- Visit Noah’s Website.
- Connect with Noah on Facebook and Twitter.
- Visit the Publisher’s Website.
- Living With No Excuses is available on Amazon.
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Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Hatchette Books for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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Thanks for sharing this review. I have heard of him but do not know his story. As the wife of a Vietnam veteran, I have personal knowledge of what it’s like to be a war veteran, and I am encouraged to know of other veterans who have not just survived but thrived after their military service. I will put this book on my list to read soon.
Twitter: mommynificent
says:
This book looks really inspiring! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
Tina
Wow! He is a remarkable soldier.
Praise God for all of our men & women soldiers.