Hey guys!
Hope everyone is doing well!
I’m writing because I wanted to share the new foreword that I recently wrote for Hill 406.
The book has been doing well — thankfully! — but I’d been wrestling with a foreword for the book for some time. (It originally published without one, because I didn’t’ want to hold up publication any longer while waiting on it.)
But it was one of those situations where I was too close to it, and there was so much to say, and so little space to say it. Plus, most readers — including myself!! — are like, “Just let me get to the story!” when they’re reading most forewords.
So, with all those thoughts in mind, I finally came up with something that I think works. And as I said, I finally completed it last night, so here it is:
Author’s Note
This book is dedicated to all of those who have served. Especially those who did their hard time in Afghanistan. To date, nearly 800,000 have served there. Of that number, nearly 30,000 have served more than five tours there.
Also to date, almost 2,500 have died, and 20,000 have been wounded; many losing limbs or worse.
Finally, over 100,000 have reported having PTSD problems.
A few things about this book…
I’ve obviously written a work of fiction about the Marine Corps and the war in Afghanistan. It’s (hopefully) both enjoyable and fast moving, and also real and harsh, like coarse sandpaper rubbed across your skin.
It should be a lot of fun; a fast read. But it should also seem deeper and more real than a lot of those light military fiction books, where the good guys kick ass and go home unscarred.
With that being said, a few quick details about the book.
Camp Leatherneck is real.
The stats on deaths and the state of danger in Helmand Province are real. The terrain in that province is real. The tactics and weapons are real.
On the other hand, the towns of “Alim Nuaz” and “Gorahumbira” are completely made up. Also, there is no Hill 406. All characters are made up. And all Marine Corps units are made up. I felt I needed to use these fictional elements because I wanted the freedom to have a little flexibility with the story.
And with all of this out of the way, I sincerely hope you enjoy the story. Oh, and if you do, please spread the word.
Semper Fidelis,
Stan R. Mitchell
SGT, USMC
A/1/8,1995-99
Hopefully, that foreword helps capture what I felt needed to be said about the book. For those who’ve already read it, and reviewed it, THANK YOU!!
And if you haven’t taken a look at it yet, please consider giving it a try. You can read the short book description and even a long sample on Amazon at this link: Hill 406. (Or click the book cover at right.)
Semper Fidelis,
Stan R. Mitchell
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I write exciting, fast-paced thrillers. Both military action and mystery whodunnits. Ten books penned. 70,000+ sold. I try to only write about positive things. If you’re looking for a quick, fun read, then click the link to check out my books. #USMC
