As a young boy growing up in Texas, I learned early that wars were characteristic of death. The news, described the American losses of each day's battles. Once in a while, you would hear how the Americans fought bravely and turned back the enemy or they took over a stronghold. Even when I was in basic training, our marching cadences dealt with being shipped back in a box. I then found myself trying to define hero. I couldn't answer that, because I was led to believe you had to do something very heroic. Whether you lived or died, you were a hero... I found out in later years, a hero is anyone who puts on the American uniform in defense of our country. Why are hometowns of America not recognizing the deceased heroes, outside the battle field, of past and present wars? In my book, I take you step by step through everyday life in a combat zone. What it's like being involved in actual battle, and the casualties resulting from each conflict: the men, the women, the real heroes.