We've all heard the axiom that "people" are the greatest asset in every organization. But are all people "equal"? Designed to be a bit edgy, this book reveals how some people - today's Veterans - often bring more positive to the table than their civilian-trained constituents and how this difference is a benefit to the organization. Navy veteran Mike Schindler, Founder and CEO of Operation Military Family, tells the stories of our returning heroes so that we might gain a true understanding of life for returning vets and their families. While addressing some of the hardships of returning vets, Schindler also reveals another side of America's heroes the side that celebrates the triumphs and hirable qualities offered by our veterans including: A Strong Work Ethic A Positive Attitude The Willingness to Do More Strong Job Preparedness Being Solution Minded High Energy U.S. Veterans in the Workforce sheds light on the American heroes who come home to new heroic endeavors the ones that make America worth fighting for. It creates a bridge between the military and civilian divide and helps both veterans and civilians understand how their differences contribute to the overall vision.

When Neil Reynolds was first asked to work as a private military contractor in Iraq, he didn’t even know where it was on the map. But the Border War veteran and former SANDF officer would quickly learn the ins and outs of working and surviving in that war-torn country. It was 2003 and the US-led coalition that had toppled Saddam Hussein was confronted with a savage insurgency.

His candid, unvarnished account tells of the numerous challenges faced by private military contractors in Iraq: from avoiding ambushes on the highways in and around Baghdad to buying guns on the black market and dodging bullets on several hair-raising protection missions. He describes how his team’s low-profile approach allowed them to blend in with the local population and mostly kept them and their clients safe.

Reynolds also tells the tragic story of four South African colleagues who were kidnapped and killed outside Baghdad in 2006.

Mike Ledingham has been a farmhand, soldier, real estate salesman, small business operator, armed security guard and caregiver. Once a Grunt is an offbeat collection of 10 short stories loosely based on his experiences in the Infantry and the SAS and beyond. They reflect his keen enjoyment of the funny side of life, his total lack of respect for bullies and self-important wallies, and his deep empathy with the underdog.