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Onex: No Ordinary Dog
No Ordinary Dog is exactly what it says on the cover. This book follows the incredible life of Onex, a black Labrador who starts out sniffing out bombs for the U.S. Army and ends up saving lives in ways no one could’ve imagined. From war zones to Tennessee porches, Onex’s journey is packed with heart, heroism, and a tail-wagging amount of love. It’s the story of a dog who gave everything—his strength, his loyalty, his whole heart—to protect the people he loved, and in the end, became so much more than a service animal. He became family.
As someone who would rather hang out with dogs than most people, this book hit me right in the feels. I loved the way Debi Stinson writes with such raw honesty and warmth. Onex’s military service alone would’ve made him a hero, but it’s the quieter, everyday moments that stuck with me. Like when Chris collapsed in the garage and Onex sprinted off barking like crazy to get help. I teared up right there. That wasn’t just training—that was love. You can feel it. Or the time Onex chased his first tennis ball. My own pup does this goofy hop when he’s excited, and I could just picture Onex doing something similar. It made me laugh, made me ache a little too. There’s something so special about seeing a working dog finally get to just be a dog.
The last few chapters are an emotional ride. My heart was in my throat when the fire broke out, and Onex got everyone out safely. And don’t even get me started on his final days. I was ugly-crying. It wasn’t just sad, though. It was beautiful. Onex had such a purpose, and he was surrounded by people who loved him like crazy. The way Chris and Deb honored him, the way they remembered his river-dance paws even after he passed… it reminded me of the dogs I’ve loved and lost. That ache, that joy. This book gets it.
I’d recommend No Ordinary Dog to anyone who’s ever loved a dog, served in the military, or just believes in the power of second chances and loyal hearts. It’s not just a dog story—it’s a story about healing, bravery, and the bonds that never break.
Pages: 107 | ASIN : B0DXL1LD6R
Heart to Heart Resuscitation – A Memoir
The transition from the battlefield to civilian life is often a tumultuous journey for war veterans. Heart to Heart Resuscitation, by Vic Montgomery III, explores this delicate subject through the lens of the Montgomery Model of heart-to-heart resuscitation. This innovative approach is designed to aid veterans in healing from the deep-seated trauma and mental anguish often experienced post-service. The book delves into the complexities of post-traumatic stress disorder, substance dependency, and the broad spectrum of mental health challenges that many veterans face upon returning home.
Montgomery’s passionate advocacy for heart-to-heart resuscitation is a testament to his commitment to restoring the lives of those who have served. His method, which emphasizes counseling from the heart and the power of storytelling, is both unique and commendable. The author’s dedication to working with individuals struggling with chemical dependencies and severe mental health issues reflects a deep understanding and respect for the sacrifices made by military personnel. While the book does not shy away from the harsh realities of war and its aftermath, it also offers a message of hope and recovery. Montgomery’s work is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for renewal even after the most harrowing experiences. This book is not only a valuable resource for veterans and their families but also for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of war on the human psyche.
In Heart to Heart Resuscitation, Vic Montgomery III emerges as a compassionate figure dedicated to the noble cause of healing and supporting those who have endured the unthinkable. His work serves as a reminder of the ongoing support needed by veterans as they navigate the challenging path back to civilian life. The book is well-crafted, offering insights into the struggles and triumphs of those who have served, making it a recommended read for a broad audience.
Pages: 278 | ASIN : B0CN7BLCHG
Stories of the Soldiers
In Chop That Sh*t Up!, you share both the highs and lows from your time serving in the US Army along with your reflections on leadership and the challenges faced by veterans. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Chop that Sh*t Up! became another chapter of therapy for myself. Over the years I have been fortunate to speak at several graduations, conferences, and engagements, and each one I would either tell a funny story, an inspiring story (to me), or a deep meaning story about my soldiers. Every single time, someone would say “You have to put this into a book and tell your story.” More importantly, I needed to tell the stories of the soldiers I lost. I failed them by not recognizing them properly, by not being better as a leader, and I needed others to see what I saw and served with – Heroes. This book is for them.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Myself. Although I was used to being in front and in charge, I truly hate talking about myself. I would much rather spend every day talking about my family and soldiers. All day and every day. Telling their stories was easy. Talking about my failures was easy because I have always used my mistakes to help others learn from it, as I did. Trying to write about myself in a positive light was hard for me, as I do not view myself as such. To this day, I cannot finish the beautiful foreword written about me without crying.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about life after the military?
That we are ok because we are tough. Some are tough but most are like me, we survived and we struggle every day to continue to survive. We did what we were asked and volunteered to do, but I do not wish war, the things I have done and seen, on anyone. Ever!
Can readers expect to see more from you in the near future?
The original idea was to put together a collection of stories from several soldiers and veterans. That is one of the ideas of how this book came about. Take a group of veterans and sit them down and just listen to their stories. Each and every one has a hilarious or gut-wrenching story they tell. My next book, I want to put those stories together. Tell their story!
Author Links: Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn | Amazon
Chop that Sh*t Up! is a collection of stories by a military veteran with deployments ranging from Bosnia-Herzegovina to tours in Iraq. Follow along his twenty-eight-year career from private to command sergeant major, and learn how a young, gullible private became a battle-hardened soldier to an emotionally broken leader on his journey back to civilian life. Whether you served, are thinking about serving, or know or care about someone who has served, this book will make you laugh, cry, or both. A true warrior and backbone of the Army, CSM (R) Pinion shares the highs and lows of his life serving our country in this soul-sharing book about him and his men.
Chop That Sh*t Up!: Leadership and Life Lessons Learned While in the Military
Chop That Sh*t Up!, by CSM Daniel L. Pinion, is an enthralling autobiography that offers an insider’s look into the life of a U.S. Army soldier. Spanning an impressive 28-year career, from his early days as a naïve private to his esteemed position as a sergeant major, Pinion’s narrative is both raw and insightful.
This autobiography is a patchwork of human experience, weaving together tales that range from the hilariously absurd—like the incident that lends the book its title—to the deeply moving. Readers will be taken on a journey through the spectrum of military life, encountering the humor and sorrow that come with the territory. Pinion’s candid recollections serve as a poignant reflection for those considering military service and offer a dose of reality for the general public.
Despite touching on heavier themes, Pinion’s memoir offers more than just a glimpse into the military psyche. His honest confrontation with personal challenges such as traumatic brain injury and PTSD is revealing and serves as a testament to the very real struggles faced by many service members.
There is a rhythmic balance of light and dark within these pages. Pinion possesses a remarkable ability to convey the unique camaraderie among soldiers, eliciting laughter with one anecdote and drawing tears with the next. Particularly moving is the book’s conclusion, which pays homage to fallen comrades in a manner that commands respect and reflection from the reader.
Pinion does not shy away from controversy, either. His memoir doubles as an exposé, where he offers a critical eye towards the military hierarchy and shares his disenchantment with some of the leadership he encountered. Furthermore, he sheds light on the systemic failures veterans face upon returning home, especially regarding mental health support.
Chop That Sh*t Up!, by CSM Daniel L. Pinion, is an exceptional addition to military biographies and narratives, providing a voice to experiences often shrouded in silence. It is an essential read not only for prospective soldiers but for anyone looking to understand the profound sacrifices and bonds forged in the line of duty. This book, authentic and heartfelt, deserves a place on the shelf of every reader who values the depth and complexity of real-life heroism.
Pages: 182 | ASIN : B0CGCSKP9J
LITERARY TITAN 