Friend Grief and the Military: Band of Friends

MWSA Review

Friend Grief and the Military: Band of Friends is a short and simple book about a complicated problem faced by all who are in and are touched in some way by the military in a time of war. Grief is complicated, dealing with it even more so.

On page 51 there is a small chart of what is involved; causes, reasons, explanations, whichever term you feel applies for you. Focus on the lists, only words, perhaps, but, absorb not the words but the complexity. PTSD, Moral Injury a combination of both. You can begin to understand how a “one size fits all” imply cannot work.

Noe expands the understanding by painting with the broad brush of inclusion. Yes, the combat soldier is clearly the main focus of most but she helps us to understand that this touches all. Reporter, medic, doctor, they also experience trauma and guilt.

Many still believe PTSD and such are bogus, not so, and the far reaching effects of war on those involved in many ways is touched on in Noe’s book, worth a look, worth the read.

Reviewed by: jim greenwald (2015)

Author's Summary

"They were killing my friends." That was how Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy justified his heroic actions in World War II. As long as there have been wars, men and women in the military have watched their friends die. Experts warn that delaying our grief will complicate our lives. But what about those who have no choice but to delay it until the battle is over? In "Friend Grief and The Military: Band of Friends" you'll meet military and non-combatants who struggle with the grief and guilt of losing their friends. You'll learn, too, in the amazing ways they help each other, that "leave no one behind" is a life-long commitment.