Cox Robin Overby - Steel Will: My Journey through Hell to Become the Man I Was Meant to Be

2014 by Shilo Harris

Published by Baker Books

a division of Baker Publishing Group

P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www.bakerbooks.com

Ebook edition created 2014

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

ISBN 978-1-4412-2060-8

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan .com .

To protect the privacy of those who have shared their stories with the author, some details and names have been changed.

Staff Sergeant Harris has made a choice not embraced by veterans of wars past to talk and talk and talk about what hes experienceda soldier turned messenger. He leaves crowds standing at attention, as he honors his friends who have fallen.

August Skamenca , reporter, CBS News

After eight deployments in the War on Terror, I can speak to the challenges of the modern battlefield. Like Shilo, I know the combat of recovery from catastrophic wounds. I know the grief of losing comrades in arms despite your best efforts to protect them. And like Shilo, I know something about medals. Service to our country is what we do, who we are. In Steel Will , we see what happens to an ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances. We see what happens when an ordinary man rises above a bleak prognosis, when an ordinary family surrounds their hero with love and hopefulness, and when an extraordinary, miracle-working God places his hands on the one he loves.

SFC Leroy Petry , United States Army Medal of Honor recipient

This book should be required reading for every American, especially our youth. Shilo Harris is a true patriot and an American hero. This book embodies the essential spirit of America by reminding us that being a hero isnt always judged by your accomplishments. It is often judged by your sacrifice so others can have their accomplishments under a blanket of freedom.

Ric Savage , former professional wrestler, television host

SSG Shilo Harris, in his writing, has exposed his soul like no other author. His life is open and raw, revealing his unwavering faith, his clear understanding of the risks of war, and its heartbreaking impact on all those who are touched by it. He questions whether his actions really made a difference, but his faith and Gods omnipresence within allow him a sense of peace and well-being. Shilo was a soldier and remains a soldier, injured and recovered, with an enduring commitment to serve as best he can even though the battlefield has been altered. Steel Will is a book that will emotionally rip you apart but will have you cheering at the end. A definite read!

Fred Gregory , Air Force Vietnam vet, astronaut, NASA Deputy Administrator

This book is an honor to read! Shilos heroism and life story are truly an inspiration to all. Shilo makes me proud to be an American. I highly recommend this book to all who value freedom!

Eric Turner , rock guitarist, founding member of Warrant

Ive seen and done a lot of things in my life. US Army. Ranger. Special Forces. Golden Knights. A midair parachuting collision at 150 mph killed my partner instantly and severed both my legs. I thought my story was tough. But reading Steel Will put me in the fire, in the coma, and on the rocky road to recovery. When the last page was turned, I felt honored to know the man of Steel Will , Shilo Harris.

SFC US Army ( Ret ) Dana Bowman , HALO for Freedom Warrior Foundation

SSG Shilo Harris, and hundreds of thousands of soldiers like him, put themselves in harms way and in Gods hands for the cause of freedom. For these warriors, uncommon valor is the benchmark. To be sure, Shilos story is dramatic. But the focus of Steel Will is clearly a call to action to support Americas troops, their families, caregivers, and our nation. God bless our military and God bless America.

COL Don Doc Ballard , US Army (Ret), US Navy Corpsman, USMC DOC, Medal of Honor recipient 1968

As a combat veteran and fellow wounded warrior, Shilo Harriss account of his life, combat, military career, and horrific wounds is one of hope, inspiration, and the overcoming spirit I have built my life around. It is a journey into a soldiers life abruptly plunged into the depths of human misery and despair, but through love and faith, he finds the steel will to push against all odds and set the example for his family, his fellow warriors, and everyone around him. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great story and motivation to overcome the adversity we all face in life.

Jason Redman , US Navy SEAL (Ret), author of The Trident : The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader

For the caring and daring soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division