What Are Readers Saying?
The Reviews Are In!
“His story, My Story, Our Story is an insightful read regarding the ties that bind a Marine Corps family, and the stresses placed upon those ties. From combat tours, change of station moves, and the memories that often haunt combat veterans, Brian Ahearn lays bare the good, bad, and ugly of being the son of a Marine. Through his eyes, from childhood, to becoming a father himself, we read of hurt, empathy, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This is why “Thank you for your service” means so much to Vietnam veterans and their families, for although the families don’t wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, they sacrifice and serve our country, as well.”
– Robert J. Sutter
former Captain USMC,
author of ODD MAN OUT
“My father-in-law served in the Marine Corp as a tank commander in Vietnam – an experience that would impact his personal and professional relationships until his passing in 2008. Brian’s thoughtful presentation of the experiences our veterans had defending our country and then the impact that the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had on shaping their interpersonal relationships afterwards should give every reader pause to reflect on the true cost that has been paid by these warriors. “Semper Fi” is more than just a slogan – it is a promise paid in the blood, sweat and tears of anyone who has earned the title of Marine.”
– John Fear
Owner Premier Business Consulting
“Brian Ahearn Sr. and I were close friends for nearly 40 years until the time of his passing. During our friendship we had many conversations about business, fatherhood, life, and eventually his experience with the Vietnam War. Now his son, Brian, authors penetrating stories of the broken lives, the love lost between fathers and sons, and tenderly discovered in life and time. A resolving account of finding his father’s love again beautifully written with truth, honor, and forgiveness by the hand of the last son.”
– G. James Caldwell
Family Friend
“As an Army veteran with the 82nd Airborne Division, I understand the personal and family challenges that come with serving our country. The challenges all veterans face when returning to civilian life is to retain the good that comes with their service, to learn from the difficult experiences, and get help when needed. Brian Ahearn’s book also highlights many of the challenges that come for the families of veterans. As a father of two, it was eye opening for me to see this from a different vantage point. This book will help those who have served and is a great resource for their families. If both groups read His Story, My Story, Our Story, I have no doubt they will be closer as a result.”
– Patrick Leddin, Ph.D
Associate Professor,
Vanderbilt University
“Brian’s book, His Story, My Story, Our Story, is a great depiction of how everyone in the family truly deploys. It connects the effects of combat veterans returning home by giving three unique points of views; the child, the wife, and the veteran himself. This book helps military families understand the new dynamic they are facing as a family.”
– Edwin Medina
U.S. Army, Iraq War Veteran
“In this deeply personal account, written by the son of a U.S. Combat Marine, readers are invited on an intimate journey into the challenges, lasting impact, and unwavering resilience experienced while growing up with a father battling combat PTSD. A captivating blend of biography, human interest, and psychology, Brian’s vulnerability draws you in, offering laughter, amazement, and profound self-discovery. As a retired USAF Special Operator, I found this book to be a mirror reflecting my own experiences and a window into the lives of those around me. Brian’s story is a compelling exploration of human connection, resilience, and the enduring strength that resides within us all.”
– Anthony Tormey
USAF, Retired, Speaker, Coach, and Founder of Leader Development Institute
“Brian has penned an excellent and reflective book about his dad in a way that touches the heart as well as educates the reader on the life of a United States Marine. Like Brian, my dad, served as a junior officer in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years, so his depiction of Captain Ahearn resonated with me as I read His Story, My Story, Our Story: Eternal Lessons of Fatherhood, Sacrifice, and Service. In Section 1, the author shares his own perspectives about his dad that are meaningful and profound. In Section 2, the author uses his dad’s words to help the reader to understand his motives, actions, and goals. I highly recommend this book as a way to learn, grow, and appreciate the father-son relationship in our times.”
– Kevin Wayne Johnson
son of a Marine, CEO of The Johnson Leadership Group
“Father and son relationships can be complex and challenging even under the best of circumstances however, even more difficult as the result of a father experiencing his own trauma and relationship experiences. His Story, My Story, Our Story: Eternal Lessons about Fatherhood, Sacrifice and Service is an unabated story of a father and son relationship that seeks understanding and shows the power of forgiveness and the special bond between father and son. As a Marine, the dynamics of the stress of combat are difficult to explain especially to our children. Brian tells the story of his relationship between he and his father that sheds light on the importance of understanding and the ability to forgive in order to preserve the relationship. The insight of a combat Marine and a son over a lifetime, Brian shines a light on his personal experiences that are often painful however, never gives up on understanding his father and more importantly, loving and respecting him above all! A great read for sons and fathers alike!”
– Colonel M.G. McCoy
USMC retired
“Have you ever picked up a book and been so strongly impacted that you didn’t want to put it down? Not just because the story is authentic, but because it relates to you personally, and the lives of your loved ones, touching generations. Brian’s book, His Story, My Story, Our Story, packs an emotionally powerful punch…but not at the gut level. At the heart level. I felt, I lived Brian’s journey as a child, a young man, and a married man through the complicated and meaningful relationship with his father. As a veteran myself, and the grandson of a WWII veteran, Brian’s book wasn’t simply a powerful story; it was insight into the unspoken burdens my grandfather. Just like Brian – and those who have loved ones that are serving and have served – what remains often for the children of a veteran is a mix of gratefulness for an incredible heritage and a life full of painful moments. This book will encourage conversations, compassion, and perhaps forgiveness within those who have not been quite able to identify why their veterans think, act, and feel like they do at times. Brian’s book is a source of healing, insight, and hope. I highly recommend it.”
– John Hanson
U.S. Army veteran
