Could it be some people are destined to be killed or wounded in combat of war? Read the many adventures, wounds and losses of Russell D. Ward to understand he may have been programmed to be wounded in combat. Should the event of waging combat war become a thing of the past? Surly Russell like so many other soldiers who were wounded in wartime would never give up.You have in your hands the poignant story of the life of Russell D. Ward. Starting from infancy in 1947, this real life story depicts the youthful denials and hatred for God when things didn't go his way. Turning his back on his religious upbringing, Russell cheats, lies, steals a car, pokes fun at the vulnerable and does other wrongful behavior that has led to punishment, retribution and ultimately the growth and acknowledgement of the goodness of God and the world. As Russell matures to adolescence, we read of innocence lost; the too rapid growth into adulthood, which cuts short his time of teenage development. Further misjudgment and mistakes, and a disregard for common sense, leave Russell stumbling through his young adult life, caught in a liminal space between youth and adulthood; desire for right and circumstances that encourage wrong.Near catastrophe, combined with unexpected episodes of adventure, eventually lead to Russell getting married and being sent to Vietnam. Here he finally comes to realize that God is good; that he is God of everything. This does not mean Russell's troubles are over. As he returns home a wounded soldier, with Purple Heart in hand, Russell's life is slowly crushed. His marriage is broken. His sons are lost to him. His very life seems lost in drugs. Finally Russell is hired by the United States Postal Service, and he musters the strength to turn his life around.Over the course of life's ups and downs, Russell has proved a worthy and strong human being. The wondrous gift of welcoming two daughters into the world is contrasted with the loss of loved ones. Along the way Russell forms opinions on many important topics in life; some wise, some highly opinionated, but all honest, and all with the goal of helping all Americans and ultimately the world at large. Learn from Russell's mistakes. Take what wisdom you may from his opinions, and recognize a life well lived.Here are a few excerpts' you will read that have been taken from his Musings.Consumers Trade-in Program: We Americans deserve to be treated to the best deals and get the most and best of everything possible, to show therest of the world our government is the best and our way of living is the greatest.Gun Control: There have been too many mass shootings. I think my plan to have gun owners and gun users take my aptitude test will work by having people who live or work with gun owners and gun users to be vigilant if someone refuses to take the test or does not do well on the test, to report them to the proper authorities. There are many things that can be changed or added to our national policies to make for a better America, so join with Russell on his life travels to appreciate life.
About the Author: Russell Ward is a brave man. While the word 'bravery' conjures up many different things to many different people, the bravery Russell embodies spans all interpretations, across time, space and context. I have known this man for four years, and it has been my honor and privilege to help him tell his story. It is a story that should be told, because it is a story that is real and human and brave. It is brave because it confronts and shares the parts of Russell's life that most of us would try to forget, or would keep to ourselves because it might make us look bad. There is none of that in Russell's story. You get Russell - real, honest, and sometimes raw. And that makes it brave. Stories from Russell's childhood demonstrate childhood bravery. Russell stands up to bullies. He takes questionable risks with his life. He seems to have no regard for his safety, and he takes his life in the fast lane. (Sometimes literally.) Russell grows into young adulthood with the usual teenage shenanigans and adventures, and he takes the reader on a ride with him through the Vietnam War and his life struggles after the war. Once enlisted into the military, he shows a depth of character seldom seen today. Russell follows the orders he is given, literally facing bullets and bombs, and ultimately exhibiting bravery that is befitting of a Purple Heart recipient. Upon his return from Vietnam, Russell's bravery is challenged anew. Confronted with a seemingly ungrateful society, an unloving and incomplete marriage, and questionable skills for entering civilian life, he tries to make his way and find himself in an unwelcoming world. But he tries. And he tries some more.