"The Stan by Dan Talley is a soul-searing memoir....they give chapter and verse detail of the trauma of combat, its aftermath, and the real cost of it to those in uniform and loved ones at home. Those who have experienced what the Talleys have will understand. Those who have not will find in The Stan a powerful work to help bridge that gulf."

Dwight Zimmerman, MWSA President & Reviewer

"...Veterans of any combat will recognize themselves in here. So will family members. Maybe seeing each other's stories in print will help bridge any divisions. For those that haven't been part of a similar story, this book will help you understand."

-Skip Rhode- Kindle Reader & Veteran

'"The Stan" holds nothing back - survivor's guilt, crisis of faith, war's negative effects families, veteran suicide, invisible wounds of war (PTSD and TBI), post-deployment career challenges - and offers powerful inspiration..."

- Hannah Becker - Paperback reader & Veteran spouse

How does;

* a young soldier on his first combat tour in Afghanistan react when Dad flies out on a medical plane?

* ole' Sarge react as he sees a smoke cloud of his Son's truck, victom of a Rocket Propelled Grenade, three kilometers down the road, with tracers, explosions, and under fire?

* wife and mother face husband's third tour and Son's first?

* what can a combat tour single mother do when followed home at night?

* nine year old Charlotte regain emotional attachment to Papa when he isn't Papa anymore?

* A Papa deal with loss of civilian and military careers, inability to provide for his family, and spiritual despair; Dale faces every disabled vet's question, "Who am I?"

Book Quotes;

Charlotte to Papa - "Will you come back?"

Josh to Dad while in Afghanistan - "Why would they send us where they know you'll be shot at?"

Dad to Josh - "This is our mission."

Karen to Husband - "Why would you go again?"

Private thoughts, therapy sessions, journal entries, and memories of our family of four offer a rare opportunity to experience deployment as we say goodbye, sacrifice for others, struggle inwardly, attempt to heal, and move on with life from differing, even opposing, perspectives. Observe unspoken emotions, hopes, and dreams common to military families.
About the Author: Dan Talley is a veteran of a twenty-six year marriage, twenty-eight year military career and three wars. His varied occupations include years of leadership in military, educational, industrial, religious, and civic organizations. God, through this experiential education, amassed within this storyteller numerous tales to be told. Dan is winner of both visual art and literary contests. His experience, quest for understanding, creativity, and artistry enable story-telling which guides others to comprehend truths from ordinary and extraordinary situations. Serving in combat with his son in 2010 brought new perspectives on Jesus' sacrifice and God's love. Subsequent depression, suicidal thoughts, and PTSD, contrast with a mission trip in India to grow greater compassion for others and a desire to assist in their personal growth.