Once a Warrior

Praise

Praise for Once a Warrior:

“Once A Warrior is the book that America needs right now. Jake Wood’s life-changing experience is a reminder of the greatness of the American spirit and how, now more than ever, we need to activate that spirit for the common good.”
—Tom Brokaw, journalist and author of The Greatest Generation

“One veteran’s call to action can change the world. A must-read for anyone who wants to better understand the struggles and opportunities that our warriors experience upon returning from combat.”
—Marcus Luttrell, author of Lone Survivor

“Once you taste the joy and fulfillment that comes from service, you’ll want to continue to serve, and Jake Wood proves it. Once A Warrior will inspire you to want to be a better human being.” 
—Simon Sinek, optimist and author of Start with Why, Leaders Eat Last, and The Infinite Game
 
“An inspiring, true story of combat, courage, and commitment. Jake Wood did what warriors must, and came away from the experience a builder; building Team Rubicon, rebuilding lives, and creating hope.”
—General Stanley McChrystal, author of Team of Teams

“Anyone who wants to better understand the veteran experience—or anyone who has a pulse—should read this gut-wrenching, paradigm-shifting book. Jake Wood offers one of the most soaring definitions of service I’ve ever seen.”
—Maria Shriver, award-winning journalist and author of I’ve Been Thinking

 “Once a Warrior is a book full of wisdom learned the bloody hard way. Taking us from Iraq to Afghanistan, to the truly incredible organization he built in the wake of his service, this is a roadmap for engaged, serious citizenship of the most inspiring kind.”
—Phil Klay, author of Redeployment

“Ever notice that the best business books aren’t business books? This is one of those books.”
—Chris Sacca, investor, self-made billionaire, and frequent co-host of Shark Tank
 
“This book will forever have a place in my heart. This beautifully written book is not just for veterans—it’s for all of us.”
—Martha Raddatz, author of The Long Road Home

“This journey of repair from disaster deserves to be our nation’s bestseller. This riveting tale reminds us of our shared humanity. It combines grit, dedication, suffering, adventure, grief, love, resurrection, and succor for those most in need.”
—Bing West, author of No True Glory and co-author with General Jim Mattis of Call Sign Chaos

“This life-changing book is a tonic against the apathy and lack of information that prevents us from seeing some of the most vulnerable communities among us. It will forever change the way you see and talk to veterans, watch the news, donate, and volunteer. By the final page, you’ll be flooded with hope.”
—Scott Harrison, author of Thirst
 
“Part searing combat memoir, part meditation on grief and loss, and part rollicking entrepreneurial success story, Once a Warrior is the hit of hope I needed for 2020.”
—Nathaniel Fick, author of One Bullet Away
 
“This book is an adventure story. I couldn’t put it down. For anyone seeking meaning, and especially for veterans trying to fill the hole created upon leaving active service, Once a Warrior offers a superb example of how a small group of veterans created their own tools and made meaning happen.”
—Karl Marlantes, author of Matterhorn
 
“Jake Wood is a hero, even though he hates when you say it. He served valiantly in Iraq and Afghanistan—and even more valiantly at home, when he organized thousands of post-9/11 veterans to create Team Rubicon, the inspiring and wildly effective disaster relief organization. And he can write! This is a book for this moment, filled with hope and optimism about our country’s future.”
—Joe Klein, author of Charlie Mike
 
“This is a raw, heartfelt, and inspiring book about an incredible journey from patriot to warrior to humanitarian. Jake Wood has enough experience to know how hard the world is and enough wisdom to know that hard isn’t the same as impossible.”
—David Finkel, Pulitzer Prize winner and author of Thank You for Your Service
 
“Going to war is the easy part. The tough part is coming home. Jake Wood has written an important, necessary book about finding your way there.”
—Elliot Ackerman, author of Places and Names