Once A Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander’s Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery

by Nick Popaditch and Mike Steere

The autobiography of a retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant, invalided out from wounds received in Iraq.  Popaditch wanted to be Marine more than anything else in the world.  He even tried to stay in even after being hit in the head with a rocket.  During his 15-year career, he specialized in armor, and he throws a good deal of light on the tanker community.  He and his freelance-journalist collaborator also provide rare exposure of how the Marine Corps looks from the perspective of a noncommissioned officer whose loyalty to it doesn’t blind him to its vices and limitations.  This book is highly recommended for all Marine ranks!