Final Salute: A Story of Unfinished Lives

Best Non-Fiction Novel I Have Read By-Far

I met Jim Sheeler at an event at the University of Colorado. He brought one of the marines with him as a guest to tell the stories behind fallen soldiers. This book has inspired me greatly. It makes you grateful for what you have because for these guys, they are living it a day at a time overseas. I know several men in the marines right now overseas stationed in Iraq. Everyday I keep telling myself that they will come home; hopefully they will but one of them was killed in action not too long ago. I have come to support the men and women in the military no matter who the president is and no matter who I am sitting next to. It is an honor to be friends with these guys. They are like brothers to me when they are on US soil; they watch over me. To read Sheeler's book brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. His writing style puts you in the room as the marine informs the family of the death of their son or husband, daughter or wife. I highly recommend this book to anyone whether you are a military buff or just looking for a good read.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

MUST READ!

This book should be in every classroom, home, office...it is that great.
I read alot, and I can't remember the last time a book has gripped me on every emotional level. If you have someone fighting for this country or not, if you have mixed emotions about the war, this book details the lives of those families that have lost their loved ones protecting this country, the life of the soldier, the gut wrenching pain of their private hell when they are informed of their loss. Whatever your view is, this book will change not only your mind, but your life. These families become your family. Their pain becomes your pain. Jim Sheeler has beautifully written this tribute to all involved and sheds light on what happens after our fallen heroes have come home to their final rest. The man should be given a Pulitzer for this work. I cried. I grieved. I have immense pride for these soldiers, their families, the courage to knock on the door...it would take wide shoulders to bear this responsibility. The Final Salute is not only for these families of the book, but for all the servicemen & servicewomen who have given their lives to protect America & their families. I stop now when the news speaks of our fallen heroes, I know now what will come next for them. I became conditioned, as most of us have after these many years of war. Not anymore. I read this book and felt shame for my selfish thinking of my daily gripes. I want you to get this book if you are considering it, you will not be sorry. Thank you Jim Sheeler & the families for bringing these beautiful lives full circle in such an honorable way. May God Bless.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A reviewer

I must say I just got the book today and I am only 77 pages into it. But so far I have had tears in my eyes for the biggest part of it. It's so far a wonderful book that takes you into the lives of those who lost someone they loved. Jim Sheeler really wrote a wonderful book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Spectacular Insight to the Dearest Price to Pay

I purchased this book yesterday, and completed it today. As an avid military follower, and part of a military family, I knew some of the stories featured. This book, however, brought to light the lives of not just the Soldier, Marines, and Corpsman, but their families. Jim Sheeler did an amazing job touching all aspects. At the same time, he has touched the hearts of everyone who picks this book up. With every turn of the page, you feel your heart tear, tears well in your eyes, and you want to reach out to the family. Major Beck is an astounding person, and exemplifies what it means to be a Marine. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A reviewer

This was difficult to read and even more difficult to put down. It is so heartwarming to know the military provides compassion and respect in so many ways we are unaware of, for the families and friends of those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. It reminds us to keep all of them in our prayers daily.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

True cost of freedom

I am not done with this, but I can say that the author has chosen a wonderful, if sad topic for a book about the true cost of freedom. The stories all touched me, especially the one about the Navy Corpman, because he seemed so full of life and had had a lot to give to people. Just reading what I have made wish I could reach through and give the families a hug, and the main focus, Maj Beck seems to be a wonderfully compassionate person for those who lost someone. Should be read on July fourth, to understand what independence and democracy costs.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A story of Grief and Honor

A true account of a man's journey to inform families of the loss of loved ones overseas, the book tells the stories of soldiers, marines, and sailors who didn't get the chance to come back home. It is one of the most heartbreaking books I have ever read. Through the intimate moments of people's grief, you can't help but grieve as well. Mr. Sheeler pulls you into the book through vivid descriptions of life and death.
Each story is different but they all have one common similarity, loss. Each family visited is given the tragic news of the passing of a loved one. It is Major Steve Beck's job is to stick by the families until his services are no longer needed. This time varies with each family, some shy away from him while others fully depend on him for support.
Each story is a memoir for the deceased. He gets to know the families so well allowing him to get to know the fallen soldier even more. Recounting everything from the first knock at the door to the final burial, he is there every step of the way.
Sheeler has a gift to know exactly what should be written. He provides information in a way that isn't overwhelming. He touches on both the personal and ceremonial sides of Beck's journey. It is a beautiful display of love, loss, pain, and honor. There is no doubt that you will be affected by this book, I strongly recommend it.

Truly Amazing

I cannot remember the last time I was so deeply drawn into a book. The emotion continued to roll over every page. The tragedy that he mastered dealing with, showing complete compassion at every turn...

A life changing story

All encompassing; a must read for every American

I myself am in the Army, but on the National Guard side. I'm am teacher by profession. With that said, I have many friends who are fighting in this war. What Americans need to understand is that we can feel however we want about the war-support it or be against it-but we must, we MUST support our soldiers. We must NOT forget that over 5,000 American lives have been lost since the start of this war. Those are over 5,000 families that are missing a loved one, who think of a loved one gone, who have flags that are forever folded...We need to never forget these soldiers who have died, and support the ones still fighting.

This book is touching, thoughtful, and NOT political. It is what it should be-inspirational, beautiful-a memorial.

Very Good Book

As an Iraq War veteran who lost a couple friends, including my best friend who I went through basic training with, I strongly recommend this book.

Final Salute

I wanted to read this book because my family has experienced a soldier's
death while he was on active duty. I didn't think it would be so hard to read...and I stopped reading it before going to bed because the images I got from reading it were so vivid making it hard to fall asleep.
In spite of that, I was able to get through it a few pages at a time. I
cried each time I read it, though. I bought it mainly to understand what
the Notification Officers go through as they inform families of a death and how they cope with the activities of a family as they lay their loved one to rest. What the Notification Officers go through is a form of love, bravery and paying homage to a fallen soldier all rolled into one.
As I read the book I realized these officers are a unique type of hero who
bring honor to the military in ways no one else possibly can. I recommend this book to anyone, especially those who think military people have no sensitivity. The honor and loyalty shown to the fallen soldier and their families by each branch of the military, as evidenced in this book, is beyond measure. I am so grateful to the families who allowed us to share the nightmare of losing their soldier family member, experience their grief,and the sadness of their days in order to paint this unforgettable portrait of the duties, feelings and actions of the Notification Officers and all ranks of the military as they
honor and pay respects to the sacrifice of the soldiers who died for our
freedom.

If A Man Doesn't Cry When Reading This, He Is Not A Man

I echo all the other reviews. This book is one of the most powerful and touching books, anyone can read. It stays with you for a long time, as you really feel for the families.
We all say, "We want to be a fly on the wall to know what went on inside somewhere". This book, truly, allows you to do that, as you accompany the men who have the sad task to make sure these families are comforted.
If any American ever doubted their country and felt things are going wrong, than they have to read this. These young American, who made the "Ultimate Sacrifice" so you and I could go into a bookstore, died so you and I could buy a book, a cup of coffee, and live our life in freedom while they couldn't. And their famiies also paid the Ultimate Sacrifice by not having them to come back to.
Truly, these stories had to be told. They are exceptional. I feel for the families. I feel for these men. No matter what religion one belongs to, one has to say a prayer for these men, their loved ones, and those that have given all before and after. These men died for us. Thank you for defending our country and my family. Words are not enough. God rest their souls.

Final Salute--Casualty Officers' stories

A gift from a veteran USMC Honor Guard. Kept me reading, made me much more aware of how the families and the officers who must deliver the sad news feel. It has given me a new respect and admiration for casualty officers, as well as made my heart more tender.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.