American Airman

A Memoir of a Wounded Veteran

By: Jonathon Benjamin

Narrated by: Benjamin Koenig

Since Sept. 11, 2001, just over 30,000 veterans have died by suicide—four times more than the number of US military personnel who have died in combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan. My 83,000-word debut memoir, American Airman, is an unflinching look at one veteran’s life. Like Jake Wood’s Once a Warrior, American Airman is about a transitioning veteran channeling his pain into a new life purpose. Unlike Once a Warrior, though, it tells a more complete life story, from a veteran’s adolescence and enlistment in the Air Force, to a near fatal injury while serving on active-duty, and then through his difficult transition back into civilian life.

American Airman is a story of vulnerability, resiliency, and hope that will particularly appeal to America’s 2.9 million Wounded Warriors. No veteran returns the same as when they first enlisted. More often than not, the scars and wounds go unseen and the battle doesn’t end at discharge: According to VA statistics, every day, 23 veterans take their own lives. Ryan’s story bears witness to the men and women who, in fighting for our rights and freedoms, make unimaginable sacrifices and, then, must search for that elusive “new “normal” after sacrifice becomes reality. It grapples with several issues that are regularly covered by the media, including mental health, veteran health care, and the impact of a recovering veteran on their family.

©2021 Jonathon Benjamin (P)2022 Jonthon Benjamin

a real and impactful telling of a life's story

I've had the pleasure of meeting Jack Jack at work. hearing his story in this way is a little odd but seems like a way he'd be happy about. the man is funny, genuine and doesn't let the limitations of his body limit what he can accomplish. having this story in my mind now, I have an even greater appreciation for him and all veterans, not that I didn't already hold both in high standing. the people in his life after the biologicals were depicted well and I hope he's still in contact with them since the release of the book. it's a hard story that barely pulls any punches, which is important. this is someone's life, and he didn't get punches at himself pulled so why should we get that? a great example of not taking what you have for granted without guilt tripping the reader. I encourage anyone who's wondered about how veteran's minds often work or to understand what it takes to overcome difficulties veterans, and physically injured veterans endure. thank you, Jack Jack for sharing your story.