Title:
Blowing Sandstorm
By:
Horace Crenshaw Jr.
A
CBM Christian Book Review
10.0
out of 10.0 stars
Blowing
Sandstorm by Horace Crenshaw Jr. describes his life-story leading up to his
deployment in 2003 during Operation Iraq Freedom (OIF). Beginning from his
childhood upbringing in Butler, Alabama, describing his youth as a young
African American boy during the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s. Coming from a Christian
upbringing by a Christian mother, he covers his schooling, football to college,
as his autobiography leads up to an adventure of a lifetime in the Army
Reserves Active Army Reserve (AGR). His aim in writing this book is to, “… make the average person understand the hardships and
challenges that the military’s junior executives or company commanders face in
modern day operations and warfare.” His goal is accomplished within this
vibrant account, mixed with faith and endurance that were developed in him,
giving hope to others in the military and beyond.
Inner-workings
of a military officer (Officer Commander) during deployment are revealed that
include: Tactical techniques and itineraries that relate operations-based
protocol, concepts, and leadership before military advances begin and end. The
high integrity of soldiers, commanders and officers reveal a highly organized
unit that our military operates within. For the average non-military personnel
(as myself) I found it interesting and amazing.
Obviously,
a military person would be perhaps more interested in the author’s biography,
but for one not in the military this comes as a highly recommended read also as
to understand the inner-workings of the military and what soldiers have had to
endure during certain past years of deployment to Iraq. The author personally
experiences a time that has since passed as things have calmed down since 2001
to say the least. One will also become familiar with certain protocols and
models used for leadership and action within a unit. Of particular interest is
the technical, but relevant, “Rocket Model” which spearheaded Crenshaw’s
leadership of his unit.
Leadership Through Mentorship is a particularly
interesting chapter giving a summary of the life he lives and serves well as a
outline to live life by. Other well-rounded chapters lend to the author’s
experience as a Commander in the Armed Forces such as: Personal Background,
Years After the Tuskagee Experience, The Staff Professional, Staring Out as New
Commander, Building the Team Using the Rocket Model, Preparing the Unit for
War, Leadership Through Mentorship, & Conclusion.
Readers
will also appreciate the intertwining of Scripture, morale boosters for
soldiers that kept him and his unit going, as one will truly come to appreciate
anew the sacrifices made by our military. Faced with over 130 degree
heat during the day, and 110 degree nights in Iraq with pesky mosquitoes and
sand mites, shortages of water, pre-made ready to eat meals (MRE’S) & no
toilet facilities, one will gain a new perspective and respect for those who
defend our country.
In
the end, he adds pictures of Iraq and himself on duty. I personally welled up
in tears at the man in uniform who would put his life on the line for me and our
country. You will feel the same. I did get concerned when he expressed the lack
that the military faced and a “take from Peter to pay Paul” type situation and
realized that military expense and suffering of our soldiers is something not
to be taken lightly but that should be put as a priority in all
our lives. May our government fund our military as they should is my thoughts
and maybe yours too. All in all this book did stir great patriotism and was a
much-appreciated breakdown of one’s life in the military.
This
is a memorable well-written account of a life used unto the glory of God and a
highly recommended read for those that may be in the military and would like
inspiration during times of trial.
Get
your copy of Blowing Sandstorm at Amazon.