Do you have a loved one about to join the military? Wonder what basic training is like?

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BUY NOW: CLICK HERE to

the PAPERBACK and KINDLE books

The links above will take you to the Amazon site for the Book in hardcopy and eBook.

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(NOTE: This post was originally written on May 5th and updated with the above links on May 11, 2025.

Mark your calendar for this Saturday, May 10, 2025! Hand Grenades Don’t Bounce will be available for purchase in paperback and hardcover editions on Amazon.

“Dad, seriously! I’m like a …” I scouted around the apartment and saw my roommate’s exercise ball, “… a giant yellow rubber ball, always bouncing up and down. I’m joyful! Happy! And people in the military are more like … heavy … metal … balls.”

“Like hand grenades?” My Dad offered with a smile in his voice.

“Yeah, and hand grenades don’t bounce, Dad!”

“No, they just explode!”

Take a journey through the trials and tribulations of basic training in the US Army through this engaging and humorous memoir. The story begins on June 13, 1997, with a reluctant farewell at the Salt Lake International Airport. Armed with only a small, stale-smelling duffle bag and a handful of personal items, the protagonist embarks on a life-changing adventure.

How does one transition from civilian life to the rigid structure of military training? How does one blend in? Suppress a naturally friendly and outgoing personality, and navigate the often-intimidating world of drill sergeants and strict routines? This memoir is what it means to be a “fish out of water” in a highly disciplined environment.

Meet a cast of memorable characters and see the camaraderie that develops among fellow recruits. The author’s internal struggles and moments of self-doubt are balanced with lighthearted humor and a keen sense of observation, making the memoir both relatable and entertaining. The author’s journey is not just about surviving basic training but also about personal growth, resilience, and finding strength in unexpected places.

With a blend of wit, warmth, and honesty, “Hand Grenades Don’t Bounce” offers a unique perspective on the military experience, making it a must-read for anyone who has ever faced a daunting challenge or felt out of place in a new environment.

For a sneak peak of chapter one, check out this post – Happy Veteran’s Day 2023.