Kilroy Was Here

Book excerpt: This book is a work of fiction though much of it is based on real events that occurred throughout my time in Afghanistan. My experiences have been modified, twisted, and exaggerated for the sake of humor and story. Members of the real Task Force Titan may recognize roots of many scenes therein and I hope you recall those times with fond feelings. It should be noted that, as a work of fiction, all characters in this book are also fictional. For those who were there, if you should suspect a piece of yourself in any of these characters, good or bad, you may be right. I carry pieces of you with me wherever I go in life. Figuratively, of course. I don't have physical pieces of any of you. Except, for the lock of hair I stole from Captain Michaud while he was sleeping. Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is don't get all whiny and aggrieved if you think a character is based on you and you don't like the way the character is portrayed. Suck it up, buttercup. A story has to have antagonists, right? It's not always about you. Stop being selfish. Lastly, it is not this story's intent to downplay the sacrifice of veterans, but more to dispel the notion that just wearing a uniform makes you a hero. Like the civilian world, the military is made up of all kinds: hard workers and sandbaggers, optimists and assholes, straight shooters and functional alcoholics. Most of us wore many of these hats at different times?sometimes all at once. We were never perfect, but we were always there. Gallantly Forward!