Author Heir-Williams shares the saga of her concern and support for her son Jerome, who suffered deep torment serving in the Marine Corps. Jerome’s personality change began in boot camp, with many unauthorized absences and disciplinary consequences. After deployment to serve in Iraq during the US war there, he returned home, still working as a Marine, but appeared mentally distressed, displaying confused outbursts that indicated a dissociation from reality. After consistent pressure from the highly determined Heir-Williams, Jerome finally received necessary testing from the military establishment, which revealed numerous mental aberrations. He was granted treatment and the financial support due to him. Heir-Williams, who attended each of her son’s therapies and medical examinations, became an activist for all servicemen in a similar situation as her son. This admirable pursuit, as described here, is underscored by her personal, deeply felt stance as an advocate for recognition (at every level) for the historic military sacrifices and achievements of African-American soldiers in America’s wartime efforts.

Heir-Williams worked as a corporate manager and business owner and served for two years as a county commissioner in North Carolina. Now a pastor, she and her husband serve in The Remnant Fellowship Ministries—their co-created organization. In this moving memoir, she candidly reveals the many aspects of her encouragement and assistance to those who experience complex psychological trauma resulting from their military training and service. She offers a helpful “Resource Directory” of organizations that can serve them and their families. Her inspiring narrative chronicles endeavors such as assuring that African-American military groups, including the Montford Point Marines, the Buffalo Soldiers, the Harlem Hellfighters, and the Tuskegee Airmen, get a full mention and appropriate remembrance at all commemorative services. This encouraging work is designed to benefit soldiers and their loved ones, extolling their bravery, sacrifice, and, for some, their continuing struggles.

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