Always a Soldier

Service, Sacrifice, and Coming Out as America’s Favorite Black, Gay Republican

By: Rob Smith

Narrated by: Rob Smith

Length: 8 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

An Iraq War memoir and searing political commentary from Fox News regular and “America’s Favorite Black, Gay Republican” Rob Smith

Moonlight meets American Sniper in this groundbreaking memoir and political commentary from a bold new voice in American politics. Before he became a war veteran and political analyst, he was a young black man who enlisted in the US Army right out of high school, survived the notoriously brutal infantry basic training, and served while remaining a closeted gay man to all but a few of his colleagues. At his first duty station, he finds himself in dangerous territory when the United States declares war on Iraq; in fact, his unit was one of the first called in after the initial invasion.

Rob’s experience offers a ground-level view of life on the front lines in the United States Army in an unforgettable coming-of-age story with a military twist. In addition to his memoir, Always a Soldier highlights his thoughts on current hot-button political topics like the new crop of Black Republicans and the escalating tactics of the LGBTQ community, announcing him as a voice in American politics that will be heard for years to come.

©2020 Rob Smith (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

Great insight

It is exactly what I was looking for in terms of an interesting insight to the mind of a very interesting person.

EYE OPENER

Eye opener, this books shows you communities and perspectives that we don’t really think about from the army soldiers that are not mindless drones that just follow orders and reasons why people into Army. Shows you how soldiers actually question why exactly they are doing whatever they are doing. The reality of the LGBT community, the real struggles and hardships that mainstream media doesn’t want you to hear. I just wish it was longer. AMAZING BOOK.

good, but it's missing something

seems like when Rob talks about his transition from being a leftist to a Republican, he could have talked more about that.

A true American icon

This is a story of overcoming adversity with will, grit, and fortitude. I highly recommend this book.

Interesting read...

I enjoyed the author's account of his military service as well as his entry into politics and policy. His perspective is a valuable lesson for all Americans regardless of race, gender, or political affiliation. Thanks for sharing your story!

Robert Smith is an American icon.

Robert Smith is certainly the example that every American should follow, listen to his words, and learn from it.

Bravery and Perseverance

I was completely engaged in this book from the beginning. Rob Smith tells his story of overcoming many obstacles during his journey to becoming the successful, educated, brave, independent thinker he is known for today. It amazes me that a man who has encountered so much hate can stay hopeful and stand up for what he believes in, even if it’s not popular.

Fantastic!

An interesting look into Rob’s life and how he came to be where he is now.

it's good to read one-sided arguments occasionally

he cherry pics and the last third of the book actually is very problematic. The core idea that no political party should assume support because of race or gender is extremely important. it's really important to hear the other side of all issues.

Had me 😇 until the hard “right-turn” at the end 😢

As a gay black man, the author had me in parts 1-3 of the book. I empathized and identified with him. The book went off the rails for me in part 4. The author seems to be building his brand like other extreme left and extreme right folks that vilifying the other-side and pit us against each other. I was hoping the author would be different. I guess not.