Corporal Cannon

A Female Marine in Afghanistan

By: Savannah Cannon

Narrated by: Savannah Cannon

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

Not even old enough to drink, Corporal Savannah Cannon is a young enlisted United States Marine deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2010. As a tactical data networking specialist, she is sent away from everyone she knows and attached to a Regimental Combat Team where women are not allowed to repair communications. Her experiences over the next few months shed light on the unique and difficult positions women are placed in when supporting combat roles, while offering a raw look at the painful choices women must sometimes make.

Cannon finds herself in a combat zone, ostracized from family, friends, and even her fellow Marines as the men are told to avoid her. The connections she makes are born from trauma and desperation and the choices she makes will echo throughout many lives.

Corporal Cannon is not the story of a heroine; it is the hard-hitting account of just one of the flawed individuals who make up the United States' fighting forces. Mistakes in the battlefield can have dire consequences, personally and professionally. Reflecting on her time in service, the author weaves a story of past and present, and the healing that can come with admitting our mistakes and moving past them.

©2022 Savanah Cannon (P)2022 Tantor

Narrated by the Author! Need I say more? I will.

A must-read, and a powerful reminder of the strength and courage deep within us all to trudge through tribulations and find recovery from the pains of trauma. #TheBodyKeepsTheScore

Cannon takes the reader through a vulnerable, personal account of events she endured during her deployment to Afghanistan. Through use of monologues, and the detailing of a broad range of events, it becomes apparent that Cannon's experience of "war" is in many ways one of internal-conflicts and the undeniable disadvantages of a warzone. She shows herself to be a strong, determined, and dedicated Marine who has to navigate through a statistically, male-dominated environment, a war zone, and several mental (and potentially legal) quagmires.

Cannon depicts the internal struggles she faces as events (and lack of sleep) increasingly cause her to question her future and invariable her continued existence. She takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, allowing us to empathize with the conflicting emotions that war within. As she grapples with fear, guilt, and uncertainty, we witness the raw human experience of trying to reconcile one's dreams with responsibilities and the consequences that follow

As a veteran, and a father of a young girl, this memoir is a difficult journey which filled me a wide range of emotions: comradery, empathy, sadness, fear, anger, worry, hope, love, and compassion.

This is not just a book about war, but a testimony of the human spirit and the capacity to find purpose and meaning beyond the darkest of times. I pray this book finds the attention of many, both male and female alike, and that it may positively impact the lives of others and perhaps. May it be a source of inspiration so that others may not have to suffer in silence and make decisions from a place of fear, but rather from hope.

I praise Savannah for her being vulnerable enough to share this story. May it be an act of catharsis, and bring about continued awareness, peace, and positive purpose.

saw her on Urban Valor

wow. and to think this is just some some of the story. Cannon endured so much. This is a must listen.

Compelling and complex story

The author who also has a presence while narratoring her own story of being a young female marine in Afghanistan tells a cathartic story. She is stright forward from the very start and does not expect all readers to be on her side. I hope this book finds peace for at least one person when they think they are alone, unfortunately that is far from the case. I really love the short chapters.

THANK YOU!

For your courage and your honesty! People need to be more aware. Men, holding myself accountable as well, need to be better.

A Female Marine

The narration was wonderful, I hope she decides to narrate other books. The story opened my eyes about how hard it is to be female in the armed forces especially the Marines. i enjoyed the story and was sorry to see it end. Maybe she will write a sequel about her life as a civilian

Important Perspective

Corporal Cannon more than anything provides a window into a side of the military community that many may not know exists, I certainly didn’t.

The honest and visceral way the author shares the details of the trauma of her life and the hard-fought lessons she pulled from that trauma brought me to tears more than once. I was never more than 5 miles away from almost every moment that caused all of the trauma in Afghanistan yet, I was completely unaware that the toxic environment existed.

As a leader of Marines, this book has helped me to develop a better understanding of the challenges my Marines are facing that they keep behind their walls. I must work every day to ensure this kind of isolation, persecution, and trauma aren’t coming from policy and guidance I provide.

Fantastic

This book was recommended to me by my good friend Neva Sullaway who actually was the editor.

From page one all the way through the acknowledgments was a story of courage. Every spare moment I had was listening to this story.

A lot of what makes or breaks an audio book is the narrator, and Savannah nailed it. She not only tells her story with courage, but she makes you feel as it you were there. I love authors who can make you feel.

Pick this one up, not just listen to the story, but take it in, you won’t regret it.

Life in perspective

Savannah’s story is not only great, but inspiring. Today I was a little down and thought “What I am going through isn’t that bad”. Her story is one of not getting through life unscathed, but getting through it, and coming out the other side a little more humble, a whole lot wiser and with an empathetic heart for your fellow man. Anytime you can put on someone else’s shoes for a few hours do it, and if they’re Savannah’s you’ll be better for the trip.

Threats Inside and Outside the Wire

Corporal Cannon transports the reader into a world that few people know anything about, a forward deployed warzone. Furthermore, her story details the additional darker side of war that our sisters in arms unfairly suffer through and face inside the wire; a place where they should feel the safest.

We often refer to those we serve with as family: well no sister or brother deserves to endure the constant barrage of sexual harassment/ assault from their “brothers.” We MUST do better, we MUST look after our own.

I have personally known Savannah for a number of years, and I know what a truly phenomenal woman and human being she is, but before reading this book I had no clue about the things she had had to endure.

This book is a testament of her strength and I respect her immensely for having the courage to share her trials where many of us haven’t been able to do the same.

To Savannah, You are an inspiration for many, thank you for sharing your story with us.

Love always,
Your Brother in Arms
Jonathan

Harrowing story told in author’s own voice

This audiobook was authentic, raw, and real. The author made you feel like you were there with her. One of the most powerful memoirs I’ve heard.