Once a Warrior

How One Veteran Found a New Mission Closer to Home

By: Jake Wood

Narrated by: Jake Wood

Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

"The book that America needs right now." (Tom Brokaw, journalist and author of The Greatest Generation)

"Jake Wood offers one of the most soaring definitions of service I've ever seen." (Maria Shriver, award-winning journalist and author of I've Been Thinking)

From Marine sniper Jake Wood, a riveting memoir of leading over 100,000 veterans to a life of renewed service, volunteering to battle, hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, pandemics, and civil wars, and inspiring onlookers as their unique military training saved lives and rebuilt our country.

When Jake Wood arrived in the States after two grueling tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, he watched his unit lose more men to suicide than to enemy hands overseas. Reeling, Jake looked for a way to direct their restlessness towards a new mission - and put their formidable skills to good use. When an earthquake struck Haiti in 2010, Jake had his answer. He convinced several fellow veterans to join him on a ragtag mission to provide desperately needed aid. Despite the high stakes, they were able to untangle complex problems quickly and keep calm under pressure.

In this raw, adrenaline-filled narrative, Jake recounts, how, over the past 10 years, he's built the disaster response organization Team Rubicon, and seen the work provide a lifeline back to purpose for the heroes among us. Not only do these intrepid volunteers race against the clock to aid communities after Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Harvey, COVID-19, and hundreds of other disasters they also fight for something just as important - each other.

Once a Warrior provides a soaring look at what our veterans are capable of - and what might become of America's next greatest generation.

©2020 Jake Wood (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Once A Warrior is the book that America needs right now. Jake Wood’s life-changing experience is a reminder of the greatness of the American spirit and how, now more than ever, we need to activate that spirit for the common good."

—Tom Brokaw, journalist and author of The Greatest Generation

"One veteran’s call to action can change the world. A must-read for anyone who wants to better understand the struggles and opportunities that our warriors experience upon returning from combat.”

—Marcus Luttrell, author of Lone Survivor

"Once you taste the joy and fulfillment that comes from service, you’ll want to continue to serve, and Jake Wood proves it. Once A Warrior will inspire you to want to be a better human being."

—Simon Sinek, optimist and author of Start with Why, Leaders Eat Last, and The Infinite Game

Wonderfully inspirational

Very impressive tale of a man just trying to be a good human and patriot, in his own words. Inspiring and a message of service to community. Great people doing great things.

Wonderful

Highly recommend this book. It is so wonderful. I cried and laughed, I had not heard of Team Rubicon and will make it on my list of gifts.

Helpful

As a Marine who served from 2016-2020 never having been deployed, I was left with a feeling of guilt that I did not contribute. This book has inspired me to look at other ways to serve my community and country.

Great inspiring book

TR was known to me before this book so I thought I’d give it a listen and see the inspiration. Wow, Jake and his team put together a riveting story that isn’t short on inspiration or emotion. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for purpose, or a cause. I joined Team Rubicon after listening.

Inspirational Story

Jake Wood is a modern day hero who inadvertently created a movement to give former service members the hope they need for the future...to continue to serve in other ways...helping people on their worst day. In just 10 years, Team Rubicon has become a worldwide force rivaling the Red Cross and other disaster relief organizations, yet Jake has managed to remain humble and focused in his vision for what Team Rubicon can be.

Outstanding book

There are a select few in our country who put service before self. Jake Wood is one of them.

Servant Leadership Defined

My military son recommended this. I always take his recommendations to heart because I want to understand and appreciate the sacrifices he's made for our country.

The author is the narrator and I feel like this adds a lot to the story. At times you can really feel the emotion behind the words. It makes a difference, I think.

The story is one of hope. While not particularly uplifting, it is inspiring. I appreciate this warrior's journey and especially his exemplary display of servant leadership.

A great story!!

Absolutely loved hearing Jake telling us his story in his own words and even better hearing it in his own voice. Great book!! I am a greyshirt and love what Jake and TR stands for.

Thank you

Thanks for sharing your story brother, and thank you for all you do .
Semper Fi

Insightful, inspirational and honest.

I will be sharing and spreading the word! Jake tells his story in his most articulate and colorful fashion.