Razor 03

A Night Stalker’s Wars

By: Alan C. Mack

Narrated by: Alan C. Mack

Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

The attacks of September 11, 2001, prompted the creation of a robust and deadly special operations force—Task Force Dagger. Alan C. Mack, Callsign Razor 03, led a team of MH-47E helicopters and armed MH-60s. Their two-fold mission–Personnel Recovery (PR) and Unconventional Warfare (UW) involved flying in terrain and weather previously not thought possible. If that wasn’t enough, they pushed the flight envelope of their specially modified Chinooks to the limit and beyond.

Mack shares his behind-the-scenes perspective of the Horse Soldier’s infill into Afghanistan. He discusses the hunt for Osama Bin Laden at Tora Bora and describes his shootdown during Operation Anaconda. Years later, he chased Bowe Bergdahl, rescued hostages in Iraq, and the U.S. Navy Seal "Lone Survivor" from the Kunar Valley.

Mack’s near-death experiences and frequent deployments not only affected him, but pushed his wife toward prescription opioids. Her developing addiction led to friction as he kept her secret and continued to deploy.

He lived by his unit’s motto, "Night Stalkers Don’t Quit!" He wouldn’t quit on his unit–he couldn’t quit on his family. His story of success, tragedy, and ultimate happiness is as old as warfare itself.

©2023 Alan C. Mack (P)2023 Pen and Sword

Awesome!

I cried and laughed listening to the book. It reminded me of my time in service overseas and the struggles at home. I see the 160th flyover often in my hometown and to listen to Al Mack’s book brings a new perspective when I see them. 100% the best aviation book I’ve listened too.

Great story, but…

Wonderful story from a true hero…but I would leave the narrating to the experts. I thought the writing and story were good and enjoyed that part immensely. After listening to over 100 books, I can say that the narrator can turn a good book into a GREAT book…or maybe the opposite. I think the latter happened here.

Excellent!

Fascinating read about the 160th Night Stalkers! I enjoyed the story and the history listen!

A great story!

This story covers a lot of territory and is a very personal account of the author’s life and career. I’m glad the author chose to narrate the audiobook version. Worth the audible credit and time … wish there were more!

Exciting, heartbreaking and a happy ending!

I found this book via several interviews on YouTube. Alan highlights his story during those interviews, but even the longest ones don't tell the story the way you get it in the book. Razor 3 tells his complete story, and is it a adventure. Alan is the man behind the controls of the helicopter in all of my favorite stories. If you have read/listened to Swords of Lightening, Horse Soldiers, Alone at Dawn, Not a Good Day to Die or Lone Survivor then you have heard about Alan Mack you just didn't know his name.
Besides supporting the most elite troops in the world while deployed overseas, he also has to support his wife as she struggles with mental illness, addiction, and alcoholism. This is a heartbreaking part of the story. The honesty and transparency Alan shared with this part of his story is eye-opening with a very sad ending.
The book is ride in the cockpit of a true American hero and best of all, it has a happy ending. You will not be disappointed.

Powerful story

Powerful and inspiring story of military service and resilience! Great insight in the life of Night Stalkers

Excellent Work & Stories

First off thanks to Alan for taking the time to write and share this content. The book contains scenes and moments that evoke such emotion! I found myself constantly laughing or crying - Great detail and humor make the book so enjoyable. Alan also did a fantastic job narrating. I will be recommending this book to everyone including my now elderly father who flew us around in his Bell-47 growing up! Sadly he cannot fly anymore due to Parkinson’s, but I know this book will make him smile. Thanks Alan! This book and it’s ending really were so perfect. It will leave any reader feel inspired! 5 stars

Great story

I’m an OIF helicopter vet and I enjoyed this one. I highly recommend it if you like military aviation.

FMF Corpsman

As a corpsman I had the unique opportunity to witness a few QRF missions provided by the 160th in Kandahar province. This book honestly gave me a great understanding of what those guys really thought of us, not just as comrades that “meh they’ll make it if we are a few minutes late” but as “we need to move and move now our brothers need us there yesterday”. BZ Sir.

Honest , interesting and uplifting

the Hall of fame Pitcher Dizzy Dean proclaimed, If you can do it , it ain't bragging. With A combination of confidence ,some arrogance and openness., Mack gives and honest and I assume an accurate account of his daring and hazardous duty combined with an honest assessment of the price paid by families of War fighters. As he did in his military life, he also did in his personal life....hanging in, giving it his all and fulfilling the contract and vows of his military and personal lives. We are reminded that skill, intelligence, commitment in both special ops and to marriage do not always lead to a happy ending. Heroes die, and marriages fail in spite of maximum effort of colleagues , friends and professionals. CW Mack gave it his maximum effort and many lives were saved by his efforts and those whom he assembled around him in his Chinook. Let us all hope that his second career and family life are happy and healthy. He deserves it.