I Am Pitts

Memoirs of an American Patriot

De: Dexter Pitts

Narrado por: Dexter Pitts

Inspired to serve his country after watching the World Trade Center collapse, Dexter is critically wounded by a roadside bomb blast at the hands of insurgents in Abu Ghraib, Iraq. His physical wounds push him to his limits as he recovers, but his mental and emotional wounds from the battlefield prove to be just as tough to overcome. A failed first marriage, medically retired from the army at 22, stripped of his identity as a soldier, and thrust back into civilian life, he has to construct a new life for himself. But, before he can build a new life, he has two major tasks to undertake: Discover his own identity and make peace with his dark skin, which subjected him to untold torture at the hands of his Black adolescent peers, resulting in unresolved trauma.

In search of a new tribe, eager to fit in and be accepted, he finds what he is looking for in the most superficial part of society and himself—the color of one's skin.

Dexter's skin provides him a temporary and artificial sense of belonging, but he still feels unfulfilled and unable to answer one of life's greatest questions—who am I? Dexter finds his purpose in a police officer uniform as one of Louisville's finest while he patrols the streets of Louisville, Kentucky. Dexter's new career, accompanied by a new marriage, brought about a new sense of accomplishment he had never known. Unfortunately, 11 months into his new marriage and career, tragedy strikes while he is on duty.

At the age of 26, while wearing his police uniform and standing at the side of his mother's hospital bed, he consented to his mother being taken off life support after she decided to end her pain and suffering with a bullet to her head. His mother's suffering was now over, but his was just beginning. Dexter goes from saving lives as a police officer to being the one needing to be saved as his marriage and career start to crumble in the wake of his mother's suicide.

A lifelong Christian, Dexter starts to question his faith amid his current adversities. Losing the battle to his PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), he considers ending his life the same way his mother did, but his sergeant and chain of command save him.

It was in the darkest and most desperate moments of his life, where he uncovers his true identity and self-worth independent of other people's opinion of him.

As a new man with a renewed faith, hope, and vigor for life, he finds a new love and starts a family of his own. Having spent eight years with the police department, he embarks on a new journey and challenge with his family to the southern border of Arizona with the United States Border Patrol. His 19 months odyssey in the Arizona desert comes to a halt when he sees his former police colleagues under attack in Louisville during the 2020 protest and riots. Dexter walks away from a six-figure a year job to rejoin his brother and sister officers on the frontlines of Louisville's civil unrest. His patience and faith are tested daily as he dawns on his uniform and hits the streets to restore peace to a city engulfed in chaos.

©2022 Dexter Pitts (P)2023 Dexter Pitts

Brutally honest and insightful book

Dexter Pitts narrates his personal path from childhood to his current role as a father, husband, Officer, and most importantly a man. An honest retrospective of his journey through the trials and tribulations of war, marriages, racial identity, and much more. The good, the bad, and the ugly truths are laid out.

This is especially captivating as it’s in his voice, with his pronunciations, his emotions, relating the events of his life. While it’s one man’s story, I think everyone will be able to relate to many of his experiences. We haven’t all been hit by an IED in the middle east, or worked the streets of Louisville Kentucky, but we all have families, relationships, pivotal decisions, and questions of faith.

If you’re a veteran you’ll love this book.

If you’re a cop you’ll love this book.

If you’re a patriot you’ll love this book.

If you’re none of the above, listen to this book because in Dexters words, “More unites us than separates us…”

Great perspective

During the riots in Louisville my wife was on the organ transplant list and even though the rest of the area looked like a war zone. LMPD and the National Guard made sure the way to the hospital was open. Thanks to everyone for that. Pitts does a great job telling about that and the rest of his life.

A must listen.

Great insight and perspective from a law enforcement officer who has worn many hats while serving his community and country. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a firsthand look into today’s law enforcement.

True American Patriot…True American Hero

This book has it all. From a young man dealing with racism, to a Hero in Iraq, to a career in Law Enforcement with all the stories. I Am Pitts is an amazing book that tells the story not many of us get to tell, but we all need to hear. You won’t be disappointed with Dexters story. Dexter is the definition a true Hero. God Speed Brother.

Amazing Audiobook

This is by far the best audiobook I’ve had the privilege of listening too. What an amazing and impactful story Dexter Pitts is sharing with the world. I’m honored to have heard it.

In his own voice

I read the book and it’s fantastic. Being able to hear it in his voice might make it better.

You make me proud to be an American, brother!!!

I am changing the way my body looks bc of u! I have put on some weight from eating bad and not working out, I am not lazy as I cut down trees for a living and play pickleball (lol) as an activity. But I have not cared about eating healthy, so I am doing 100 push ups and sit-ups (today is day 2) for at least a month and I am going to get stuff to put in my spare bedroom to work out!!! Thank you for your service and you make all Americans sooo very proud brother!!! Love ya!!! Thank you!!!

One of the best audio books

Dexter did a great job putting you in the situations he was in. I had no issue picturing what he was describing. His story really relates to me. Great book