"The leadership lessons learned in combat apply here at home: take care of the people to your left and to your right. You are the frontlines--no matter where or how you serve." 2017 National Independent Publisher Book Award Winner (IPPY) Recommended Reading List for the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Center of Excellence Library & Museum It began as a personal memoir for her son. Reflecting one day on her ten years of post 9/11 military service, Marjorie K. Eastman wanted to capture the lessons and inspiration she'd learned serving beside men and women who represent the very best of what it means to be American: dedication to a job well done, selflessness, character, and a belief that one person can make a difference. And these servicemen and women represent just 1 percent of the American public. This unfolds in the intentional progression of the narrative, which focuses on Eastman's experiences first, then on those around her as she grows as a person and leader. As she writes, Eastman identifies the people of this post 9/11 era as the Frontline Generation for today, and notes it is an untapped reservoir of leaders--now back in our communities--who have been strengthened by the unique difficulties of post 9/11 service. Eastman's wartime journal entries further reveal frustrations, inspiration, joy, heartbreak, laughter, purpose, resolve, and the remarkable ways service members came together to solve problems and break boundaries well beyond the heartbreaking day of 9/11. She defines the legacy her Frontline Generation leaves on this country, and encourages readers to think about who they want to be, how they can make a difference, how they can make their lives count. Service is the key. The compelling journey of Eastman's time in uniform culminates in her final assignment, when she was responsible for the lives of over 100 troops--men and women--scattered throughout Eastern Afghanistan. Her first-person account of that time is a moving story from personal commitment to the conviction that service--no matter where or how--is the best path to success. She offers lessons on life, leadership, service, and the way for every person to find a role in them. The Frontline Generation abounds with wisdom, compassion, and humor. "I could not put this book down. The 'frontline generation' is the reason I agreed to serve in 2006 and stayed on in 2009. As I told the men and women that I visited at COPs and FOBs, I came to regard them as though they were my own sons and daughters. The most gratifying single thing to me from my service was learning how many felt I actually had their back--that I truly cared about them as individuals, and made decisions accordingly. I did. Marjorie's similar caring about her troops comes through on every page." - ROBERT M. GATES Former Secretary of Defense, 2006-2011 "An often overlooked product of the costly wars since 9/11 has been a generation of thoughtful, selfless young veterans like Marjorie Eastman. Tempered by adversity and driven by a responsibility to serve, they will shape America's future--and we'll be the better for it."- GENERAL STANLEY McCHRYSTAL U.S. Army, Retired "A generation rises to its moment. An inspiring account of those leading on the frontlines -- together -- serving with purpose, and for each other." - GAYLE TZEMACH LEMMON New York Times bestselling author of Ashley's War and The Dressmaker of Khair Khana "A compelling, personal account on how service fortifies you, and brings us closer together. The quiet undercurrent of this book pushes the reader to recognize how national service could help us become a tribe--and save our nation." - SEBASTIAN JUNGER #1 New York Times bestselling author of Tribe, War, & more. Academy Award Nominee for Restrepo "This book culminates with Marjorie's deployment as a commander in Afghanistan. The missions her company performed included stability and support efforts--humanitarian determination--which highlight the versatility of America's military forces today. In the time I have known Marjorie, I have found her to be one of the most outstanding leaders of this great young generation. She is intelligent, has imagination, and shows great initiative. You will be inspired to find your cape after reading this book, because you will realize, in her own words, 'people who serve, throughout every generation, capture the true potential for the best in our humanity.' " - LIEUTENANT GENERAL JOHN A. BRADLEY U.S. Air Force, Retired, Co-founder with his wife Jan, The Lamia Afghan Foundation "Marjorie has successfully led in both the military and business. Now, she is a thought leader in how she describes the value of service."- BRIGADIER GENERAL EDEN J. MURRIE U.S. Air Force, Retired, Board Chair, Women in Military Service for America Memorial (WIMSA) Born and raised in Southern California, Marjorie K. Eastman earned her bachelor's degree in political science at the University of California, San Diego. As an undergradu