Rule Number Two: Lessons I Learned in a Combat Hospital

An account written by someone who wanted it all, finally realizing the fact that motherhood is the most important job of all.

Read this book cover to cover in one day. My daughter is a critical care nurse in civilian life, in her army career she currently is on deployment in the Middle East (her 2nd deployment) in charge of a combat hospital. I purchased this book in hopes of learning more about the environment she deals with there. I was surprised and shocked. The stories Dr. Kraft shares had me crying and laughing. More than anything they gave me an incredible sense of gratitude for the men and women in our armed forces. She 'brings home' the true sacrifice(s) these real life heroes make every day and the impact their service has on the soldiers they serve with. I encourage everyone to read this book, then thank a current or past service member every opportunity you have.

Rule number three: Rule number one and two compel us to provide our armed forces with the compassionate combat stress care of doctors like Lieutenant Commander Heidi Squier Kraft. Rule number one and two refer to a particular episode of M*A*S*H. Use the search inside feature for more about this. I met Alan Alda once. Having followed his career, I noticed he gives medical commencements. His advice after a near death surgical crisis is, "Treat me like a human being". That is exactly what Dr Kraft describes in her memoir as a Navy flight psychologist, marine pilot's wife, submariners daughter, colleague friend and confidant. She is one of the Marines "Alpha" female care givers at the Combat Hospital in Anbar Province, Iraq. I recall reading the news story of Marine Corporal Dunham's heroism and susequent Medal of Honor. It is comforting to know he was treated with such dignity and compassion by Dr. Kraft and her team at Alpha Surgical. This book is a compelling read and allays some of my fears about how our military addresses combat stress. You will meet members of our military requiring the assistance of Heidi Kraft. Many looking for someone to talk with, at Alpha Surgical Hospital, so they can rejoin their units. Some would not make it. I was also pleased to see 10% of Dr. Kraft's royalties are donated to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. As if she hasn't already given enough. Ma'am, thank you!

I could not put this book down. The author gives us a view into the war we don't see readily from home. We are privileged to experience the heart and soul of a soldier -- in particular the loyalty each has for one another. I was awestruck by the amazing strength of a mother away from her children to serve her country. It made me proud to be an American. It made me proud to be a mom. Finally, I appreciated the insight into the human mind-- how we as humans process emotionally difficult and heavy situations-- and that with some work and effort, we can ultimately get through them.

This is a must read. It is the most moving book I have ever read. One moment I was laughing. The next moment I was in tears. More importantly the book is an inspiration - as Dr. Kraft shows, from several different perspectives, how anyone can positively affect the lives many others. This masterpiece is also a monument to our military. Lastly, this book is well written and anyone who thinks to the contrary has made no attempt to perceive the complexity and the depth of this book's multiple messages.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and within the first chapter found that I had a hard time putting it down. Kraft gives a real-life perspective of the experiences and impressions of a modern day war. She provides a realistic view on the emotions and every day details that haven't been captured by the media. And after reading this, I feel closer to the war in Iraq and the individuals who give their time, hearts and minds to fighting.

Dr. Kraft has written a fresh, emotionally bruising record of what it is to be a care giver not just to those who obviously need it, but to those whose experiences lash them from the inside. This is the book for anyone who ever wanted a concise version of the direct and indirect mental cost of combat. The wrenching depictions of comrades in arms openly weeping for those who used to sit and laugh beside them, of leaders expressing love and care for those for whom they are responsible, of the small things and large which provide relief and anchors for those caught up in chaos all leave a reader wondering how it is anyone can truly survive combat unscathed. Intervention after intervention trod upon each's heels; from the schizophrenic Marine who argues with his combat knife, to the weathered veteran who wants hypnosis so he can stop his two-pack a day smoking habit, to talking down a Marine with a rifle muzzle to her head, weeping as she apologizes for what she is about to do, even when the interventionalists themselves find themselves on the receiving end of an ad hoc group session held by a commander of a neighboring unit who happens to be a practicing psychiatrist, even addressing the stress of being one of the new "untouchables" - graves registration Marines. "We did the best we could" is the strong underlying theme throughout this memoir. This is a powerful rendering of what we ask others to do, and suffer, in our name.