She Went to War: The Rhonda Cornum Story

This book is a riveting account of Major Rhonda Cornum's capture and days as a P.O.W. in 1991. Most of the chapters alternate between Rhonda's life before deployment to Saudi Arabia, and her time in the Middle East and in captivity. It is a moving portrait of a woman who as well as being a loving mother and wife, had dedicated her life to medicine and serving her country as a flight surgeon, and it also gives civilians a glimpse into the day to day life of the military. Major Cornum's eight days at the hands of her captors are a testament to the power of the human spirit. I love the chapter where alone in her cell, her body broken and bruised, she kept her spirits up by singing, from the rock songs of the '60s to her favorite, "The Wind Beneath My Wings". At 5'5, and slender as a reed, Rhonda is a tower of strength. I first became familiar with her from a TV documentary on P.O.W.s, and what impressed me the most was her balance of sensitivity and personal empowerment, and honesty with herself as well as others, which can be the ultimate bravery; after seeing this film, I had to read her book.One of the elements of survival is humor, and Rhonda relates some funny episodes, and the book also has a lot to say about the rapidly changing role of women in the military. It is "as told to" Peter Copeland, and he has done a great job; it is well written, and very hard to put down. There are many black and white photographs, which though they look like "copies" and are a little fuzzy, help one understand the story, and add a lot to the book. The print quality is good, with a very readable font size.Rhonda is now Colonel Cornum, and presently commands the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. She is an example to us all, and I think this book should be read by every young person, as it will inspire them to aim high and succeed in every area of life. To quote from the book: "The only constant in my life has been the burning desire to do the best, to seek new challenges and to conquer them" (pg. 89).

Truly an excellent and moving description. I served with now COL Rhonda Cornum and I can vouch for her exceptional leadership and that she IS a real life American Hero flesh and blood. I read this book in 2 sittings. After reading it the next time I saw her made me want to give her a hug. Instead I made due with a crisp good morning salute. To Army leadership: This IS a MUST read.

I was really moved by She Went To War. Well-written and well-presented, it makes me proud that there are soldiers like her in our Army. She comes off as a hero, but a human hero.

As a military officer, I pay close attention to leadership issues and attitudes. Rhonda Cornum impressed me. She is a true military leader, not merely a medical person in uniform. I was also impressed by Peter Copeland's well-written, smooth-flowing narrative.

I enjoyed the way it told of different periods of her life before and after her wartime experiences.