General Hugh Shelton was being interviewed on television. I had seen his face before and recognized his voice, but I didn’t know his name. He came across so honest, transparent, and blunt in the interview…I immediately liked him. So I bought his book, if for no other reason than his candor. I’m glad I did.

Now, let’s be clear. Without Hesitation: The Odyssey of an American Warrior is not going to win a Pulitzer. But it is a good read and has some insights into the American military and political systems. The General speaks his mind, so it’s clearly biased in expressing his opinions. But so what? His opinions matter and are much more informed than my own. Plus they are wildly entertaining!

Basically an autobiography, this book covers General Shelton’s rise from small town farm boy to Army Ranger in Vietnam. Then on to a series of important posts in the Army, culminating in the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under both Clinton and Bush II. He was in that post on 9/11 and his reflections on the American response (and the political winds in the Bush administration) are really interesting.

I appreciated how he had nothing but respect and admiration for two politically different Presidents, though he expresses grave concern about some of their advisors. He has a scathing piece on John McCain and is clearly not a fan of Donald Rumsfeld. And though he doesn’t reveal which Clinton cabinet official it was, he has utter contempt for the one who suggested we arrange for Iraq to shoot down one of our planes so we can respond with aggression.

Interspersed throughout the book is the story of the Generals paralyzing fall, subsequent surgery, and rehabilitation. They said he’d never walk again, but of course he overcame the odds and is living a full life in retirement.

General Shelton is a great American. I admire him and am thankful for his service to our country. And I’m glad I read his book.