For much of the twentieth century, military service helped shape American leadership. Nearly two-thirds of our presidents wore the nation's uniform, and in the decades after World War II veterans held the majority of seats in Congress-an era when bipartisanship flourished. In Courage Can Save Us, Rye Barcott shines a dramatic spotlight on ten veterans-men and women, Republicans and Democrats-now serving in elected office across the country. Forged in service and tested by sacrifice, their inspiring stories reveal how courage, character, and common purpose can still renew our democracy-and restore hope for its future.

Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author of LEADERSHIP: IN TURBULENT TIMES

Rye Barcott and I came of age as Marines in Iraq. We carry the costs of the post-9/11 wars and the questions they left behind about our country's character and what kind of leadership it demands. So do many of the ten Americans he profiles. He writes about these elected officials with candor, clarity, and hard-earned understanding. An important book for our generation-and for the country we still believe in.

Elliot Ackerman, National Book Award finalist and author of 2034 and 2054

These are the times that buy men's souls. Thank God, some souls are not for sale. Politics has never been a refuge for the pure. Ambition, compromise, and pressure come with the territory. Yet the stories in this book remind us that even there-especially there-courage still emerges. In these tightly paced portraits, Rye Barcott shows how imperfect men and women who have worn the cloth of the nation choose service over self-interest at moments of consequence. A bracing and hopeful account of character in a divided chapter of our national life.

Karl Marlantes, author of MATTERHORN and WHAT IT IS LIKE TO GO TO WAR

Rye Barcott's spectacular book shares moving stories of military and public leaders who are role models in these challenging times. They teach us all how to be courageous-an essential quality that is lacking in many leaders.

Bill George, author of TRUE NORTH and former CEO of Medtronic

A wild ride.

Bono on It Happened on the Way to War

Compelling and important.

Lionel Barber, editor-in-chief, Financial Times on It Happened on the Way to War