Official Review: Faith, Flag, and Family by Robert E.Jordan

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 08 Mar 2021, 16:05

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Faith, Flag, and Family" by Robert E.Jordan.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Faith, Flag, and Family: A Purposeful Guide for Selfless Service by Robert E. Jordan is a nonfiction book that presents a series of essays written by the author. On Nov. 6, 2009, Mr. Jordan was commissioned as a Chief Warrant Officer of the U.S. Navy. During his last twelve years of duty, Mr. Jordan wrote monthly memos that reflected on his experiences and beliefs. His faith guided and strengthened him through twenty-six years of service, including five tours of duty in Afghanistan. His family supported and sustained him with words of encouragement and patience through times of separation. The flag under which he served summoned his courage and swelled his heart with pride as he reflected on its significance and endurance.

The book contains a total of one hundred memos in a book of only 273 pages. The majority of the memos are only two pages long. Many of the memos respond to questions the author received from sailors under his command. The language is scholarly yet easy to understand. I admired his passionate expressions of love for his country, family, and flag. He wrote with deep reverence about his ancestors, his parents, and his country. Each memo is a tribute to the opportunities he has had to serve. The memos are peppered with numerous quotes from famous personalities and inspire and motivate readers to altruism and selfless service. This was one of my favorites from his father: “Butch, the true measure of a man is not his size, but the amount he gives of himself” (p. 183.) I appreciated the photos, especially those of his parents, of whom he spoke so highly.

My only dislike would be the repetition of some themes and quotes. The memos cover various naval service years, so the author repeats and circles back to various topics. The author’s relationship to Abram Osterhout and his letter from 1863 appeared three times in the narrative. I read the book from cover to cover, but it would be preferable to savor these memos slowly and reflectively over time. I also found ten grammar errors.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The eloquent and heartfelt memos motivate and inspire readers to consider the blessing of freedom and use their time to serve others and their country. I took away one star due to the repetitions and the number of errors I found in the book. The book is free of any profanity or inappropriate scenes, and the author shared his faith without preaching.

In a time when we see people kneeling or burning the flag, Mr. Jordan’s words ring out a message of patriotism. He calls on us to remember the cost of freedom and those who served that we might be free. I recommend this book to young people, immigrants, educators, and parents. Anyone considering a military career would find inspiration from Mr. Jordan’s memos. “A troubled and afflicted mankind looks to us, pleading for us to keep our rendezvous with destiny; that we uphold the principles of self-reliance, self-discipline, morality, and above all, responsible liberty for every individual; that we will become that shining city on a hill,” (Ronald Reagan, p. 196.)

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Faith, Flag, and Family
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EddyFiend · Post by **EddyFiend** » 11 Mar 2021, 12:45

This looks like a solid patriotic book that inspires others to hold onto their faith. Will take a read!

Yvonne Monique · Post by **Yvonne Monique** » 11 Mar 2021, 14:30

A collection of memos seems like an original way of presenting this story. Your review describes the book perfectly!

Sou Hi · Post by **Sou Hi** » 12 Mar 2021, 01:52

Thanks for your fascinating review. It looks like there are many aspects featured in this short book, such as family love, loyalty towards the country, and faith. Our current freedom and prosperity are built on the sacrifices of our fathers, so one should think twice before they turn their back on their own people.

Chizioboli · Post by **Chizioboli** » 13 Mar 2021, 05:23

Absolutely amazing! I loved your writing style and it's consistent in all your reviews. I hope to read this book someday. Thank you for a job well done

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 14 Mar 2021, 14:32

EddyFiend wrote: ↑11 Mar 2021, 12:45 This looks like a solid patriotic book that inspires others to hold onto their faith. Will take a read!

This is a wonderful book that inspires love and respect for our flag, country,and family. I hope you enjoy it!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 14 Mar 2021, 14:42

Yvonne Monique wrote: ↑11 Mar 2021, 14:30 A collection of memos seems like an original way of presenting this story. Your review describes the book perfectly!

This was a unique way to present these themes. The short essays were filled with substantial material to reflect on and to deepen one's respect for the military members who fight for our freedom. Thanks for commenting!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 14 Mar 2021, 15:05

Sou Hi wrote: ↑12 Mar 2021, 01:52 Thanks for your fascinating review. It looks like there are many aspects featured in this short book, such as family love, loyalty towards the country, and faith. Our current freedom and prosperity are built on the sacrifices of our fathers, so one should think twice before they turn their back on their own people.

We have so much to be thankful for! This book reminds readers where all this freedom came from! Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments! I appreciate your beautiful words.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 14 Mar 2021, 15:13

Chizioboli wrote: ↑13 Mar 2021, 05:23 Absolutely amazing! I loved your writing style and it's consistent in all your reviews. I hope to read this book someday. Thank you for a job well done

This author inspired me. His experiences as a naval officer gave depth to his writing. Thanks so much for your kind words. I am humbled by your praise! Much appreciated!!

Mariana Figueira · Post by **Mariana Figueira** » 16 Mar 2021, 13:32

Sounds inspiring, though I don't think it's my cup of tea. Thanks for an amazing review anyway.

TheMazeRunner · Post by **TheMazeRunner** » 17 Mar 2021, 02:50

Memos are not my thing, but this book sounds interesting.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 17 Mar 2021, 09:21

MarianaFigueira wrote: ↑16 Mar 2021, 13:32 Sounds inspiring, though I don't think it's my cup of tea. Thanks for an amazing review anyway.

Thanks for reading!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 17 Mar 2021, 10:41

TheMazeRunner wrote: ↑17 Mar 2021, 02:50 Memos are not my thing, but this book sounds interesting.

The topics are written in an interesting and motivating way. The author calls each one a memo, but they are more like essays. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Bookishkrish24 · Post by **Bookishkrish24** » 18 Mar 2021, 02:11

I haven't read anything of this format, it looks interesting. Thanks for your eloquent review.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 18 Mar 2021, 09:29

Bookishkrish24 wrote: ↑18 Mar 2021, 02:11 I haven't read anything of this format, it looks interesting. Thanks for your eloquent review.

I enjoyed this format since each memo is motivational. This length gives the reader opportunity to reflect on the main topics and think about how to incorporate the points into their life and thinking. Thanks for reading and commenting!