Step Out, Step Up

A must-read book for anyone who has endured trauma yet dreams of leading a successful and happy life. Mark E. Green, a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army (retired), came from grinding poverty in rural Missouri, the oldest boy of six children. In this moving memoir, he candidly shares his unlikely path of working his way up from an enlisted man to an officer. Green served his country for thirty-four years (twenty-four in active duty). He was a member of the 82nd Airborne and “Soldier of the Year” for his battalion, as well as a pioneering member of the Army’s taekwondo team that went on to be recognized as the All Army Sports team that competes for the Olympics. 

Green served two tours as an Inspector General, including a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan, where he was responsible for that role in the southern half of the country. After sustaining a potentially career-ending hip injury in his last month of deployment, Green fought his way back to full health, battling daily through an arduous recovery as he learned to walk again. 

Green is dedicating the remainder of his life to inspiring hope, helping smooth transition, and improving resilience for his military brothers and sisters, veterans, and their families. He resides in Orlando, Florida, with his wife, Denise, son Adam, and Green’s mother (www.mark.green). 

Echo Montgomery Garrett (www.echomontgomerygarrett.com) is a multi-award-winning author based in Marietta, Georgia.

The authors are donating 10 percent of net profits from book sales to nonprofits serving veterans and their families, young people in poverty, and soldier-athletes.