Tough As They Come
Tough As They Come book cover

Tough As They Come

Hardcover – October 27, 2015

Price
$24.91
Format
Hardcover
Pages
272
Publisher
Convergent Books
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-1101904787
Dimensions
5 x 1 x 8 inches
Weight
1 pounds

Description

“[Mills is] thriving, not just surviving, and inspiring others to overcome their own seemingly insurmountable obstacles.” –xa0TribLive “A story of hope and resilience, and a reminder that no matter what life may throw at us, as Travis says, as long as we “Never Give Up, Never Quit”, we can achieve anything we set our hearts and minds to. He is quite simply a great American and an example for us all.” – Gary Sinise, Actor, Director, Veterans Advocate and founder of Gary Sinise Foundation “This book exemplifies the qualities that made Travis an outstanding soldier: it is gutsy and honest, filled with humor even in the darkest moments, and always driven by a love for both family and country.” – Troy Aikman, NFL Hall Fame Quarterback "The problem with guys like Travis, is they make guys like me look like lazy whiners. What this man did for our country is heroic. What he sacrificed is unimaginable. And what he's written is simply unforgettable. Read it. I promise you'll feel better about whatever ails you." – Mike Rowe, TV host, writer, narrator, producer, and actor Retired U.S. Army staff sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne is a recalibrated warrior, motivational speaker, and international advocate for veterans and amputees. He is one of only five servicemen from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan ever to survive his injuries as a quadruple amputee. He started the Travis Mills Foundation, which benefits and assists wounded and injured veterans. www.travismills.org

Features & Highlights

  • Thousands have been wounded in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Five have survived quadruple amputee injuries. This is one soldier's story.
  • Thousands of soldiers die every year to defend their country. United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills was sure that he would become another statistic when, during his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, he was caught in an IED blast four days before his twenty-fifth birthday. Against the odds, he lived, but at a severe cost—Travis became one of only five soldiers from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to survive a quadruple amputation.  Suddenly forced to reconcile with the fact that he no longer had arms or legs, Travis was faced with a future drastically different from the one he had imagined for himself. He would never again be able to lead his squad, stroke his fingers against his wife’s cheek, or pick up his infant daughter.  Travis struggled through the painful and anxious days of rehabilitation so that he could regain the strength to live his life to the fullest.  With enormous willpower and endurance, the unconditional love of his family, and a generous amount of faith, Travis shocked everyone with his remarkable recovery. Even without limbs, he still swims, dances with his wife, rides mountain bikes, and drives his daughter to school.   Travis inspires thousands every day with his remarkable journey. He doesn’t want to be thought of as wounded.  “I'm just a man with scars,” he says, “living life to the fullest and best I know how.”

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(655)
★★★★
25%
(273)
★★★
15%
(164)
★★
7%
(76)
-7%
(-77)

Most Helpful Reviews

✓ Verified Purchase

An Inspiring Story that Everyone Should Read

Travis Mills' story highlights the tough character of an all-American young man. Mills seems to have grown up as an around good guy who excelled in sports, loved his family, friends and his country. After high school, he was inspired to join the US Army and the 82nd Airborne Division where he continued to excel as a soldier and leader. He fought bravely for his country and brothers-in-arms.

Sadly Mills was injured by an IED and became a quadruple amputee. He has accepted the challenge of overcoming his injury and not letting it get the best of him. He has conquered great obstacles in his rehab and recovery.

This is a well-written story that conveys the real person who is driven and determined to win while also maintaining an indefatigable sense of humor and compassion for others. I believe that this book illustrates what is the best and worst of humanity. Mills opens his heart and life to readers without an malice, resentment or despair. Readers can develop their own opinion of the absolute evil we are fighting in groups like the Taliban. Likewise, readers can discern that our current politicians have sent our best and brightest to fight with their hands tied behind their back.

During Mills' third deployment when he was injured, he and his troops were ordered not to attack Taliban forces as they planted IED's in our troops' path. Our forces, we learn, could not fire upon enemy combatants unless first fired upon. This means they had to sit and watch Taliban plant IED's or drive to places of ambushes without doing anything about it. Undoubtedly, this has led to many soldiers being injured. Mills, however, has a great attitude through it all. His story conveys how bravely are soldiers are fighting for their country.

Readers cannot help but be proud and inspired by his accomplishments post-injury. You will also be amazed and inspired by the many who have come along side him to help. Amazing medics and hospital staff, therapists, family, friends and charitable groups and individuals have contributed in incredible ways to Mills' recovery. His wife and family have come through as heroes, too. For readers who suffer physical pain or illness, this is a story to inspire you with courage and hope.

This is a great country, and Travis Mills continues to be one or our best and brightest.
12 people found this helpful
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God Bless our men and women in uniform.

Travis Mills story is hard breaking and inspirational at the same time. At times I found myself angry at our government for the way they want the military to fight a war, there is little regard for the safety and lives of the personnel on the front line. We continue to tie the hands of the soldier and expect total commitment from them. Men and women like Travis and their families deserve our undying gratitude for all they sacrifice. Our military personnel should be afforded every service available to help them transist from fighting soldier to non-combative soldier when they return home. The wounded warriors deserve everything that they and their families need to make life as fulfilling as possible.
If our government continues to send troops to hot spots around the world and not support the military all out, then let the children of the president and on down serve first. I bet wars will be fought differently. God Bless Travis Mills and the men and women in uniform.
2 people found this helpful
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Wonderful!

This book is so wonderful! I cried and cried and Travis is such an inspiring person. I recommend this book to everyone!

I would like to thank BLOGGING FOR BOOKS for a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for my honest review.

MY FULL REVIEWS:
http://melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com/2015/12/tough-as-they-come-by-ssg-travis-mills.html
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1468485154
2 people found this helpful
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Outstanding!

A well written book that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next. Couldn't put it down! An inside view in to a soldiers heart, home, and courageous soul. Am buying a few more to send to family who grew up in my (our) hometown of Vassar,MI.
2 people found this helpful
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The word hero is not enough...

I saw the documentary Travis: A Soldiers Story about a year ago and have been looking forward to the publication of Tough As They Come ever since. Travis's words in both the book and movie are humbling and brought me to tears.
The sacrifice he has made for for his country is unimaginable and one shared by only four others - surviving the loss of all four limbs, in his case after an IED explosion in Afghanistan.
The story of Travis's journey is not an easy one to read and he himself shares his feelings of anger and loss as he adjusts to this new life. But his strength of will - to live a full life for his wife and family - is one of inspiration and ultimately triumph.
The book is one everyone needs to read to truly understand what it means to make the best of whatever circumstances God has given us.
Once you read his story, I think you'll agree the word hero is hardly enough to describe Travis Mills.
2 people found this helpful
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Five Stars

Great book! Well worth the time to read.
1 people found this helpful
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I sent one to my father in Japan who cried while reading it like I did

I bought a few copies of this book. I sent one to my father in Japan who cried while reading it like I did. I gave one to my sister and one to my cousin. It is just an excellent book. This book is marvelous and Travis Mills in an incredible human being. I would love to meet him. He has touched all of our lives and he makes our problems seem like nothing after reading this book. He is an incredible human being. Thank you so much for writing this book. It has meant a lot to me and my father.
1 people found this helpful
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Great book by one of the most inspirational people ever

Great book by one of the most inspirational people ever. When you find yourself having a pity party, look at what Travis went through and you'll realize, anything is possible and no matter how tough the going gets...you can overcome.
1 people found this helpful
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READ THIS BOOK!!!

You cannot put this book down. An amazing account of the war in Afghanistan and a true American "soldier". You owe it to these brave soldiers to learn about what they are going through
1 people found this helpful
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Wonderful book!!

Wonderful book! I cried through 2 chapters! I got to meet this extraordinary man in the airport in Detroit! Can't wait to see the Chance House once they get it finished, spring of 2017. Quite near my town in Maine.
1 people found this helpful