Allen James Lynch

“You do not know what the next chapter of your life will bring. No matter how far down you may feel today every valley is surrounded by mountains whose peaks hold new and wonderful experiences. Throughout the toughest times in my life, I have held onto this one Scripture verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.”

“Writing this book I wanted to visit the child of my youth, to tell him that after all his struggles he was going to have an amazing life; that this chapter of his life would end when he graduated high school and went into the Army; that all the hardships, all he things the bullies put him through would make him tougher and more resilient; that in his later years he would have wonderful friends who would be closer than family.”

“"Others, not self" has become my core value- selflessness rather than selfishness- and that has made me a happier person. I don't always live by my own motto now; I still have my "I" centered moments. But I try hard to avoid them and return to the idea of being of service to others, to my family, my friends, and fellow veterans. When I fail, I try again. I am happiest when serving others and not myself.”

“Getting ahead usually involves being bold and never accepting that you've reached your personal potential. In my career as an advocate for veterans, I accepted new responsibilities when they were offered, even though I wasn't certain I could handle them. When I was a veterans assistance counselor and assigned to Icarus II, a drug treatment unit at the VA hospital, I realized I needed more education. I was not a good student in my youth, but as an adult, I recognized that I needed to learn more, took college classes part-time, and finally earned my degree. That was a proud moment.”