About the Author

Ron Farina is author of two previous books, At the Altar of the Past and Who Will Have My Back. Other works include Unsung Heroes, Keeping Promises, and Worn Torn, personal essays about the human cost of war. In 2021 he was awarded the AWP Intro Award for fiction. He lives in Connecticut with his wife and two Golden Retrievers, Henry and Preacher. He holds an MFA from Western Connecticut State University. He served in Vietnam in 1966-1967.

Reviews

"Out of the Shadows, a compilation of stories of American military women who served in combat, is an eye-opening account of what it is really like to be a woman in a man's world.The narratives reveal the true courage, strength, tenacity, and leadership exhibited by nine heroic women who share how they fought internal as well as external battles through Iraq and Afghanistan, through doubt, fear and loss, through disabling injuries, amputations and post-traumatic stress.We learn not only about the innumerable obstacles each faced in the brutal battle to transition back to civilian life but also about their ongoing challenges of living in a civilian world post combat.These are real women, representative of thousands of sister warriors, who have earned the respect of not only their military peers but of countless grateful Americans."-Eileen Hurst, Founder and former Director of the Veterans History Project, Central Connecticut State University "I love this book! In Ron Farina's masterful hand, these women's harrowing, poignant tales of courage and perseverance will inspire you and touch your heart. Farina's storytelling-the elegant prose combined with the breakneck pace-creates a page-turner as compelling as any great novel. After reading these female veteran's stories, I feel as if I know them. I wish I could meet them to personally thank them for their service." -Jane K Cleland, Agatha-award winning and bestselling author of contemporary fiction and non-fiction "In his first book, Who Will Have My Back, author Ron Farina captured the voices of caregivers to disabled veterans. He has done it once again in Out of the Shadows: Voices of American Women Soldiers. This time the author provides an up close and personal look at women soldiers who served our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan. In Shadows the author has amplified, acknowledged, and honored the voices of these women, capturing their bravery, sacrifice, and resilience. These stories are inspirational and moving."-Noel So, MD, Amputee Rehabilitation Specialist, Denver, Colorado "These stories are so immediately compelling, it only takes one step and you are inside that world, not as a reader, not as an observer, but there, as one of the soldiers and battle buddies as they face incredible challenges. You can feel the heat, taste the dust, and smell the fear. This is as real as it gets-virtual reality via the written word. Ron Farina's talent at storytelling is incredible. He pulls you into this world and gives you an insider look at what women soldiers do, think, feel. Their voices are in your head and their stories stay with you."-Maj. Gen. Mari Eder, U.S. Army (ret.), former Commanding General of U.S. Army Reserve Joint and Special Troops Support Command
"Ron Farina's book engagingly captures the narrative of modern American soldiers who served and sacrificed in battle. At times uplifting, and at times heartbreaking, these are real stories of women warriors that must not be ignored. Their experiences and struggles should be a reminder that our country has an obligation to fulfill its promise to honor and support our post-9/11 generation of veterans."-Lt. Col. Amy McGrath, USMC (ret.)