Mariner Media

More Than A Few Good Men tells the compelling story of Robert J. Driver’s life from childhood to his retirement from the United States Marine Corps. During his time in service, he witnessed and was part of extreme, and sometimes chilling, events. These actions come to life through Driver’s own letters home to his wife, encompassing the challenge of boot camp, Officer’s Candidate School, and his wartime experiences of the Vietnam War.

Driver collected declassified documents and information from many of the Marines he served with in Vietnam in order to provide the reader with this exceptionally detailed account. Driver’s letters home offer a day-by-day reckoning of the traumatic events of combat and the bravery experienced by his young Marines.

The book also features biographies of the many contributors. Driver’s admiration for the men he fought with is evident—they were More Than A Few Good Men.

“Lieutenant Colonel Robert J. Driver, USMC (Ret) has written a compelling chronology of his life as a Marine. This anthology commences with a brief overview of his Shenandoah Valley of Virginia heritage, touches on his childhood days, rapidly progresses to his college exploits, proceeds to Quantico/Officers Candidate School, and then maneuvers the reader through his entire Marine Corps career. These recollections are fueled by his almost daily letters home to his wife, Edna. Many daily activities are simple ‘one line’ entries; however, others reflect different Marine Corps events that will be so very familiar to Marines serving in any time or place.

The red meat of Driver's tale revolves around his two tours in Vietnam commanding rifle companies in 1/9 and 2/9—especially as Commanding Officer of Echo 2/9 during the January-April 1966 time frame. If the names Viem Dong, The Horseshoe, He Quang, or Nui Kim Shan jolt your memory cells, you will want to read this book. Marines who served with Bob 'in country' with the 'Hell in a Helmet' or 'The Walking Dead' battalions will be riveted by his retelling of their combat experiences. His accounts while serving as S-3 of 2/5 in the Arizona in 1969 and S-3 of 2/7 on Operation Pickens Forest in 1970 will bring back memories for those who served in those illustrious battalions.”

--Col. Richard Weede, USMC (Ret).

Virtually any hunter or fisherman will enjoy these true stories about the little known job these dedicated officers accomplish every day. In this, his third book, Jon Ober relates with warmth and engaging wit the rewards, humor and dangers for a Game Warden who is always on call. Jon has been with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries since 1985. His work has taken him from Eastern Shore marshes to the Chesapeake Bay and the western mountains of the Commonwealth.

For All Our Days follows the life and times of Polly Curry--an artist, a mother, a widow and a saint--who, at the age of ninety-six, decided to write this fascinating tell-all personal memoir. Written at the urging of her extended family, the book takes the reader along her roller-coaster life, from coming of age in the 1920s to the hardships and travels of military life to finally finding faith at the age of seventy. Sharp-witted, Curry is a well-traveled woman with a sassy sense of storytelling that is sure to intrigue. Her epiphany of God has made the last twenty-six years of her life more fulfilling and led her to realize what a blessed life she has led. Curry should be commended for her courageous efforts in revealing her narrative. Smart, witty and fun, Curry's story is a heart-warming journey through time.

The Chessie Trail overlies the railbed of the old C&O Railroad line between Lexington and Buena Vista, VA. Its level path and many interesting features make it a favorite of hikers, runners, and nature lovers in all seasons. Canoeists and kayakers use the Trail to access the river and enjoy the scenic Maury River valley from a different perspective. The Field Guide, covering topics from geology to wildflowers to the Trail's historic structures, is a great companion for a day trip along the Trail.

You will never understand the Civil War until you understand its emotion. Love and War dramatically presents the real inner conflicts between love and duty. This wonderful collection of poignant letters provides a fascinating glimpse into the heart and mind of a private soldier in the Army of Northern Virginia. Madly in love with a much younger woman, he married her early in the war, and went AWOL three times in order to be with her. He survived Pickett's charge at Gettysburg, but died at the Battle of Chester Station in May 1864. Cover commentary by leading historians: James McPherson, James "Bud" Robertson, Jr. and Holt Merchant

The Hard Corps is the first book that examines the Virginia Military Institute's leadership development program. It is also the first book in over 30 years to provide a history of its recent graduates--in combat around the world from Iraq and Afghanistan to the seas off Somalia. Husted's quantitative and qualitative approach includes stories of recent graduates who have served the Peace Corps, Teach America, and businesses around the globe. For history buffs, Husted also reminds us that VMI has played a key role in providing past leaders from George Marshall, military leader and statesman, to General Binford Peay III, CENTOM commander. In all, this book is rare glimpse of a treasured American icon.

"The essence of the Virginia Military Institute is you don't lie, cheat, nor steal. It is literally drummed into you. It is a way of life for the rest of your life. In 'The Hard Corps: 21st Century Leadership Development,' Professor Husted has caught the essence."

P. Wesley Foster, Chairman/CEO,
Long & Foster Companies

"Stewart Husted's book, 'The Hard Corps: 21st Century Leadership Development' touches all bases. It not only draws from VMI, but points out that leadership leads to success in business, education, and the military. It is a 'must read' for anyone in any profession."

Bobby Ross, Head Coach,
NCAA Co-National Championship team, Georgia Tech, and
Super Bowl team, San Diego Chargers

The American Civil War continues to stir passion and fascination for many readers and historians. While there are hundreds of books about the war itself there are hardly any that delve into the mysteries of why a once united country at peace with itself and the world went to war—a war that has not been exceeded on this continent for its destruction or slaughter. Read this book and you will understand why Virginia seceded.

In Compelled to Fight the causes of the Civil War are examined through Rockbridge County, Virginia, a microcosm of antebellum Virginia and touches upon why this Union loving people in the most critical border state abandoned hope of compromise and cast their lot with the South. Rittenburg presents the who’s who of Lexington, VMI, W&L, Rockbridge County and the local events that led to ultimate secession. Compelled to Fight is 500 pages, illustrated and indexed.

Exhaustively researched, painstakingly crafted, this is surely the most complete history ever done of a county in the Civil War era. Equally important, Rittenburg’s study challenges communities everywhere to look back at the hidden stories in their own evolution.
—James I. Robertson, Jr.

This amazing collection of poems was born out of human suffering. It's about devastation and grief, the politics of poverty and race, and the failure of society to act humanely... But it's also about hope and healing.

When Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast leaving over 1800 dead and 1.3 million homeless, editor Joanne V. Gabbin was shocked and angry at the government's slow response. Gabbin—a Professor of English at James Madison University—launched the "Mourning Katrina" project to help the victims sort out the disaster's horrific events.

Mourning Katrina is the result of that literary outreach. More than 200 participants—young and old, neophytes and master poets alike—give voice to the rainbow that comes after the storm, the revival of spirit that comes out of the depths of tested faith.

Mourning Katrina is about anger, grief and hope, memory and music, accusations and prayer. "The voices in this poetry" notes Lisa Tracy, author of Muddy Waters: The Legacy of Katrina, "may be the very best way to make sure we do not forget. Because it's not over yet, and we must not forget."

Every turn of the page reveals some little-known truth, clears up a misunderstanding, corrects an error, or dispels a myth. Packed with all the essential facts, it presents a remarkable overview of Washington's life. Written for the general reader, this book covers Washington’s public career and private life in an interesting, entertaining, and readable Q&A format.

"This is probably the most enjoyable book about George Washington that you will ever read. And you'll learn something too! Frank Grizzard is that rarest of all combinations: a fine scholar who knows how to write."

Edward G. Lengel, author
General George Washington: A Military Life

"It's amazing how many of the most frequently asked questions about George Washington have remained unanswered—at least until now. Frank Grizzard provides candid but good-natured responses to queries that run the gamut from the most serious to the most frivolous. By the end of his always-interesting tutorial, Washington retains his position as the most important of the founders, and perhaps the most fascinating."

James C. Rees, Executive Director,
Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association

Experience the entire Civil War through the eyes of the soldiers’—North and South. Fast paced, this book reads like you’re watching a movie.

“During wartime soldiers never know the whole picture. Tracing the surprising parallel lives of childhood friends and kinsmen Elisha Hunt Rhodes of the 2nd R. I. Regiment and James Rhodes Sheldon of the 50th Georgia Regiment amidst the background of the Civil War from beginning to end, Les Rolston has shed new light from primary and secondary sources and added a poignant human touch to history.”

Robert Hunt Rhodes
—editor of ALL FOR THE UNION:
THE CIVIL WAR DIARY AND LETTERS OF ELISHA HUNT RHODES
as featured in the PBS-TV series THE CIVIL WAR by Ken Burns.