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Kicking Ace - Taking Names (Book)

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Kicking Ace - Taking Names is a autobiographical book written by Jeremy Vandekar. Published in December 2011 by BluewaterPress LLC in Saint Augustine, FL, Kicking Ace - Taking Names recounts Vandekar's enlistment in the United States Marine Corps and subsequent deployments to Iraq.[1]. Vandekar describes his training and tours with the USMC special operations unit, Marine Recon.

Vandekar wrote the book to "help him heal" and has appeared in book talks at local libraries, universities, and retirement homes [2]. The book is also taught in a Comparative Literature class at Conestoga High School as part of the "War" unit [3]

Jeremy Vandekar presents his book, Kicking Ace - Taking Names, to a Comparative Literature class in Conestoga High School.

Book Description [1][edit]

2nd Reconnaissance Battalion represents the top 1% of the United States Marine Corps. As a special operations asset, the Recon Marines involved in this unit train extensively in airborne, dive, sniper and many other special schools in order to prepare for combat overseas. As a member of this elite unit, Jeremy Vandekar was deployed twice to Iraq as part of a deep reconnaissance sniper team. In this book, Vandekar recounts the training behind each Recon Marine and the history and traditions behind the Recon Community. He describes in vivid detail some of the stories from combat and the struggles many veterans face when returning home.

Themes[edit]

Training[1][edit]

Vandekar starts the book by recounting his family's personal history. He describes his reasons for joining the USMC and the training that is involved in Boot Camp on Parris Island, SC. Vandekar continues into Recon training, a select, volunteer unit in the special operations branch of the military. He describes the intensity of the training, motivations behind techniques, and helps with military acronym and jargon.

Combat[1][edit]

Much of the book is dedicated to Vandekar's two deployments to Iraq. His first deployment is broken down by subject including improvised explosive attacks, culture, and casualties that the unit suffered. The second deployment is not as repetitive, instead describing major differences and Vandekar's new responsibilities as a more experienced enlisted non-commissioned officer.

PTSD[1][edit]

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is hinted during the entire book. But Vandekar dedicates his last chapter to the subject. He describes his own personal suffering and rehabilitation back into society as well as some of the characters you've met in the book.

Reviews[edit]

"As a former Recon Marine, I know what it's like to go unrecognized in the SOF community more often than not. Finally there is a great book on the training, mission, and overall hardships we face as 0321's. This book provides a detailed and insightful view of what it takes to be the best the United States Marine Corps has to offer. To Sgt Vandekar, well done snake-eater."

--Joseph Lacourse

Former Reconnaissance Marine [1]

"Jeremy Vandekar provides a clear and personalized perspective of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of the most highly trained young men in our country today. Vandekar's experiences and outstanding ability to portray events genuinely makes this book informative, entertaining and inspiring."

--Hunter Barnhill

U.S. Air Force B-52H pilot[1]

"Few understand what it is to become a soldier or to fight in a strange land. Written by someone who survived the experience, this book is a must-read for young people contemplating military service and for the general public, most of whom have little idea of the reality of war."

--Laura Tessier

Environmental Consultant[1]

Sale and Charities[edit]

Vandekar has stated on the Facebook page dedicated to the book on 20 March 2016 that all author book royalties will be donated to charity [4]. The book is available on Amazon [5], Barnes and Nobles [6], Discover Books [7], and Thrift books[8]. It is available as a paperback and on the kindle as an e-book.

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Vandekar, Jeremy (2011). Kicking Ace - Taking Names. Saint Augustine: BluewaterPress LLC. ISBN 978-1604520712. Search this book on
  2. Richards, Ryan (19 February 2013). "Berwyn Iraq veteran's book helped him heal". Suburban Life. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  3. Conestoga High School (December 18, 2017). "Conestoga High School Calendar of Events" (PDF). www.tesd.net. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  4. Vandey, JD (20 March 2016). "Facebook Post". Facebook.com. Archived from the original on |archive-url= requires |archive-date= (help).
  5. "Kicking Ace - Taking Names Amazon site". Amazon.com. 4 October 2018.
  6. "Kicking Ace - Taking Names Barnes and Nobles site". Barnesandnobles.com. 4 October 2018.
  7. "Kicking Ace - Taking Names DiscoverBooks site". DiscoverBooks.com. 4 October 2018.
  8. "Kicking Ace - Taking Names ThriftBooks site". Thriftbooks.com. 4 October 2018.


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