This book is powerful. It’s different than many of the books written about Special Operations Warriors. While many of these books tell a story, this one approaches the struggle of one man from a different and refreshing angle. I guess I would say that my impression of this book is that it is a story about a man’s life, Adam Brown, which needed to be told. He had a turbulent past. He struggled with addiction. But he still managed to achieve the highest levels of the Special Operations forces in a compassionate and God-loving way. He was a true warrior even though he let his addiction control him. I cannot even begin to compare this story to Rich Froning’s in “First: What It Takes to Win” but the strength that both of these men derive from their faith is inspirational. As one line in “Fearless” captures, the answer to every problem is in the Bible.

1. “I’m not afraid of anything that might happen to me on this Earth because I know no matter what, nothing can take my spirit from me… How much it pains me… to think about not watching my boy excel in life, or giving my little baby girl away in marriage… Buddy, I’ll be there, you’ll feel me there when you steal your first base, smash someone on the football field, make all A’s. I’ll be there for all of your achievements. But much more, Buddy, I’ll be there for every failure. Remember, I know tears, I know pain and disappointment, and I will be there for you with every drop. You cannot disappoint me. I understand!” ~Adam Brown
2. There are four components to the Trident: the anchor, symbolizing the Navy; the trident, which represents the SEAL’s historical ties to the sea; the cocked pistol, a reminder of SEAL’s capabilities on land and their constant state of readiness; and the eagle, which—in addition to being the national emblem of freedom—symbolizes the SEAL’s ability to insert from the air. The eagle’s head is traditionally held high, but on the Trident, its head is lowered, signifying that a true warrior’s strength comes from humility.
3. I don’t believe in luck, but I do believe in opportunity, preparedness, and hard work. You prepare yourself with hard work, and when that opportunity comes, take advantage of it.
4. “When you’re in a crummy situation,” says Harley, “and in our line of work that’s most of the time—it’s freezing cold or hot as sin, you’re working your butt off rucking all over the mountains, whatever—the guy you’re with can either bring you down or boost you up. However he accomplishes it, if he can make you laugh in those dismal situations and still get the job done, he’ll go far.”
5. I always find myself thanking four groups of people. The first are our warriors who have fallen; the second, those who have guaranteed that those who have fallen will not be left behind. Some with their bravery, others with their lives. I thank those who have selflessly pulled themselves off the line to train the next warriors to go forward—so that they may surpass the prowess of those currently engaged. And I am thankful for the families that nurture such men.
6. “Man,” Dave said, “I don’t understand how you can do what we do and be religious.”
   “One, I’m spiritual, not religious,” Adam replied. “And two, I can’t believe you can do what we do and not be.”
7. “The Warrior function is… unmistakable in Scripture… Within the epistles, the mature believing man is often described in militant terms—a warrior equipped to battle mighty enemies and shatter satanic strongholds.
   The heart of the Warrior is a protective heart. The Warrior shields, defends, stand between, and guards… He invests himself in “the energy of self-disciplined, aggressive action.” By Warrior I do not mean one who loves war or draws sadistic pleasure from fighting or bloodshed. There is a difference between a warrior and a brute. A Warrior is a protector… Men stand tallest when they are protecting and defending.” ~Stu Weber
8. Adam was not reckless; he was in command of his fears. He never cheated death; he earned life. He was driven in a way few of us can comprehend. To fail at something was acceptable. To fail to try was not.