Jeff Morris

Legion Rising:Surviving Combat and The Scars It Left Behind

by Jeff Morris

2019

WildBlue Press

Jeff Morris grew up inspired by his mothers work ethic: never give up. It was an ethic that got him through unimaginable horrors, and helped him remain centered and on track at key points in his life. Jeff had a dream of going to law school and working with the FBI, until the idea of becoming a Navy SEAL consumed him.It was not to be, his mothers words helping him carry on. He went on to join the show more Army, was deployed to Kuwait, then sent to Iraq as an Infantry Platoon Leader, to patrol the violence on Haifa Street. He quickly rose in rank, but the horrors he saw and the soldiers he fought beside, would never leave his mind.

His personal relationships suffered. His marriage to his first wife, Chrissy, was long-distance and difficult. They had one son, Cole, but could never make he relationship work. He fell into a dark depression after leaving his wife and son.

Courageous and incredible, this book is very well written. Jeffs life, losses, despair and bravery are told with honesty. Parts were difficult to read.

Jeff now works to help other veterans and people overcome their hardship and pain by starting a CrossFit program. He and a friend call it Legion 8. Truly admirable. show less

This had some potentially interesting local legends in it, but the writing turned what could have been spooky stories into bland little blurbs. Most of the legends felt rather hokey, perhaps because they lacked that dramatic embellishment that I've come to expect from horror stores. There were a few minor factual errors on the history of the sites that locals might catch, but most of them don't really detract from the haunting legends, just the historical accuracy. My qualms with the writing show more aside, it's an interesting guide to local haunting legends. I live in Cincinnati and it was entertaining to see the legends concerning places that I pass by on a regular basis talked about here. The handbook covers a nice variety of sites, so mostly anyone from the area should be able to recognize several of these spots. Overall, an interesting book for locals. show less

Having lived all my life in southwestern Ohio, most of these places are very familiar to me. Some I've spent a great deal of time in, and I've heard many of the legends already, so this was quite a fascinating read for me, and great for discussion with friends and family. Other than a few minor factual problems (i.e. Mother of Mercy High School became exclusively for grades 9-12 in the 1940s, not the late 1970s), I and my family have all really enjoyed this book. Ghost stories are always fun show more to read! show less

unexpectedly moving, well-written, coming of age story