All I Could Be: The Story of a Woman Warrior in Iraq
Given names such as Bev, Marlis, and Di now grace the combat roles of the American Army. This list also includes the name of Iowan Miyoko Hikiji, and her chronicle 'All I Could Be' is a compelling and enlightening read of life and combat in a land of foreign sands, weather, culture, and language. Her sojourn of Operation Iraqi Freedom comes during the disjointed combat that saw females fight alongside and interchangeably with male soldiers and her story is a first that reveals that the American Army is stronger now with America's women in its front combat ranks." --Scott Ayres, Colonel, Iowa Army National Guard"A powerful story detailing the challenges, struggles and triumphs faced by the female Soldier on the non-linear battlefield." --Colonel Paul Ladd, U.S. Marine Corps (ret)If you read only one book about the Iraq war, read this important record of America's Army today.I met Miyoko Hikiji on one of Iraq's most dangerous roads. We were struck by her team's courage, driving unarmored vehicles at a time when insurgents knew such vehicles were easy targets. This book shows how Hikiji fought to complete her mission and describes an important period of change for women in the U.S. military. It should be studied as a unique record of history. --Alastair Wanklyn, former Baghdad Bureau Chief Foxnews.All I Could Be:My story as a Woman Warrior in Iraq provides a strong account of the year Hiliji spent in the Iraqi war, and provides a powerful story that will appeal to any who want to know about the experiences of women in the military, Her job was to transport troops, equipment and enemy prisoners to support a regiment securing a portion of the country. While it was considered non-combatant, it was daangerous, Ambushes and explosions were part of daily living. Her accounts include assessments of gender bias, sexual harassment and provide an eye-opening saga recommended for military and women's studies collections alike. --The Midwest Book ReviewIf you read only one book about the Iraq war, read this important record of America's Army today.I met Miyoko Hikiji on one of Iraq's most dangerous roads. We were struck by her team's courage, driving unarmored vehicles at a time when insurgents knew such vehicles were easy targets. This book shows how Hikiji fought to complete her mission and describes an important period of change for women in the U.S. military. It should be studied as a unique record of history. --Alastair Wanklyn, former Baghdad Bureau Chief Foxnews.