What Our Readers Are Saying

Praise For the Bronze Scar

Walk into the head of PTSD. See the thoughts. Feel the emotions. Experience the reality. Steve West opens the hidden hallways for all to explore. This book gives a rare journey into the secrets of how yesterday’s traumas shape all of today’s life into tomorrow. The Bronze Scar answers questions we didn’t know how to ask. Candid. Raw. Compassionate. These pages are for the circles of PTSD from personal to family, friends, and professionals.

— Leith Anderson, President Emeritus, National Association of Evangelicals, Washington, DC

“I have no doubt that PTSD is one of the reasons we aren’t making more headway in the war against homelessness. Unless we all become fully cognizant of this condition and know how to recognize it in those around us, the anxiety, anger, and shame that Steve West describes will continue to drive far too many of our friends onto the streets and into addictions that will only make things worse. I’m strongly recommending that The Bronze Scar be on the required reading list for all of the leaders of North America’s rescue missions and kindred ministries.”

— John Ashmen, President, Citygate Network (formerly the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions)

My Dad lived with PTSD for 60 years before finally acknowledging the trauma he endured from the Korean War.  Steve lays bare for all to see, the realities of what our brave service members, including my Dad, endure during wartime.  It takes a lot of courage to admit the negative psychological impacts of war, especially for a chaplain whose very mission is to help others.  Bronze Scar is a book about courage, discovery, family, and faith.  It is a vivid depiction of what thousands of war survivors deal with every day.  A must-read for those in and out of the military.

— General (Ret) Larry O. Spencer, 37th Vice Chief of the Air Force, author of Dark Horse, General Larry O. Spencer and His Journey from the Horseshoe to the Pentagon.

“I got to know Steve and Cherri when he was in the depth of his PTSD struggle. I personally saw the grip it had on his life and the impact on his job and his family. This book is a testimony of God's grace and strength in his life and his wife's determination to hold true to her wedding vow to "love and cherish...in sickness and health." Their story will be a beacon of hope to many.”

—Jim Browning, Director of the Marsh Center for Chaplain Studies; Ch, Col (Ret) USAF

“The Bronze Scar is an extraordinary testimonial of courage and selfless disclosure, shining a light on a very dark and personal struggle impacting today's warriors and so many more in our society. Readers who are suffering with PTSD will see themselves in Steve's experience and through their newfound awareness, finally have a road map to address the pain underlying their behavior before it destroys their family, their career and ultimately their life.” 

— Bonnie Carroll, President & Founder, Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS)

In our family there were the knowing looks, holding your breath, avoiding certain topics of conversation, and the desire to help complicated by the fear of what your concerns might provoke. Our Marine arrived home from Afghanistan with 2 Purple Hearts and a deep soul wound. He grimaced with physical pain but the torment of the PTSD was equally as bad. I had no idea what he was feeling. There is so much in this book I wish I had known a decade ago. I would have been better able to understand what my Marine was feeling. If you have longed for someone to open a window into the complex world of feelings associated with PTSD, The Bronze Star is for you.

— Carmen LaBerge, radio host for Faith Radio, author