Back From The Brink

Dive into the gripping memoir of Lieutenant Colonel William Blaikie as he shares an unparalleled personal journey through the tumultuous landscapes of Afghanistan in his book. This paperback edition encompasses 164 pages of raw emotion and truth, chronicling his mission to rebuild a war-torn nation while confronting life-threatening situations that demanded swift and decisive action. As part of the New Zealand Defence Force, Blaikie's storyline interweaves crucial insights into military intelligence and communication, revealing the intricacies of working alongside USA and Coalition partners. The intensity of his experiences provides readers with a heartfelt look at how the mental scars of warfare diverge from physical battles, shining a light on the profound impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Blaikie's candid narrative explores not only his heroic endeavors but also the ensuing struggles with mental health upon returning home. The book resonates with anyone affected by military service, detailing the daunting challenges that often go unseen in the life of veterans. This compelling memoir serves as both a tribute to resilience and an urgent call for understanding and support for military personnel facing PTSD. Discover a powerful story of survival and hope in this essential read that digs deep into the psyche of those who have served. Perfect for veterans, military families, and anyone seeking an authentic portrayal of war’s aftermath, this memoir is sure to captivate and educate. Order your copy today to embark on this eye-opening exploration of courage and recovery.

Author: Bill Blaikie Publisher: Nawmac Ltd
Bind: paperback

Pages: 164
Publication Date: 11-11-2017

“Shall I shoot?”… “No don’t shoot”… I’m going to shoot”… “Don’t shoot!”. Rapid fire yelling within the confines of a vehicle stuck in the middle of stalled traffic, facing an unknown person wearing a full burqa peering into the car. Inches away from the driver’s face, a large hand pressed against the window. “We didn’t know if they were male or female or what was about to happen, but we were absolutely sure that if we shot this person, the crowd, including the armed policemen nearby, would turn on us and there’d be no escape.” In 2004, Lieutenant Colonel William Blaikie shipped out to Afghanistan, to head up a team dedicated to rebuilding the country after the war. As part of the New Zealand Defence Force, his skills lay in intelligence and communications - his mission was to form a team, develop and implement plans to work with USA and Coalition partners to help get Afghanistan back on its feet. Bill experienced situations that were beyond tense, often facing life and death situations and decision making that required deep and quick thinking, based on not always having enough information at hand. On his return home to New Zealand, his journey through coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder began, and the nightmares were not limited to sleep time. Everything has remained at life and death levels for Bill, and this book details how he and his wife Nancy have worked through suicide attempts, getting help, and finding answers to what is an epidemic level challenge for military personnel everywhere. “No amount of training can prepare you for what happens in your head after the uniforms are off and the guns are packed away.”