Penn State student and USMC disabled veteran Patrick Turley was inspired to join the Marines Corps the day after 9/11. Soon after, he was deployed to Iraq, but not before he endured three and a half months of training. His first book, Welcome to Hell, describes his experiences in Marine Corps boot camp.

The title comes from what Turley experienced on his first day in San Diego, where he met his drill instructor. The instructor simply said, “Welcome to Hell.” While it’s hard to imagine the intensity of military life, Turley’s book gives us insight into the life of a soldier in boot camp, according to Publisher’s Weekly. His book is the only first person, insider narrative that documents the entirety of this intensive training. The book explores the day-to-day life of a soldier training in Marine Corps Boot Camp.

“I  believe and hope [the book] can help inspire fellow students to make time to continue pursuing their dreams and that effort will persevere,” Turley said. “My dream is to help foster a culture where a Medal of Honor, Silver Star, and Distinguished Service Cross/Medal winners can get the time of day amid a media frenzy of celebrity rehab and inane pop culture.”

Welcome to Hell is set for release on July 10^th.  A percentage of proceeds from the book will go to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. You can preorder it on Amazon here.

About the Author

Katie Blitz

I'm a freshman Public Relations major. I was born in Staten Island, but I prefer to say I'm from New York City. I went to Brooklyn Tech High School, a specialized high school, and I'm very proud of it. I'm a huge sports fan - mostly (and sadly) a New York Jets fan.

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