Sileo tells the story of SSG Michael Ollis in a way that makes the reader connect to the hero and really pulls on the heartstrings. I cried quite a bit before the ending. I highly recommend this book, especially to someone who doesn't typically pick up a book about war.

This book was very eye opening about the military My dad served In Vietnam and I've never really read a book about the intricacies of war and the military and this 1 was well done and a very good read

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“I Have Your Back” is a powerful tribute to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis—a true hero whose courage and selflessness transcended borders. From the streets of Staten Island to the perilous mountains of Afghanistan, Ollis’s unwavering commitment to saving lives shines through.

Ollis’s desire to serve, inspired by his Vietnam veteran father, led him on a 24-year journey. His bravery during a massive Taliban assault exemplifies the warrior spirit.

Amid enemy fire, Ollis promised a Polish officer that he’d have his back. His final act of valor earned him the Distinguished Service Cross and Poland’s highest honor.

This visceral account motivates us to prioritize family, friends, and country—a legacy worthy of emulation.

“I Have Your Back” honors an American warrior who truly had all of our backs. 🇺🇸🌟

Staff Sergeant Michael Hollis is a true hero. He completely understood the code of other's first [no matter what; this is something he lived by from a young age] to the point of saving lives with absolutely no regard of his own life and safety [he was not reckless, but he also didn't think that not having safety gear on was a reason to run away from a fight]. At the age of 24, with his whole life still in front of him, he, like so many brave men and women before him, made the ultimate sacrifice so others could live and so freedom would not be forsaken. The awards and accolades he received after his act of heroism shows how well-loved, and respected he was and while it is understood that those will never replace his life, it was heartwarming to see just how people loved him and honored him and his acts of service. If you want to know what a true patriot looks like, all you have to do is look at this young man's life and service.

A book everyone should be reading [especially in this unsettling times], this book will show you love - of country, of family, and of the people who walk with us, and once read, will leave you forever changed.

Roger Wayne is my new favorite narrator and once again, he does an excellent job while telling a difficult story. I highly recommend listening to this man tell Staff Sergeant Ollis's story - he brings so much to the story and truly honors the fallen soldier's memory.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tom Sileo, Roger Wayne - Narrator, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for providing the audiobook and eBook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

This was my second Tom Sileo book and once again he left me feeling moved and more proud to be an American.

A story about an American Soldier, Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis, who served our country with loyalty, courage and the ultimate sacrifice.
Tom Sileo is an exceptional writer making you feel like you’re right there in the story. It’s beautifully written filled with raw and real emotions of Mike’s life and military career. I entered this book knowing nothing about SSG Mike Ollis and I left l feeling that I personally knew Mike, his family and comrades.
Mike is the embodiment of what an American Hero is.

This was an absolute privilege to read. It’s a read I will hold close to my heart for the rest of time. It’s a read I will recommend to any American. I guarantee you will walk away feeling proud to be an American. 🇺🇸

Thank you #NetGalley #StMartinsPress and #TomSileo for the opportunity to read I have Your Back: How An American Soldier Became An International Hero.

This book is a must read for every American. We all take our freedoms for granted and never take the time to realize that those freedoms were fought for by other Americans. Americans who loved this country enough to sacrifice all for it.
The author brings us into the life of one of those soldiers who loved and died for his country. Mike Ollis was a special young man whose one goal in life was to join the Army and be the best soldier he could be. He was an outstanding soldier, officer, and friend leaving a legacy that will last in the hearts of many for years to come. He was an international hero whose story continues to touch the lives of people today.
Please do not pass up this book that tells the true story of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis!

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the book.

An incredible book about Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis. I hadn't heard of him before reading this book, but what an incredible life story, personifying integrity and what it means to be a man of your word.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was far beyond outstanding. For some reason I didn't expect much when I saw the description of this book. Was I wrong. This one tells the story of a REAL hero, one that everyone should know. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. I would do it in a heartbeat.

As the mother of two active-duty sons, reading this book was incredibly tough. I am so thankful for the service and sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis. I wish I had known him, but the author does a great job of truly allowing you to 'see' who Michael Ollis was, making it feel like you know him. Following his father's footsteps, Michael Ollis enlists in the military, determined to be the best soldier he can be. Throughout three deployments, his journey takes him to Afghanistan, where he works hard to be a mentor and leader to those he serves with. His courage under fire and ability to lead his men saved many lives, including that of a Polish soldier fighting alongside him. He lost his life while protecting others. Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis is a hero who deserves our gratitude, and his family deserves our thanks for raising a courageous young man who was willing to sign his name on the dotted line. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and author, for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

I Have Your Back
Mike Ollis would definitely have been someone you wanted as a friend. This book tells the story of a wonderful human being that gave so much for his fellow man. Even his life. He always was thinking of others and how he could be a better friend, son and even boyfriend. He tried to be the very best he could be in whatever he did. It’s very sad that he lost his life, but in doing so he gave life to others.


I was given an ecopy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review. I read this book in two sittings. It was totally engrossing. Few people realize, on a gut level, that almost all war heroes, all those who fight against terrorism, are certainly men in character but actually just boys in years. Michael Ollis was only 17 when he enlisted in the military. He served 3 deployments, foregoing dating/romantic attachments and family time with loved ones to help protect innocent people from those whose thirst for power goad them into inhumane acts against society. Michael rose through the ranks, serving while also mentoring, leading, and commanding other soldiers. He died a hero at age 24 while protecting friends, fellow soldiers, and those under his leadership. His final act of courage directly saved the life of a Polish soldier he was fighting alongside as well as saving indirectly an unknown number of others as the enemy was held at bay through the actions he and other took that day in Afghanistan. I recommend this read.

Michael Ollis, lived in Staten Island, New York, and wanted to be a soldier from the time he was a young child, after his father had gone to Vietnam to fight. , After 9/11, he was determined to enlist and save lives. This is the journey of his life in the US Army for 24 years. He was a man and a soldier, that went after the thing he wanted most, he was a leader, he was there for the soldiers, and he had their back. He earned the respect the soldiers have for him, and most of all he wanted to save lives and he did.
I received an ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley, and his story had to be told, for all the things he did.

Afghanistan-war, NATO-forces, Polish-army, US-army, sacrifice, tribute, heroism, honor, biography*****

The author has an ability to bring his subject into clear light and allow the reader to fully appreciate the person who is the subject of his book. US Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis was a man who gave of himself to do what was right a world away from his home and regardless of danger to himself.
Go to your bookstore or library and read the author's earlier book Fire In My Eyes.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. Thank you.

I just finished reading this book before it was published thanks to Net Galley. I just finished reviewing this on Goodreads not knowing immediately how to do that here.

This is a must read I could not put this book down well my phone actually . Bob thank you for your service! You and Linda did a fantastic job raising that fine young man.

You were very good role models. My nephew is almost die with Boot Camp in the Marines. Having lost a brother in -law in the Viet Nam War I understand the pain you are experiencing.

Thank you And rest on eternal peace Staff Sargeant Michael H. Ollis

US Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis loved his dad and wanted to emulate his successful career in the Army. He rose through the ranks and became a very successful squad leader in Afghanistan. His primary focus was the mission and bringing all his squad back safely.

The soldiers were assisting the Afghanistan army in learning how to protect their people and maintaining their fledgling democracy.

Staff Sergeant Ollis was always drilling and reviewing tactics to keep his men prepared and safe. On the day he was critically wounded he got his men into a secure compound and left them to help secure the perimeter after a car bomb attack breached the perimeter. The action saved the life of a Polish soldier; Second Lieutenant Karol Cierpica.

The accomplishments of this Long Island, New York native are stellar. Hopefully, Congress will review his file and upgrade his medal to the Congressional Medal of Honor. 4.5 stars – CE Williams

A must red book.
I had not heard of Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis prior to reading this book. An amazing man, committed to
serving his country and protecting fellow soldiers at all costs. His sacrifices will not be forgotten.
I was crying by the end of the book - such a remarkable young man.
#IHaveYourBack #StMartinsPress #NetGalley

I received a free copy of, I Have Your Back, by Tom Sileo, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Staff Sergent Michael Ollis, is a true American hero. At only 24 years old, he did what many people could not do. This book made me cry, what a great tribute to an amazing man, who protected his own men, but men from other countries too!

I Have Your Back by Tom Sileo is one wonderfully written story about Sergeant Michael Ollis selfless journey who proudly put his family, friends and country first.
A remarkable story about sacrifices made, love and faith from a man who proudly served and sacrificed everything.
This book was an emotional read that will break your heart but at the same time make your heart swell with pride. I can't put into words how good this book was.

Thank You NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. All Mike wanted to do with his life was serve in the military just like his father. He idolized his father. When he joined the army he sacrificed many things. He met several great individuals who became like brothers to him. He sacrificed so much for our country and was a wonderful individual. A must read.