A phenomenal read in which the author takes you on a journey of faith, duty, and self. I highly recommend Angels in Afghanistan if you're seeking a book filled with inspiration and hope. Suppose you know someone that may have that feeling they're not supposed to be where they currently are, such as a job, or have that overwhelming sense of responsibility for others; this book is a must-read. The author's testimonies keep your attention because you're right by their side as you turn to each page. I close the book walking away with the message of how life is about making an impact.

Angels in Afghanistan by Joseph R. Perez Jr. is a short biography and memoir read. It is a powerful book. Very powerful. I am so impressed by the strength and courage of the character and how he was able to use his faith to experience the most unimaginable challenges. It really focuses on Joseph’s spiritual journey, so if you are someone of faith and enjoy books about true events and religion, then you will definitely not want to miss this one. His story is overwhelming, and it puts some things of my own life into perspective. You could tell that the writing in this story is authentic and emotional, telling a hard yet truthful story.

Colorado author Joseph R Perez Jr. served with the Army in Afghanistan and now is a Captain in the Army Reserves while studying for his doctorate at Liberty University in Virginia, having studied political science and international relations at Pacific Lutheran University while in ROTC. ANGELS IN AFGHANISTAN is his debut publication, and while the book is very short in length, the impact is strong in the manner in which Joseph’s following faith provides a safe journey, no matter the barricades. The importance of his Christian faith is evident in the opening sentences – ‘There were two big moments in my life: accepting Christ as my savior when I was thirteen years old, and joining the military.’ He shares that first moment – transitioning from the Catholic Church to a fundamentalist Baptist Church – and escorts us from that moment to the present. His Army training, his tours in Afghanistan, and his moments of thought and action in these circumstances reveal of man of strength, able to overcome danger and dark events with light as a natural, spiritually innovated leader. The chapters fly by, leaving imprints of humor and introspection from a gentle man whose Christian faith guides him at every moment. This is a special book on many levels, and introduces an author of energy and skill. Recommended. Grady Harp, August 22

Whether you have faith in any shape or form or not, the story telling in this book is wonderful and greatly appreciated. It’s one thing to get to see someone’s vulnerability, especially when they were in situations some may never dream of being in, but then it’s another to also have an open mind and to allow different perspectives shed light on subjects ignorance hides us from.

I served with CPT Perez (then Lt Perez) in Afghanistan briefly during this book's deployment and in the training cycle leading up to it. Almost eight years later to the day, I still remember Lt Perez as always being a man of faith. He didn't curse and was always polite. He valued the input from his NCOs and wasn't afraid to use their knowledge and experience to help guide his decision-making. This is an uncommon combination of traits in an Infantry officer.Interestingly, he is not the first Platoon Leader I've had that's written a book about his time in Afghanistan (UnAmerican by Erik Edstrom is another worth reading). However, it is a rarity to read a faith-based book like this. He is not bashing Islam, not mentioning the atrocities of war. At its core, this book is about a Leader and his men and his walk with faith. You can read this book and enjoy the story even if you are not religious. Any man that values the lives of his men above all else is a man you can appreciate and respect.