"Americans have the ability to be arrogant and ignorant at the same time. This is made possible by men and women willing to stand up and fight against those who mean harm to the American way of life."

~ Sergeant Major Usmc (Ret) Greg Leal

Amongst Warriors is a collection of short stories and poems that chronicles the raw experiences of Marine Sergeant Major Gregory Leal. Born in Hell, the book delves into the days leading up to the ‘Shock and Awe’ of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the chaos and intensity of combat for the 1st Marine Division,  the gut-wrenching weeks on mission, and the subsequent decades filled with memories, nightmares, and the impact of PTSD. 

Amongst Warriors,  Unapologetically dives into the darkness of a combat veteran's heart and guides readers through the long and arduous healing process using the power of writing.

DEDICATED TO: Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez

This book is dedicated to Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez 22, was the first Marine killed in action in the invasion of Iraq.  He died in a firefight on March 21, 2003 near Umm Qasr.

Gutierrez and his sister were orphaned in Guatamala when he was 14, and made the arduous trek from Guatamala to the US Border in California.  He spent the next 4 years in group/foster homes until his 18th birthday when he applied for residency. He joined the Marine Corps in 2002 and according to his sister, he “wanted to give the United States what the United States gave to him. He came with nothing. This country gave him everything.” And in return, Gutierrez gave his life.

Sgt. Maj. Gregory Leal was born and raised in Abilene, Texas and enlisted in the Marine Corps in May 1976. Over the course of his exemplary Marine Corps Career, Sgt. Maj. Leal participated in Operations: Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Joint Task Force-6 Counter Drug Operations, Anvil 2, Desert Fox, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. 

His personal awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Combat “V” Device, Meritorious Service Medal, with one gold star, the Navy Achievement Medals with two gold stars and the Combat Action Ribbon. He currently holds a 2nd-degree black belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

Sgt. Maj. Leal is married, has two adult daughters.