Called to Serve: Encouragement, Support, and Inspiration for Military Families

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Over 2.9 million military personnel—facing serious emotional and spiritual challenges— serve in more than 150 countries. Called to Serve professionally pinpoints the needs of the military family. Real-life stories drawn from twenty-three years of military experience offer encouragement, humor, and tools to combat relational threats from the perspective of the "Warrior" (husband) and his "Spouse." Thirty compelling, uplifting, and encouraging devotionals address the top identified military stressors affecting military personnel and their families. Each account, tied to relevant Scripture, whets the spiritual palate, encouraging the reader to seek additional encouragement from the Bible.

With 24 years of accrued experience, the Monettis and their three children know military life. Lieutenant Colonel Tony Monetti (USAF, Ret.) is a Distinguished Flying Cross recipient and a former B-2 stealth bomber, B-1, and B-52 pilot who has written numerous articles for military publications. Penny Monetti is an inspirational author who speaks nationwide and is certified through the American Association of Christian Counselors and the American Counseling Association to help military families with post-traumatic stress. The Monettis have shared the message of this book on television and radio programs, including Focus and the Family.

Called to Serve is designed to give encouragement, support, and inspiration to military families of those serving overseas and stateside. Yet this book is valuable to almost any family. The situations might be different, but the principles of the situations can be applied to non-military life too. Let me give you some examples.



In the chapter called “Don’t Play with Thunderstorms: Avoiding Risky Situations while Deployed,” Tony talks about the time he met a very attractive blonde commercial pilot, Lisa, and they begin to talk. He tells her about his great family and she tells him she is having marital difficulties. Later on, she shows up at his door just wanting “someone to talk to.” Now this situation is not just prone to military men but every man. He is tempted, but he doesn’t give in. He protects his and her marriage, and both of their integrities.



Each chapter is maybe 3-4 pages long; nice little, bite-size chunks. The book covers topics such as fear, transition, loneliness and grief, avoiding destructive behavior, and communication. Each chapter has a bible verse to ponder, a little suggested prayer, questions to think about and resources to help deal with the topic at hand.



This book would be great for any family to read together, especially a military family. It was written by a family who has already has gone through many trials, giving it instant credibility. The authors offer great advice from their travels and the lessons they learned. Called to Serve is a quick read but packs a powerful punch.



This is one book that is definitely T.O.M. approved.