Jim McNeme: To quote Plato (loosely) “The ideal citizen is the scholar who has a military mindset, a man of thought and a man of action. This book is a magnificent example of when excellent leadership commands “men of thought and action”. I highly recommend this book.

Mark Lisi, COL (Ret), Plank Ownder Co B 2D BN (Ranger) 75 Inf:Rangers love to read about other Rangers. This truth runs through every generation and the past several decades have seen significant changes in the world of Ranger; this book provides an authentic peek into B Company, 2D Battalion.
Once Ranger has been marked by the Tab, there is no turning back. The debate between scroll and tab is diminished, and the brotherhood is strengthened. Of Their Own Accord is about the birth of that bond.
It is not a story or a collection of “Me and Joe” vignettes. It is a deep dive into the first members of Company B, 2D (Ranger) 75 Infantry (yes! 75 Inf). These words show case the initial gathering of Officers, NCOs and fresh faced kids who were to lay the foundation of what is now referred to as the Regiment.
The themed chapters, intimate knowledge of individual personalities, and activities add authenticity to the journey. The authors get to ‘Who’ and ‘Why” of the men who embarked on their individual quests and building of the Battalion. Surrounded by the best possible leaders, these men made hard feet and strong backs the norm.
If you are in Profession of Arms, read this book. There is something between the covers that will move or inspire you.

Michael Santens, LTC (Ret): I just finished your book, “of their own accord.” Enlightening and well done, and the details are at the right level - not too deep but with a resounding message of brotherhood and service. I hope other people learn the life lessons portrayed in the book and apply them to their life, marriage, community, and to the nation at large.

Byrd Baggett:I really enjoyed the authenticity of this book. The stories of military professionals committed to a cause greater than self were inspirational. My biggest takeaway was how the discipline of military service prepared these men for success in the civilian world. It would be a great gift for young men and women considering serving our great Nation.

John Funderburk, Master Sergeant:As being one of the Plank Holders, the story confirmed what I have always felt and believed. We saved the US Army from certain death.

Ted Baltes, U.S. Army and Civilian Service Retired:I just finished reading this superb book! I thought it would be a typical military history book. I was pleasantly surprised that it was about individual vignettes and lessons learned. It was also great to hear how their Ranger experiences shaped their lives while in both their military and civilian capacities. I recognized so many Ranger legends! Well done! RLTW and DOL!

Robert Caslen, LTG(R):"Of Their Own Accord" is a tremendous book of the brotherhood and sisterhood of shared hardships, selfless service, loyalty, honor, and courage. Coming out of the Vietnam protracted conflict, our Army was in desperate need of leadership and identity. These who manned the 75th Ranger Regiment were the ones who set the standard, and who literally changed the profession of arms, that earned the trust and confidence of the American people. If you ever want to see what is right with our Army and our Country, read "Of Their Own Accord."

Mike Burke, CSM, 2/75 Alumni 1998-2016:"Of Their Own Accord" captures the raw courage and brotherhood of the plank holders of Bco 2/75, the original members who set the standard for elite Special Operations. Their stories reflect unwavering dedication and the grit that built the Rangers' legacy.

Ron Buffkin, Colonel, U.S. Army (retired):1974 was a iffy year for the US Army. The unpopular Draft had ended the year before and the All-Volunteer Force was unproven. Vietnam had soured America’s view of military service. Against this backdrop, a hand-picked cadre of combat experienced leaders created the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Fort Lewis, Washington. One of those superb leaders was Captain Lawson Magruder, the first commander of the 2nd Ranger’s Bravo Company. “Of Their Own Accord” is an origin story featuring Bravo Company veterans and how their Ranger experience shaped them as men and soldiers. MSG (ret.) Kleibacker, an original Bravo Company NCO, and LTG (ret.) Magruder have expertly crafted narratives around the building blocks of an elite unit based on interviews with 32 Ranger plank holders. What could have been a short-lived experiment instead changed the Army for the better. This book tells how it all started. Anyone interested in Ranger history, creation of Special Operations units, or recruitment, training, and retention will discover pearls in this book. An added plus are the selected experiences of the brave women married to Rangers then.

Bob Morrissey, SGT/E5:Reading this book renewed my pride in our soldiers, myself and the reason we served this great country. For a purpose greater than ones self ,says it all. Also it proves what you can do when you put your mind into it. Thank you for your service, and Rangers Truly Lead the Way.