REVEILLE OF THE HEART

In 1989, I joined the Army 120 pounds soaking wet, just in time for the first war in the Middle East, Desert Storm. During my time in, I started writing down the hilarious things that happened me. Being dropped for push ups my first ten seconds in Basic Training for laughing. Going into the gas chamber without a mask. And many more. These things left an impression on me, so I decided to write a book that encompassed some of my misadventures. Thus, the genesis of the inspirational fiction novel, REVEILLE OF THE HEART.

REVEILLE OF THE HEART takes you on the journey into Camilla Harrison’s life as she joins the Army, despite her family and boyfriend’s objections. She crawls through mud, shoots weapons, goes through the gas chamber and ends up a POW…all the joys of basic training. When she reaches her permanent station, she meets Nathan Porter. He becomes an amazing friend. All seems great until Cami’s boyfriend Trevor decides to visit and proposes. Cami then has to decide between the man she always knew she would marry and her soul mate.

The book ends with one of the key characters being wounded in Iraq. A horrible tragedy that is unfortunately a reality in our world. When I started thinking about how I would promote Reveille, I got this desire to do more with my book. To give back to the very people that inspired my book. I'm looking to find an organization to support. If you know of one, let me know.

Kimberlee R. Mendoza
Author of “Reveille of the Heart”

Preparing from the Helicopter

I have said millions of times, "God is in the helicopter, we are in the car." As I drive the car of life, often there are road blocks and detours that keep me from getting to MY goal. I get frustrated as I am directed another way. What I fail to realize is God's birdseye perspective can see the ditch on the other side of the detour. He is saving me from an amazing fall or maybe redirecting me toward something better. Afterwards, that 20/20 after sight kicks in, I see this clearly.

That has begun to happen again. I have wondered for years, why did I go into the Army? It was a spiritually hard time for me and I had many horrible things occur during my time served. Up until now, I just figured maybe God wanted me to go in so I could buy a house. (VA benefits are amazing.) But in the last few weeks, I have begun to see that it may be something bigger.

Through my church, I have met a woman who helps organize "America's Heroes of Freedom," an amazing organization that helps the fallen military and their families. Just in the small amount of time I've known about them, I am touched by all that they are doing. Being in the military during Desert Storm, gave me a soft spot for the military men and women. Also, I think being trained as a Chaplain Assistant also prepared me for what may lie ahead. I still don't totally know what God has in store for me, but I know he is clearing a path. And I'm excited where it will take me.