‘Once a Marine' Added to the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Reading List

Watch the Once a Marine book trailer!

PRESS RELEASE: Once a Marine by award-winning author Nick Popaditch was selected as a “must read” for Marines for capturing “the history, culture and evolution of the Marine Corps.”

The development of the “Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Library” shows the value the service’s top enlisted leader places on reading, Sgt. Maj. Mike Barrett said in an Aug. 11 interview in his office. He said he reads frequently and gives Marines copies of books he has enjoyed while traveling.

“Yeah, I’ve got my coin, and there’s a time and place for giving coins,” he said. “But, do you know what I’d rather give a Marine? Something they can actually use. I’m one of those guys who likes practical gifts.”

Once a Marine publisher Savas Beatie is pleased with the selection. “Nick Popaditch, also know as ‘Gunny Pop,’ is a stand up guy. We are so happy his book continues to be so well received by readers and reviewers,” says Theodore Savas, Savas Beatie managing director.

In Once a Marine, Nick fights to remain in the Corps, to help his brothers in arms. Facing the inevitable following a medical retirement, he battles for recognition and compensation for his permanent disabilities.

Once a Marine is a behind-the-scenes tale of the day-to-day life of a career Marine noncommissioned staff officer. Nick's portrayal is: a husband and father, as well as a warrior and a molder of young warriors. He reveals himself completely including an introduction to his wife April, together with dozens of others.

Once a Marine was selected for the Commandant of the Marine Corps' recommended professional reading list for all ranks. It is also the Military-Writers Book of the Year for 2009 and was a national book club selection.

About Author Nick Popaditch: From East Chicago, Indiana, Nick Popaditch enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1986. While commanding a tank, he was wounded in Fallujah, Iraq in 2004. Nick was medically retired from the Marines in 2005 at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Residing in San Diego, he and his wife, April, have two children, Richard and Nicholas.

Mike Steere is an author and freelance journalist based in Los Angeles. His most recent book-length collaboration is Brothers of Iron (Sports Publishing LLC) and he has written for Outside, The New York Times, Men’s Journal, Wired, and many national publications. He also writes for television.

Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander's Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery

By Nick Popaditch
List $25.00
ISBN: 978-1-932714-47-0
Published September 2008 by Savas Beatie LLC

Available at bookstores nationwide and online.

For more information, visit http://www.onceamarine.com/