CARDIFF-BY-THE-SEA — New York Times bestselling author Eric Blehm’s recently released book, “Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown,” recounts the often tumultuous life and tragic death of Navy SEAL Adam Brown. Blehm’s previous book, “The Only Thing Worth Dying For” also landed on the New York Times best seller’s list.
Adding to a cannon of combat literature, “Fearless” features not only rare glimpses into the lives of elite military but also one man’s life path that prepared him for who he eventually became.
“The book really brought Adam to life,” Blehm said in an interview just after the Memorial Day release of “Fearless.”
“It’s a story of a hero who rose up from rock bottom. I think those are the most inspirational. His story is unique.”
Indeed, Brown’s rise from the depths of drug addiction to become a Navy Seal Team Six Operator, the same unit that brought down Osama bin Laden shows the tenacity, humility and courage required to earn the badge of a modern day warrior. “Adam’s story shows you can rise above your darkest hour. There is a way out of that dark hole,” Blehm said.
“We were worried,” Brown’s father, Larry said. “When you see how far down people can go with an addiction-under bridges, destitute-I say there but for the grace of God is Adam.”
Touted as “the intimate story of a devoted man who was an unlikely hero but a true warrior described by all who knew him as fearless,” the book appeals to a wide audience.
According to Larry, the story has touched the lives of many. “We are pleased we can see where Adam has impacted people,” he said. “People have told me that after reading the book, they want to be a better father, a better son.” Larry choked up as he recalled a close friend who revealed that he husband was transformed after reading “Fearless.” “It’s gratifying in a way to know that he’s still helping people.”
Blehm said the obstacles Brown had to overcome would have been insurmountable for most people. “He shows amazing character throughout every challenge,” he said.
His determination was legendary, as many friends and family members recount in the book Brown’s dogged attitude to succeed.
“Adam hated to disappoint people,” he said. “Much of his desire to achieve came from wanting to make us proud,” Larry said.
During Brown’s darkest hours, his parents turned to the church for inspiration. “I was raised in a Christian home,” Larry said. “But I knew I had not been faithful, I had not been the spiritual leader of my family.” He and his wife, Janice, became members of a local church and began a journey of faith that has carried them through the tragedy of their son’s death.
Knowing that his son was also a believer gives Larry strength and hope. “Adam came to a realization when he was in jail (prior to joining the military) and he accepted Christ,” Larry said. “I know that we will all be together again one day,” he said. “That faith helps sustain us.”
“He was very concerned with knowing where God was going to lead him. He wanted to fulfill his purpose in life and to do what God wanted him to do,” Larry recalled.
“That was what our last conversation was about,” Larry said.
One week before his final deployment, Brown told his father it would be his last. “He said he wanted to pray with me about it. He wanted God to show him what he should do next.”
“Adam told me he knew this was where God wanted him to be, even after so many disappointments, he knew there was a purpose,” Larry said.
On March 17, 2010, Brown died during a gunfight with insurgents in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Afghanistan. He left behind his wife, Kelly, and their two young children, who refer to the day of his passing as “St. Daddy’s Day.”
For more information visit fearlessnavyseal.com.
