Excommunicated Warrior: The 7 Stages of Transition

By: Nick A. Koumalatsos

Narrated by: Jeff Gorcyca

As human beings, we will inevitably go through a life-changing event at some point in our life. It could be losing a job of 20 years, finalizing a divorce, being forced to retire early because of an injury, or leaving the military. These life-changing events can have disastrous effects on us and the people around us. Some of us never work through these events and end up unhappy and stuck in life.

This happened to Nick when he left a 12-year career as a Marine Raider with the Marine Corps Special Operations Unit. For years, he was stuck with feelings of anger, indifference, and bitterness. Until he finally decided to take action and apply the skills he learned as a Raider and got to work on solving his personal problems. Excommunicated Warrior takes you through the journey of Nick’s transition out of the Special Operations as he attempted to reintegrate into the civilian world. Through this journey, he identified seven different stages of transition. Nick quickly realized that these seven stages were something most veterans had to go through and he launched a non-profit that focused on helping the nation's veterans transition out of the military.

Soon, Nick started developing steps to work through the stages, all aimed at the military community. However, through various speaking engagements, it became clear that Nick's ideas about the seven stages of transition applied to anyone, not just veterans. The stages applied to anyone that had gone through a life-altering event. This book outlines the seven stages and how you can use them in your life. In short, the book is for anyone who has gone through a life-changing event and refuses to be a victim of circumstance. Anyone who decides to never quit, never surrender, and always move forward.

©2018 Nick Koumalatsos (P)2019 Nick Koumalatsos

Relatable

This is a book I think nearly every veteran, regardless of service or role, can and will relate to. While our society routinely expresses their appreciation for the service and commitment of our forces, often it seems (to me) to be for political correctness reasons, and I am not convinced they truly understand. Listening to what some deal with following their respective separations really portrays the sacrifices made pretty bluntly, and I appreciated that about this book. The presentation is very genuine, and the interviews between chapters were well conducted and tied the each chapter focus together well. And while about 95% is associated with military service, the concepts, scenarios, etc. really apply to anyone going through any form of rough transition. I listen to a fair amount of this type of book and have to say it was one of the most “enjoyable”, which feels like an odd way to describe. But there were parts where I would laugh and those that made me legitimately contemplate how I have and do deal with life’s challenges myself. While some of the stories may be tough for some, overall I found it a pretty inspiring listen and intend to recommend to several I think could really benefit.

My only ding on rating was I would have preferred the author narrate the entire book. He does a good job online and in the included interviews and could have easily pulled off and increased the quality IMO. The narrator is not bad, and as you get into the book it becomes less noticeable. As I listened I found going to Youtube and watching some of his vids there helped put faces with names and really increased my overall takeaway.

this needs to be standard issue

Nicks story is amazing, every part was almost exactly the same as my own, even if the details may be different the situation was the same. Every vet needs to read this, I don’t think transition is easy for anyone and I think Nick just bringing these issues to the forefront really has helped taking the power away from some of it, be advised though this will give you a ou CHC in the gut in the best way. Own your shit and take control of your life , it will get better

Wow...enlightening!!

I am a civilian transitioning from a 15 month battle with breast cancer (I WON!!!!) into a new reality, which includes focusing on my passion, which is the veterans community. This book not only helped me gain perspective on my own journey, but is extremely enlightening on the perspective of veterans. As a volunteer, the #1 frustration I hear is that civilians don't understand. I cannot thank Nick & the contributors to this Audible production enough for the vulnerability necessary to share such precious insight. inspiration, & of course thank you for the FREEDOM to be able to do, read, wear et. what I want when I want to begin with!

Must Read

The information and experiences brought back a lot of memories, understanding and guidance. I’m a Marine Corps Gulf War Veteran. When I got out in 1993 I went off the rails. It took me a couple years to get my life back in order. I carried a lot of guilt and confusion as to why and Nick helped me understand better what I was going through and that I’m not alone. His lessons for living at your full potential I found to be very useful. I’m now 49 years old and I’m probably going to be going through another life transition soon.
Semper Fi

This should be on the commandant's reading list!

It took me too long to get started on this book. For ever person making a transition in their life this book is a must read! This book will help you through stages you didn’t even realize you were going or getting ready to go through.

After I finished this book I asked my wife to read/ listen to this book to help her understand why I tick the way I do with certain things I do. She loves it has has started to understand more and more about me!

You don’t have to be a veteran for this book either! It literally is for everyone!