The Shadow of Death

From My Battles in Fallujah to the Battle for My Soul

By: Fernando Arroyo

Narrated by: Shawn Compton

Length: 7 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

When I returned home from my latest deployment in the U.S. Army, my life began to fall apart. One night, after heavy drinking, I placed my 1911 pistol in my mouth and thought a prayer—silence. I deactivated the safety and began to slowly squeeze the trigger. BANG! I dropped the pistol, and I looked around me, but there was no blood. The bang I heard was the Bible on my desk falling and hitting the floor. I fell to my knees and asked God for forgiveness. I surrendered to Jesus Christ and asked him to help me. He answered.

©2022 Fernando Arroyo (P)2022 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Raw - Real - Hopeful

I am deeply thankful to have had the honor and joy of having Fernando on our team at the Biola University Veteran Center. Listening to his honest story not only brought depth to my understanding of the stresses facing many of our Vets but also to the incredible grace and love of God. I highly recommend this audio book and I hope you have the opportunity to meet Fernando in person some day. He is an incredibly beautiful human being.

Honest story of life & War in the 1/505 PIR

I served in the same company as the author. All of the storys and descriptions are exactly as I remember them. An honest assessment of life, war & struggles that happens to veterans in and after their service.

Thank you for sharing your stories. It was like taking a trip down memory lane! Hopefully this will help other veterans.

H-Minis
Blaster 7R

Cart Pusher & Truck Delivery Driver

"Fernando Arroyo considers himself privileged to serve those who served our country, with the goal of ending veteran suicide. He works as the Veterans Program Director at Step Forward Academy as a coach and mentor for veterans transitioning to civilian life."

Fernando describes his experience of events when he was in the military 🪖 and how it affected his personal career after the war. The trials and tribulations he faced in the military caused him doubt his faith in God. The friendship with is high school sweetheart faded as he extended his service in the military.

After the military he suffered from PTSD and wanted to end his life. Thank goodness for the angels 😇 that are walking among us on earth 🌎.

Big shout out to Mike Donner, may he R.I.P. who helped Fernando get a job after the military. Fernando kept a positive attitude and got the job done everyday. I never imagined at the time of the things he went through in the military because Fernando never talked about it at work, atleast not to me. I was sad when Fernando put in his two weeks, he told me he was going back to school to become a preist. I am happy for him and for the service he is providing for the community especially for the military veterans.

Thank you

p.s.

The 5:30 mile splits, ahh, "to be young again".

A must read!

Wow this book hit me so hard! I good feel Fernando’s pain and faith throughout the story. Thank you for sharing your story and journey. I know it will save lives and pull people out of the depths of hell.

Great book

What a great story of an Army Soldier. The book is written well and inspiring to read.

A story that will be a movie one day

A binge worthy story that I finished in less than 24 hours. I felt it was Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket meets a happy ending.

Great book!

This is a great book, I listen to about 100 audio books a year and this one is right up there with the best ones.

Story after story kept me wanting more.

Though you stumble you shall not fall for the upholds you with his hands. Thank you for the great book.

Amazing

I’ll be re-listening/re-reading this one. Perfect blend of the war fighter, faith, honesty, and a message for the future. SGT Arroyo’s ability to recall details from almost 20 years ago and clearly paint the picture of how events played out is nothing short of impressive. His blunt honesty of his thoughts and emotions are a testament of the depth of his character and faith. Well done.

Encouraging and inspiring

Fernando’s testimony is captivating. I loved the detail of his military experiences. I loved the honesty he conveys with the various stories he offers. And lastly, I love the most the story of redemption. To hear God’s work in Fernando’s life is why everyone should check this out.