Author of "The Jared Monti Story"

I’ve written a book called “See You on the High Ground: The Jared Monti Story” about a special person who exemplified “Service above Self.” I’d like to give a 20-minute presentation of his incredible story at a Rotary meeting and be available to sign copies afterward. Here’s a summary: Jared Monti graduated from Bridgewater-Raynham High School, volunteered for the U.S. Army and was deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11. When his patrol came under attack by an overwhelming force of insurgents on a remote mountain, the SFC attempted not once but three times to rescue a squad member from the “kill zone” declaring, “He’s my guy. I’m going to get him.” In doing so, Jared likely saved the lives of all those in his patrol since the enemy focused fire on him. With the Americans dangerously low on ammunition, he was able to give them the one thing they needed - time for air support to arrive . Upon suffering a direct hit from an RPG, the 30-year-old recited the “Lord’s Prayer” as he lay dying. His last words were, “I’ve made peace with God. Tell my family I love them.” Jared was posthumously presented with the Medal of Honor in 2009, the first for a MA resident since the Viet Nam War. His father, my childhood friend, continues to drive Jared’s pickup truck every day to try to feel close to his son. That led to “I Drive Your Truck” which became the #1 country song in America and won both the CMA and ACM “Song of the Year.” The soldier known as “The Gift of God” to the Afghanis died a heroic death but, more importantly, lived a heroic life. This is the inspiring story of that life.

As a consultant for 30 years, Len Sandler developed and delivered more than 3,000 leadership training seminars for many of the country’s largest and most successful organizations.  Formerly an adjunct professor at Boston Univ.’s School of Mgmt., he holds a B.S. in Psychology, an MBA, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior. He is the author of five books:

• Becoming an Extraordinary Manager: The Five Essentials for Success
• See You on the High Ground:  The Jared Monti Story
• Greatest Hits of the Commander-in-Tweet
• Because of You, We Live!:  The Untold Story of George & Simone Stalnaker
• Mind Your own Business:  Jump-Starting Your Career!