Lessons From Uncle Sam

Mayfield served as a combat engineer twice in Iraq and once in Afghanistan, completing more than 300 missions clearing routes, and detecting and removing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from roadways for safe travel by U.S. forces.

In his debut book, Mayfield transports his audience from the comfort and safety of their lives to the raw and unpredictable cruelty of war, death, and destruction.

His story both enlightens and uplifts readers as he goes back to his time in war zones as a bomb disposal operator in a battle of wits with the enemy where losing could have meant death. He makes a conscious choice to move forward with his life in spite of the tragedies he has had to face.

"This is my story of what it's like to survive an explosion and go back to work the next day, over and over, until it physically became impossible to continue," said Mayfield, who earned two Purple Heart medals, an Army Commendation for Valor, and a Bronze Star. "I had to come to grips with going from powerful, agile, and intelligent to slow and sometimes very weak and confused after so many IED hits. And now, I'm finally at ease, even proud of, the mess I am today because I earned my scars and lessons. I want my words to help others who suffer."

Now retired and living in the greater Salt Lake City area in Utah, Mayfield continually looks for ways to serve others and give back in his community.

"Ward put his life on the line, and this book is a true testament to both his and his bomb removal teams' strength and determination in the face of tremendous odds," said Chris Schafer, CEO at Tactical 16 Publishing. "His courage and dedication on the battlefield and today are such great reminders that there are men and women like him everywhere putting their lives at risk to protect us and our way of life."