Flowers From Baghdad: From the New Jersey Turnpike to Convoying into the heat of Iraq – A Young Lieutenant’s Story. Walk alongside McGowan in her debut book as she traces her life journey before serving in the U.S. Army to being in the middle of harsh combat zones as a young lieutenant and now reflects on her life today as a volunteer overseas.

“In my book I share how I went from a suburban town in northern New Jersey to leading soldiers and finding my flowers in Baghdad,” said McGowan, who earned a Bronze Star Medal for her leadership and actions while in Baghdad. “Finding the positives in all situations, or the ‘flowers,’ and looking for ways to make a difference in your community after military service is so important. I hope readers can apply some of the lessons I learned to their own lives.”

McGowan weaves a tale filled with humor and sadness set against the backdrops of Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Kuwait. She relates stories of heart-stopping convoy trips with danger lurking around every corner, witnessing soldiers suffering severe injuries and even death, meeting colorful locals and third country nationals, and surviving the day to day to include living in trailers.

“I’m excited for this book and for Gemma to tell her story,” said Chris Schafer, CEO at Tactical 16 Publishing. “Without motivated and courageous women like Gemma, the war-fighting effort is dead before it even starts. We are honored to have her tell her story in her words as she experienced it.”

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