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Terminal Impact by Charles Henderson
is about Marines written by a retired Marine. This novel takes
readers on a journey about a sniper on the trail of al-Qaeda
terrorist al-Zarqawi in Iraq. He allows readers to understand
how those in the military can be haunted by a missed opportunity.
The protagonist of the story Marine Scout-Sniper Jack Valentine
missed a critical shot that would have killed a terrorist
leader during the Persian Gulf War. Now back in Iraq in 2006
to lead a highly trained unit, he vows to make things right.
To complete the mission he must overcome greedy contractors
who hire mercenaries to play both sides. Readers get a glimpse
into the life of a Marine including anecdotes, asides, history,
and combat language.
Henderson told blackfive.net of how he drew inspiration from
“Marines I know. These Scout Snipers are big influences
on who my main character Jack Valentine is including his training,
skill set, and personality. He is a compilation of three or
four guys. For example, when I wrote about the “Mob
Squad,” that is real. In the First Gulf War some Italian
guys who chose to be together dubbed themselves this nickname.
Their favorite saying, ‘It is just business, nothing
personal.’”
Wanting to write a story that was believable, accurate, and
real, Henderson noted, “I dug into the well of my life.
I grew up hunting, living outdoors, and surrounded by rifles.
Snipers are the people I know best. They are quiet, down to
earth, and not boastful. I wanted to honor them. Ernst Hemingway
once said, ‘To write something well you have to have
lived it. You can’t write about what you don’t
know.’”
Anyone who wants a realistic glimpse into the life of a Marine
should read this book. It appears the scenes and the jargon
are very realistic.
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