Baltimore, MD -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/25/2014 -- In 2004, Major Douglas Zembiec gained widespread notoriety and was dubbed ‘the Lion of Fallujah’ for his heroic actions leading Echo Company 2/1 during Operation Vigilant Resolve. Three years later, Major Zembiec was killed by small arms fire in Baghdad immediately after warning his troops to take cover. While a resilient military wife, Pamela Zembiec was not prepared for the sudden and unfathomable transition to being a widow and, having to become acutely aware of the true definition of sacrifice, she now shares her family’s poignant story in her compelling new memoir.

‘Selfless Beyond Service: A Story about the Husband, Son and Father Behind the Lion of Fallujah’ evokes both tears and laughter as the Zembiec family story uncovers exactly what it means to live as a Marine Corps wife and widow. Through a series of vignettes, recollections and previously-unpublished letters between Zembiec and her husband, readers also discover what it takes to be a part of something bigger than one’s own existence.

Synopsis:

Love of Country. Love of Family. Love Lost...

The Ultimate sacrifice is something most people will never experience in their lifetime. But for those who do, the loss is a wound which never heals. Travel through the eyes and heart of a military widow as she learns to live with her husband's death by remembering their lives.

“Those in military families will understand how being selfless transcends the battles people fight and impacts how they interact with their loved ones and wider society. Those who are not exposed to the military lifestyle will learn a lot from this story of sacrifice, survival and passion. Ultimately, all will become better people after turning the last page,” explains Zembiec.

Continuing, “It will strike an especially-strong chord with female readers who want to discover how a fellow woman embarked on the tough journey of triumphing over grief. However, it is a book for all ages and all backgrounds; the nation needs a better understanding of our military’s sacrifices each and every day.”

Feedback has flooded in from those who served with Major Zembiec, as well as the general public. Christy D. Miller comments, “My son, who was KIA, served under this great leader. Since the death of LCPL Aaron Austin just over 10 years ago, I've heard that any Marine who'd served under Major Zembiec would follow him into battle anywhere. After this read, I don't doubt it. It was hyacinth for this mother's soul to read of this leader's passion for his family, both personal and the Corps, for his nation, and for his friends. Pam Zembiec's book kept me glued from start to finish and that hasn't been an easy task for ten years.”

Angela Randall adds, “In this heartfelt recount of a military wife finding and ultimately losing her soul mate, you will be taken through a roller coaster of emotions. Sincere admiration of Doug Zembiec for both his patriotism and his family values; a man who loved his wife as much as he loved his country. Heartbreak over the family's tragic loss. And at the same time, the story is absolutely uplifting.”

‘Selfless Beyond Service: A Story about the Husband, Son and Father Behind the Lion of Fallujah’, published by Outskirts Press, is available now: http://amzn.to/1py0ZTd.

Faceboook: http://on.fb.me/1itE64Z.
Author’s official blog: http://selflessbeyondservice.com.

About the author, in her own words
“I am a full-time mom who enjoys being just that...a mom. Writing my first book was a goal I made shortly after the death of my husband in 2007. My hope is that my story will inspire others and help better the understanding of what it is like to be part of something bigger than yourself. I wasn't sure where my first book would end because there is so much more I wanted to write...maybe in book number two!”