Mark Hertling
@markhertling
Former soldier. Student of leadership & national security; Professor, author (“If I Don’t Return: A Father’s Wartime Journal”), speaker. Always looking for civility & new adventures.
Perfect timing, perfect place. Thanks @danielsilvabook @jamiegangel for the advance summer reading of Gabriel’s latest adventures. Great summer reading.
Famous @dailystoic.com.web.brid.gy @ryanholiday.bsky.social and I recently had a terrific conversation that he shared on his webpage...and here he is with "If I Don't Return" at the top of his most recent book stack. Thanks, Ryan, for reading& reporting on my book.
The only thing better than being a father is watching your sons become even better dads. Happy Father’s Day to all who grow the next generation.
Father's Day is next Sunday...a shameless self-promotion, but a nice gift for any dad or soon-to-be father is my book. Order from Ballast Books through markhertling.com & you’ll receive a signed edition.
Received this today (from a Navy veteran)! Nicely played. Said he was buying two more for his son and son-in-law.
The @nytimes just did a review of this book, and I just finished it over the weekend. Terrific read that gives insight into Ukraine’s fight for their future.
Being part of the Fairleigh Dickinson University graduation, watching 2500+ students “walk” and receiving an honorary degree was certainly the honor of a lifetime.
Saddened to hear my friend and fellow President’s Fitness Council member and NBA veteran Jason Collin’s succumbed to neuroblastoma this week. A giant of a man with a great heart.
At a book signing yesterday, a person bought 5 copies of “If I Don’t Return,” for his sons & sons-in-law for “fathers’ day.” Another bought several for her daughter & her friends who were graduating from college & ROTC. It made my heart happy. Order from Ballast Books & they’ll send a signed copy.
A hugely successful book signing event in St Louis. Thanks again Amy Marxor of KMOX for the terrific moderation and support.
I’ll be in St Louis next week and will have a book signing at the West County Center Barnes and Noble. Come join us!
Yes they do. They get it out fast. But B&N also ordered more. Here’s the store in Orlando:
Next print run has arrived at Ballast Books . Looks like I’ll be signing more this weekend and Amazon will be restocked. A great Father’s Day gift!
Returning tonight from Gettysburg, where our Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College Executive MBA program conducted their first leadership “staff ride.” I’d say it was a success, and feedback is suggesting they say the same. Thanks Doug Douds for your mastery!
I’ll be signing books at the Orlando Colonial Ave Barnes and Noble today at 3 PM
One of the true pleasures of a book tour - beyond telling the story of “If I Don’t Return” - is seeing old friends and meeting new people. My driver from Desert Storm, the 2025 West Point class president, and the mom of a dear friend! Thanks to everyone!
Back home again, in Indiana…. Looking forward to engaging with students, ROTC cadets, and signing books at Morgensterns.
Heading to Bloomington, IN Thursday for a book signing at iconic Morgenstern, a store I know from my time as a grad student at Indiana U. Thanks to Matt Metzler for the invite. I'll also speak at the Hamilton-Luger School & serve as guest speaker at the IU ROTC Ball on Friday night. #GoHoosiers!
“If I Don’t Return” is available in hardcover, audible, Kindle and - as of this morning - paperback! First hardcover printing sold out, but next run will be available in early April. Thanks to all who are buying! Plus, I’ll be at the Orlando-Colonial Barnes & Nobles, 3 PM March 28 for signing.
Such a great discussion with my friend @danabash.bsky.social who told me she’s reading “If I Don’t Return” with her 14 year old son. Truly touching and kind.
This afternoon I’ll be discussing the war in Iran and my book “If I Don’t Return” first with @danabash.bsky.social at 12, then @nicolewallacebr.bsky.social at 4.
Hey, this is awesome. My publisher just told me my book - which is released next week - is already #5 on Amazon’s list! Thanks everyone!
A very nice post from someone who got an advanced copy of my book. If you order from Ballast Books, you’ll get a signed copy before it is released publicly.
Thanks to all those who supported me in my first “official” book signing this afternoon, especially some of my MBA students who came to cheer me on. What terrific friends I have.
Here's what's scheduled for book signings of "If I Don't Return." This isn't an exhaustive list; more will follow! If you want a signed copy before the release date on 10 March, attend one of these events or order from ballastbooks.com. They will ship a copy to you in a few days.
Those asking if I’ll be signing books in Orlando…yes! Join me at the great Winter Park library on 1 March at 2 PM, the Citrus Club (with the Tiger Bay Club) on 6 March during a lunch speech, and at the Colonial Barnes and Noble on 28 March at 3 PM. I’ll be posting other events soon. #BallastBooks
Books are at the publishers, and I’m signing them for all the pre-orders (over 500!). It was quite emotional opening the first box that arrived today