Book SummarySend Me, by Marty Skovlund Jr. and Joe Kent

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Send Me

Shannon's exemplary military service and her pioneering efforts within the elite special forces

This section of the guide focuses on Shannon's exceptional dedication to her country and her relentless pursuit of a career in special operations, a field that was predominantly male during her time. Her journey, forged by the tragic occurrences of September 11th, propelled her to excel as an intelligence specialist and operative, leaving an indelible mark within the domain of elite military missions.

Shannon's journey led her to become a distinguished member of the intelligence community and a skilled practitioner in her field.

Kent recounts the transformation of his spouse, who went from a dedicated nationalist to a pioneer within the intelligence sector, an area often lacking in female representation.

The attacks on September 11th spurred Shannon's decision to join the Navy.

At seventeen, Shannon was deeply compelled to serve her country, a determination molded by the atrocities of September 11th. She saw military service as a fitting avenue to actively participate in the fight against terrorism and sought a role that aligned with her abilities. She aimed to join the military's most challenging and impactful branch, fully recognizing the significance of her proficiency in languages.

She had ambitions to become a member of the Navy SEALs but learned that women were not allowed to fill combat roles. Undeterred, she focused on cryptology, cognizant of the fact that her skill in languages could be pivotal in the collection and analysis of intelligence information. Shannon persisted in her commitment to serving, despite her parents' wishes for her to focus on higher education first. Following the tragedy of September 11th, her decision to reenlist in the military and pursue a career in cryptologic interpretation was spurred by the prompt response of her father and uncle, who were some of the initial emergency personnel at the World Trade Center.

Shannon possessed a high level of proficiency in language, analysis, and carrying out military operations.

Shannon's linguistic skills were not limited to mere fluency; Skovlund and Kent portray her as a true polyglot with mastery over numerous languages. Upon finishing her career, she had become proficient in seven languages and had the ability to learn additional ones if her responsibilities necessitated it. She committed to becoming proficient in the intricacies of Arabic at the armed forces' top language instruction institution. She recognized the limitations of structured language courses and deepened her grasp of local dialects, which in turn enriched her cultural insights by engaging with music, movies, and through active participation in realistic training scenarios.

Her innate curiosity and unwavering dedication to excellence, along with her skill in language, transformed her into an expert in deciphering intelligence information. She possessed a distinctive talent for assimilating information, discerning patterns, and deriving significant understanding. Shannon possessed the unique ability to discern patterns and anticipate the adversary's actions and intentions that remained invisible to others. She remained steadfast in her determination to engage directly in field operations instead of being restricted to administrative tasks. Shannon was driven to actively engage in counterterrorism efforts, inspired by her brother's dedication as a Marine and the profound effect the attacks had on her hometown of New York.

Shannon showcased her tenacity and thrived under tough circumstances, having navigated through the rigorous training intended for elite military missions. Her proficiency in weaponry, close-quarters combat, and battlefield medical procedures...

Send Me Summary Shannon's personal life, mental health, and resilience.

This section moves beyond the battlefield, exploring Shannon's personal life, her marriage to Joe, and their shared struggles as a military couple. The authors candidly portray her struggles with psychological well-being stemming from numerous tours of duty, alongside her dedication to enhancing support among the ranks of elite military units, adding depth to her story that goes beyond the usual accounts of bravery and dedication.

Shannon's personal and familial connections

Shannon's life was richly multifaceted, encompassing her roles as a loving partner, parent, child, sibling, and her substantial dedication to military service. She cherished her connections with loved ones and made family time a top priority whenever feasible.

Joe Kent and Shannon embarked on a journey to establish a home and begin their family life.

The story illustrates how Shannon and Joe's relationship was rooted in shared values and a mutual recognition of the unique obstacles they faced due to their shared experiences. Their connection deepened amidst turmoil, beginning with a chance meeting in Baghdad and becoming more profound as they engaged in a clandestine training initiative. Kent...

Send Me Summary The changing dynamics of the conflict and its impact on Shannon.

The authors skillfully blend Shannon's story with the relentless and profound fight against terrorism, illuminating the complex difficulties of adjusting to an ever-changing battlefield, while providing a deep understanding of her motivations and the sacrifices she willingly accepted.

The relentless battle against terrorist factions and the constantly shifting destiny of the Islamic State.

Kent details the evolution of the United States' elite military and intelligence organizations, describing how they refined their approaches and methods throughout Shannon's career to pursue terrorist targets. He describes the evolution of the conflict, shifting focus from targeting the leaders of al-Qaeda's faction in Iraq to the rise and eventual downfall of the dominion under the command of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who imposed rigorous rule over vast territories. Intelligence experts had to quickly adapt to engage with an enemy unfamiliar to Western nations, characterized by a ruthless blend of terror tactics and advanced technological methods used to recruit and coordinate adherents.

Shannon adeptly maneuvered through the ever-changing and challenging environments of Iraq and...

Send Me Summary The struggle against the Islamic State persisted beyond Shannon's death in Syria.

This segment of the story explores the sorrowful circumstances surrounding Shannon's death. Kent recounts the harrowing incident where a suicide bombing in Manbij claimed the lives of his spouse and fellow workers, emphasizing the continuous threat posed by ISIS. The pursuit of those responsible escalated, ultimately leading to vengeance in honor of Shannon and her comrades who had also been killed.

Shannon and her teammates lost their lives in a lethal ISIS assault in Manbij.

As a result of the CFT's effective disruption of their operations in the area, ISIS deliberately targeted Shannon's team in Manbij. A person detonated an explosive device in a self-destructive act, targeting U.S. military personnel during an intelligence operation close to a dining establishment.

Shannon's final operation and its associated incident involving terrorism

The story recounts Shannon and her team's preparations to head back to their base after finishing an intelligence mission near a restaurant in Manbij known as the Palace of Princes. As the service members diligently focused on their responsibilities to maintain security, an individual carrying an explosive device succeeded in...