About the Author

My name is Ezekiel Winchester.

I joined the United States Marine Corps in 2002 and graduated boot camp on February 7, 2003, from 3rd Battalion, Lima Company, earning the honor of Platoon Honor Graduate. Upon graduation, I was promoted to Lance Corporal straight out of boot camp—a rare achievement that marked an early rise and high expectations.

I was stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii and later deployed to Afghanistan with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division. While deployed, I was promoted to Corporal in June 2005 at just 20 years old. Exactly two years later, in June 2007, I was promoted to Sergeant at age 22.

After returning from Afghanistan, I reenlisted for another four years and received orders to Quantico, Virginia. That assignment became the turning point of my life—where everything hit the fan.

While stationed at Quantico, I got caught up in drugs in the barracks. I started getting high on my own supply, lost control, and ultimately faced the consequences. I was court-martialed and spent time in the brig. My career, my reputation, and everything I had worked for unraveled.

This is not a redemption story wrapped in clichés.

This is not a polished highlight reel.

This is a story most people never tell.

This eBook is the first release—raw, unfiltered, and honest—before the full 200-page softcover, hardcover, and expanded digital edition is released. No other story comes close, because it doesn’t flinch from the truth: success, failure, accountability, and the cost of poor decisions—even while wearing the uniform.

Today, I am married with two children and live in South Florida. I am also a proud advocate for autism awareness, representing my oldest son, Ezekiel Jr.

I write to tell the story as it happened—not to be excused, not to be glorified, but to be understood.