Brookfield Historical Society to Host Lecture and Book Signing

From the Brookfield Historical Society: On Monday evening, May 1, 2017, at 7:30 PM, the Brookfield Historical Society will sponsor a book signing and multimedia presentation by retired Brookfield Marine Lt. Col. Michael Zacchea. He recently published the book The Ragged Edge: A US Marine’s Account of Leading the Iraqi Army Fifth Battalion He will discuss the work as well as provide insight into the current conditions and challenges that face the US Military in the war against ISIS and International terrorism in the Middle East. The program will take place at the Brookfield Museum located at 165 Whisconier Road (Intersection of Routes 25 and 133) in Brookfield Center.

While on active duty he arrived in Iraq in mid-March, 2004 and was part of a combined multinational transition team serving as a senior advisor to and Iraqi battalion. He was among the first American military advisors to organize, train and lead former Iraqi’s, soldiers, once loyal to Saddam Hussein, into combat against foreign insurgents and al-Qaida forces. He was seriously wounded in the second battle to overtake the rebel stronghold of Fallujah in November-December 2004 and subsequently received a Purple Heart and 2 Bronze Star for Valor as well as being the only American soldier ever to receive from the President of Iraq, the Order of the Lion of Babylon valor award.

Zacchea is the Director and founder of UConn’s Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities and founder of the CT Veterans Chamber of Commerce. His philanthropic efforts include helping to create a non-profit organization of military advisers to help Iraqi interpreters immigrate to the U.S.

Following the presentation complimentary refreshments will be available. Admission is free and for more information on this and other public programs of the Brookfield Museum and Historical Society, log on here.

Image via the Brookfield Historical Society