“
This is a story of heroes, of sacrifice, of valor. But
it is also a story of resilience, recovery and a
continuing desire to serve our country and its
citizens.”
-Robert M. Gates,
Former secretary of defense
WELCOME TO MTSU!
We want to take a moment to welcome you to the Middle Tennessee State University
family. Whether or not to attend college is a big decision and narrowing it down to
one choice is an even tougher one. We are honored that you chose MTSU to help you
reach your career and personal goals.
Our Summer Reading Program choice for 2016 is For Love of Country, by
Howard Schultz and Rajiv Chandrasekaran. The authors honor acts of uncommon
valor in Iraq and Afghanistan, including an Army sergeant who repeatedly runs
through a storm of gunfire to save the lives of his wounded comrades; two Marines
who sacrifice their lives to halt an oncoming truck bomb to protect thirty-three of
their brothers in arms; and a sixty-year-old doctor who joins the Navy to honor his
fallen son.
These powerful, unforgettable stories demonstrate just how indebted we are to those
who protect us and what they have to offer our nation when their military service is
done. They recount how veterans make vital contributions upon returning home,
drawing on their leadership skills and commitment to service: former soldiers who
aid residents in rebuilding after natural disasters; a former infantry officer who leaves
the Pentagon to teach in an inner-city neighborhood; a retired general leading efforts
to improve treatments for brain-injured troops; and the spouse of a severely injured
soldier assisting families in similar positions
Just like the themes in the book, you too will experience moments in your college
career that might be challenging, emotional and even historical. As you step on
campus, you will meet new people, have new responsibilities and encounter a new way
of life. You will go through a period of adjustment, having to balance your classes,
studies, work time and social life. The MTSU Administrative and Faculty members
are here to support you and ensure you are successful.
Thank you for choosing MTSU and we welcome you!
Sincerely,
Your MTSU Family
MTSU RESOURCES


Phillips Bookstore (located on first floor
of the Student Union Building)
www.mtsu.edu/phillips
Website for the Summer Reading
Program
www.mtsu.edu/summerreading
HELPFUL LINKS
 Official Website for the book:
http://www.forloveofcountrybook.com
 Website of the publisher:
http://knopfdoubleday.com/
MEET THE AUTHOR
Rajiv Chandrasekaran is a senior correspondent and associate editor at The
Washington Post, where he has worked
since 1994. He has been the newspaper's
bureau chief in Baghdad, Cairo, and
Southeast Asia, and he has been covering Afghanistan off and on for a decade.
Chandrasekaran is the author of Little
America and Imperial Life in the Emerald City, which was named one of the 10
Best Books of 2007 by The New York
Times.
“
You must be made of stone to
read this and not shed tears. But
the book’s message is that, after the tears, we must not forget the sacrifices those in uniform and their families have
made for all of us over the last thirteen
years; we must welcome back into our communities those who served not just with
thanks and open arms, but with respect, admiration, and new lives and careers worthy
of all they have done for all of us.”
- Robert M. Gates,
former U.S. secretary of defense
“
A truly inspirational, uplifting book, one that
will fill you with pride in America’s new
Greatest Generation in war and peace.”
- General David Petraeus, U.S. Army, Retired
“
Full, vibrant profiles of men and
women forever marked by war,
who continue to endure and transform both
themselves and their communities.”
- The Washington Post
OPPORTUNITIES TO VISIT WITH AUTHOR
RAJIV CHANDRASEKARAN
We are thrilled to have Rajiv Chandrasekaran, author of For Love of Country, visit the
campus of Middle Tennessee State University this summer to help us welcome our new students and start off the new academic year.
Sunday, August 21, 2016 at 2 p.m.
The Distinguished Lecture Committee has invited Mr. Chandrasekaran to speak at MTSU’s
University Convocation. It is the kick off of the new school year, and all MTSU students,
parents, alumni, faculty and staff are invited to attend.
Please join us for the President’s Picnic immediately following Convocation.
SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS WILL USE
FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY
University 1010
Journalism
Education
Political Science
Social Work
Speech & Theatre
History
Psychology
Criminal Justice
English
Scholar’s Academy
Information in this guide adapted from the official websites for the book:
http://www.forloveofcountrybook.com