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Second Chances

Tom and Joan Kelley are two proud Bostonians whose love for their country is as powerful as their love for each other. They have written with honesty, humility, and humor about growing up in Boston, sharing their teen pranks, moments of self-doubt, challenges, and hurdles. Although they didn’t meet until later in life, they traveled on parallel paths and their characters were cast in the same crucible of Navy service.

Tom nearly dies while saving his men in war, resulting in the loss of his eye. Although he’s awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions, he has to fight to stay in the navy. Joan overcomes childhood insecurities to reach her own navy career goals, and as a wife and mother. Later these two meet and, in a unique twist of fate, become soulmates. This book differs from the ordinary military memoir in that it gives a woman’s perspective on service, while sharing the journey these two make over their lives, traveling on separate but parallel paths in their quests for meaning outside themselves. The overarching theme guiding them toward their destiny is perseverance. Separately, then together, they learn how to overcome obstacles and move on from adversity while taking the high road. A unique aspect of this book is that while the authors give both points of view, the story is unified by common experiences of two similar individuals who become a strong team due to their bonds of service and faith. Told with humility, humor and honesty, the authors inspire readers to hold onto their hopes and dreams even in the darkest hours.

Tom and Joan have generously chosen the Ahern Family Charitable Foundation to receive the net proceeds from their book so that they may continue to assist military families.