PERSPECTIVES OF HOPE
"...Perspectives of Hope lays the groundwork for veterans fighting to find the connection that can be had after coming home. A triumphant memoir!" - Constance Scharff, PhD, Best Selling Author, VP/Science & Research Board Chairman Rock to Recovery
"Definitely a must read!"
What makes a person unable to let go? Turn to a life of impulse and addiction, to lose all care? What does it mean when help becomes too costly? How does a trapped soul learn to accept, to surrender, to trust? I didn’t know either, until the day of my suicide.
As a combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, I had saved 151 lives but was unable to save my own.
Perspectives of Hope tells USAF Combat Search & Rescue pilot Robert Scoggins’ story of the downward spiral he experienced after tours to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa, and a devastating traumatic brain injury that forever changed his life.
Find out how, with the help of loved ones, he made his way back to the light.
REVIEWS
"Robert's honesty about the journey and his infectious commitment to build a better way forward - for himself, his family, his fellow veterans and everyone he meets - is nothing short of inspiring."
​-Willie Geist, NBC News Anchor, and Christina Geist, New York Times Best Selling Author
"I read your book cover to cover on the flight home from NY on Veteran’s Day. I could not put it down. Your writing is exquisite — so clear, so descriptive, so enlightened and authentic!
I was moved to tears in many parts, but cheered and bouyed by your resilience. The work, I know, has been long and hard, but man, the effort shows in the piercing calm and clarity of your voice. Most importantly, I was inspired by the love you share. You are a blessing and a gift to all who know you. I feel so honored and humbled to have met you! Your talents are immense - keep playing, painting and writing!!"
​-Rhea Turteltaub, Vice Chancellor UCLA
"I finished your book. A couple of things came to mind - from the perspective of a therapist, an ex-military wife as well as a civilian. I used some of your insight from the book in therapy yesterday with a father who is struggling to reintegrate with his teenage daughter. He was an AF combat pilot with PTSD from childhood and the military. Actually I have used it a couple of times already and it has helped create some trust with my veteran clients. I should thank you.
I hope you understand how powerful your story is. It’s changed my relationship with my ex over the last 2 weeks. My empathy feels even more authentic with him and my veterans. I did not know I still had some resentment which kept me at a distance. Your book and your story was my therapy to let go of all that."
-Sandra Selvon, LCSW
"I knew it was going to be difficult to put down when I read, "Adrenaline, sex, caffeine, painkillers, porn? Yes, please. Anything that keeps my mind off of reality works. Anxiety, depression, self-hatred, reckless behavior, defensive rage? I can't put them down. Hardcore narcotics? No thanks, I'm addicted to control, or at least the illusion of it."
My heart was pounding, and I felt the tears wash away my smile. I live there too! … My PTSD from physical, sexual and financial abuse seems like chopped liver in comparison to yours. But, imagine the journey starting at age 6…I am [still] that scared 6 yo. My nightstand is full of the same drugs I crushed up and drank just a few short years ago. The oxi calls out to me on occasion. I was in the hospital for four weeks directly across from the nurse's station in a room designated for patients that have to be monitored 24/7. When I awoke, the doctor was standing over me telling me I was lucky to be alive...I had taken enough medicine to kill an elephant. I turned my head away and cried. I realized I had failed!
…Are we feeding our addictions? Our depression? Our shame? It is going to be a rough day. You are a mirror, and I can see my reflection in your eyes."
​-Kendra O’Niel, Commercial Real Estate Attorney
"Finished your book today (if not for 2 little kids, it would have been read in one day)! Wow, it was great. So intense in multiple ways. Thank you for your vulnerability. I’m so happy for where you are now."
-Megan Schultz, Univ of Montana Project Manager
"God Bless you Robert for your bravery and courage to tell your story and the story of so many others."
-Kathy Williams, mother to Daniel Swaney
"What a powerful and moving read! It is a raw and real story, moving and haunting and most importantly captures the struggle and the bravery. It is a story that will open your eyes and stay with you. A must-read for anyone willing to try and understand the hard reality of war and all the hard work of recovery!''
-Brett J Heinrichs
"This book captures everything that those brave individuals who decide to put their lives in danger for our freedoms experience during battle as well as when they return home! An eye opening revelation that I believe everyone should experience by reading this book! An awesome book and an even greater Man. Thank you for your service & your sacrifices."
​-Isaac Crawford
"Highly recommend reading this account of war and it's aftermath on the human psyche. Not having a military background, I found this book to be immensely eye-opening. It has deepened my compassion towards others who have been through the same or any type of trauma. I am so proud and know that [this book] will continue to shine through helping others!"
​-Sallie Knox Hall
"This is definitely a must read. Great book and great writer. From the moment I bought this book I cannot put it down."
​-Christina Bakluk
"The struggle is real, the story is true, and it hides in shadows, thank you Robert for shedding some light on PTSD, TBI and War. Robert and I were members of the same Motorcycle Club in Las Vegas. I never knew, or more likely missed the signs, the times we were together. Brother, I am aware and support you as you heal and move forward."
​-Dave Gilbert
"An honest and gut wrenching accounting of someone smart enough and brave enough to do what I am not capable of doing. Tells of the reality of the waging of a modern day war."
​-Janet Ritchie
"Thank you for the book you wrote! I just finished reading it. It kinda changed my life! [My wife] & I both read it and we discuss it all the time… I really think it has helped us grow as better individuals and as a better couple. I also have cut down on my drinking a lot. I’ve been trying to eat better and get more exercise. When I do drink I try to only have a few and not get “fuck it” drunk. Most importantly I think I’m learning how to live in the “now” and not worry so much about the past or future. It’s not easy to do at first but nothing worth anything is, right?"
​-Chris Davis, LV Firefighter, frmr USAF Pararescueman
"Just started reading and have to say...you gave the simplest, most direct definition of PTSD I've seen. Bravo!"
​-Shawn Sprayberry, MSgt USAF (ret) AFWW Director of Communication
"There were so many parts of the book that I started highlighting as I was reading. When I got to the remarks, it all came together for me. The line, “I consider myself ten times the person after deciding tough actually means keeping a kind heart and a compassionate smile no matter the hard times.” I am just in awe, after everything you have been through, this is how you ended your story. It spoke to me in more ways than you can know, and I think it will speak to our Airmen. I am so very much looking forward to hearing you speak."
-Billie Baber, Command Chief MSgt, USAF
"The premier book on living and recovering from combat stress. A masterful piece of work which will resonate with anyone who’s been downrange!"
-Yonel Dorelis, Maj USAF (ret)
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"I just read the intros and first chapter of your book. [Had to] write you and tell you how fucking brave you are for getting to this point and it’s very well written…I’m moved by your story and look forward to reading more. Just wanted to tell you that brother."
​-Sean Smiley, frmr USAF Capt
"Scoggs...long time brother....Checking in as a fellow grad/AFSOC brother in arms. Just wanted to say I applaud your efforts to promote awareness and share your story. My greatest friend from high school was Tony Simone - PEDRO66. I’ve been on a journey of my own that’s led me to some dark places trying to find who/what I am/want from this life. All my heart to you and yours and may you find grace and peace."
-Dan Spencer, AFSOC AC-130 Pilot
"For what it's worth, your book proved what I knew since working for you. I have measured every supervisor by the standard you set. I don't mean just military bearing, professionalism, or tactical prowess. I mean the day-to-day interactions. I don't know how to say it but you empowered and enlightened me to a humanistic approach to this military thing. You proved what I believed with out evidence; that we're not machine men, with machine minds, and machine hearts (ala Charley Chaplin) but that we are men. Just because we have serious jobs doesn't mean we have to be serious all the time. Rob what I'm getting at is I measure all my supervisors to you because you have substance. You have that thing that people wished was trainable. You are charismatic, inspirational, and you look great with a beard.
In Africa shortly before you arrived my dear friend and sailor (who I grew up with) had just killed himself; after he was kicked out of the Navy for "alcohol related problems". The news of his death was shattering because he wanted to see me a couple weeks earlier. He wanted to spend time with me, and catch up. I let life get in the way, made an excuse and never saw him. I didn't know he was suffering. Every night in HOA I made it a point to listen to taps and about lost control every time. I digress but what I'm saying is a world with out Scoggs seems a bit more cold in an already cold place. I'm glad you’re getting help and I'm willing to do anything in my power to be apart of the solution, whatever that looks like. I just want you to know I fuggin love you! I would have followed you anywhere and still would."
​-Zach Yoakem, MSgt, USAF SERE Specialist
"I just bought your book and the first pages are already speaking to me. I can tell this book - your story - is going to resonate with me."
​-Matt Paetzhold, Maj, USAFR A-10 combat pilot
"Thank you for sharing your book and yourself! I saw your speech and realized you need to be the face of mental health for the DoD. I’m grateful you’ve allowed me to be apart of your journey, as you are apart of mine!"
​-Theresa Carter-Daniel, MSgt (ret),USAF
"I’m reading your book, and it's absolutely incredible and heart wrenching at the same time. I'm not much for reading, but I can't put it down. Thanks so much for writing it!!!!!"
​-Mac Hobgood, frmr USAF SSgt
"Reading your book again. For the 3rd time…it’s not just "liking" your book, it's relatable. What's interesting is how it feels reading it at different circumstances in my life. I have been very happy lately and I read your book the first two times when I had a lot of turmoil in my life. I should thank you, much of the inspiration to change came from reading your book."
-MJ, frmr USA Capt, Apache Pilot
"Perspectives of Hope lays the groundwork for veterans fighting to find the connection that can be had after coming home. A triumphant memoir!"
​-Constance Scharff, PhD, Best Selling Author, Vice President Science & Research Rock to Recovery