New Book From Fox News Personality Compiles Inspirational Stories From Military Who Rely On Their Faith  

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

Like several of her fellow Fox News personalities, Emily Compagno is passionate about faith, family, and country. Furthermore the co-host of 'Outnumbered' is equally fervent about patriotism and our armed forces, which is evident in her latest book 'Under His Wings: How Faith on the Front Lines Has Protected American Troops'. 

Covering some 250 plus pages, Compagno gathered stories from men and women in uniform who had been tested in battle, and realized God was watching over them during some of the darkest periods in their lives. Compagno feels privileged to be the go-between, sharing their personal accounts with the readers. "Absolutely. I'm honored to be the messenger for their amazing stories, and how the people profiled in the book leaned on their faith to carry them through."

She adds, "Not all the stories happened on the frontlines. There are stories from service men and women who served behind the scenes. Plus there are those dealing with grief, catastrophic injuries, and PTSD."

Compagno comes from a long line of family members who served in the various branches of the military including a distant female relative. "My great great aunt (Lieutenant Luella Lorenz Cochran) deployed during WWII. She served in the Army Nursing Corps." (Chapter 12: The Greatest Generation)

Fortunately for those back home, Luella chronicled her time overseas. "What's fascinating about her is, she wrote tons of letters in great detail on all she experienced during the war. Her accounts were delightful and sobering at times. What I found particularly inspiring, no matter where she was, she attended church on a regular basis. My great great aunt sent these letters home which the family faithfully kept."

According to Compagno's outline in the book, Luella went on earn a Masters of Social Sciences degree from Fordham University, continuing her post-war efforts providing mental health care in hospitals. What Luella called 'practical Americanism', Compagno calls valor. Amen to that.

As for Compagno herself, she has first hand accounts including the good, bad, and the ugly that happens on what she describes as 'the global war on terror'. "In 2009 I was part of a USO Tour when I was an Oakland Raiders cheerleader. We visited the troops in Kuwait and Iraq mostly in field clinics, bringing a little bit of home to those serving our country."

Unbeknownst to Compagno and her fellow Raiderettes, a short visit to a FOB (forward operating base) outside Baghdad turned into an overnight stay. "The Blackhawk chopper that was our means of transportation was diverted for a medevac mission with no set time to return."

The ladies made the best of it. "It was unexpected, with less than ideal conditions. However, it gave me a deeper appreciation for what our troops endure. We basically stayed up all night. We called it our Sadr City Slumber Party. It was a special time and very rewarding."

Furthermore, the officer in charge assured their safety. "Lieutenant Colonel Tim Karcher said he had three daughters back home, and he wasn't going to sleep until we were safely out of there. The next morning the chopper returned and we were whisked away."

Compagno received harrowing news not long after. "Sadly, three days after our visit Lieutenant Colonel Karcher lost his legs when his vehicle drove over an IED (improvised explosive device). We re-united 15 years later when I interviewed him for his recollection (Unlikely Houseguests) of our 2009 visit."

According to Compagno 'Under His Wings' doesn't focus on one single religious persuasion. "It's definitely a diversity of faith spanning several wars, with each story centered on how faith protected them." One story in particular that stands out for Compagno. "Everyone's story is compelling to me, but the piece on Morgan Ortagus and how she found her Jewish faith is very moving."

A Fox News contributor, Ortagus was a spokesperson for the United States Department of State during the first Trump presidency, and helped facilitate the Abraham Accords. "Her commitment to her faith and to the Jewish principle of 'repairing the world' is incredibly inspirational."

Compagno is equally as emotional when talking about Sergeant Jeff Struecker, an army ranger who served in Operation Desert Storm (1991) before being deployed to help intervene in the Somali Civil War in 1993, the very conflict that gave us the award winning film 'Black Hawk Down'. "What Jeff faced in Mogadishu is horrifying, but I chose his story because it details God's protection." Struecker would go on to serve as a chaplain, retiring from the military to become a full-time pastor.

While the book is filled with encouraging biblical verses throughout, Compagno asserts that text from Psalm 91 seemed appropriate as an opening passage. Although the author is uncertain (perhaps Moses or David), Psalm 91 is often referred to as the 'soldiers psalm' for it clearly allows that followers will find refuge under His wings.

Compagno's book is heartwarming and honest. The stories reach back over a century, covering world wars, the Korean War, Vietnam and ongoing conflicts in the middle east. 'Under His Wings' depicts actual accounts from men and women who served our country, recognizing their faith protected them on and off the battlefield. While the overall subject matter dictates God will never leave or forsake His followers, the human element in her book portrays a message of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.

Published by Harper Collins, 'Under His Wings: How Faith on the Front Lines Has Protected American Troops' was released on November 26th and is available now through several online outlets and your favorite bookstores. This is an ideal Christmas gift for family members, active and retired military, as well as patriotic history buffs.  For faster access visit https://www.foxnews.com/books/under-his-wings