On September 11, 2001, Joe LeBleu, a Brooklyn native and retired U.S. Army Ranger, was in lower Manhattan when the World Trade Center was attacked. This pivotal moment compelled him to return to active duty. By 2005, he had earned an honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant, paratrooper, and sniper team leader in the 82nd Airborne Division, gaining the nickname “Long Rifle” for an extraordinary shot that killed an Iraqi insurgent from 1,100 meters in Fallujah—an unmatched feat for American and British snipers in Iraq. The narrative follows Joe from the devastation of 9/11 to the intense combat experiences in Iraq and the challenging terrains of Afghanistan, where he undertook sniper missions against the Taliban and Al Qaeda. His gripping accounts reveal the harsh realities of war and the emotional toll it took on him. Eventually, Joe returns to civilian life near Las Vegas, where he trains Mark Wahlberg for a film role as a Force Recon Marine scout/sniper. This memoir is a raw and passionate testament to American integrity, honor, and courage, showcasing Joe's journey through war and his unwavering commitment to return to his wife, Natalie, after six long years apart. It serves as a powerful reflection on the impact of 9/11 and the resilience of the human spirit.
Joe LeBleu Books
