The Audacity of Resilience: A Refugee Memoir

By Pitman A. Kennedy

An inspirational memoir of a man who escaped war torn Liberia to eventually find asylum in America. However, it was not an easy road to travel. As a child, it took Pitman and his family almost two months to walk on foot from their country into Sierra Leone. With nothing but the clothes on their backs, they had to hide from rebels who were on a rampage amputating and murdering anyone who they thought were connected to the government. In his debut book, Kennedy takes you along his journey of being a refugee from a 3rd world country to becoming a successful businessman in the states.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Richter Publishing LLC
• Release date: Dec 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005964887

Book preview

FOREWORD

There are several reasons that make me delighted, honored, and privileged to write this foreword. First, is my story of overcoming a major hurdle in my life while remaining resilient and sticking to the journey at hand.

During the fourteenth year of my active duty service in the Army, I suffered a devastating lower leg injury that left me hospitalized for over a year. I nearly lost my leg. Fast forward a year and half later, I found myself getting on a plane to the Middle East deploying for my fifth combat tour. Despite the many mental, emotional, and physical barriers that stood in front of me, I understood my purpose in life and refused to fall victim to my circumstance, thereby exhibiting the Audacity of Resilience .

Second, I have known Pitman Kennedy for over thirty-five years, as he in my oldest brother, friend, and mentor. By him providing me this opportunity to be a part of this journey with him, it has added an extra dimension of the impact he has on my life.

Third, I know the message in this book is a testament to his true and genuine beliefs on life and the importance of being resilient. As a son, brother, husband, father and a retired Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer, Pitman is the epitome of resilience. He has endured several different challenges in life, remained resilient, and has been able to overcome and stay the course of becoming an empowering asset to his family and community.

Pitman first informed me of his idea of writing this book not too long ago. The Audacity of Resilience is authenticated by real life experiences. Some of Pitman’s greatest attributes include his love for people and his genuine heart. The inspiration behind this book is rooted in these attributes, as he aims to help others overcome daily life and personal obstacles. The Audacity of Resilience presents its audience with unique situations and methods of dealing with stress, frustration, and pressure, while maintaining a sound personal resiliency to overcome any hurdles it faces. No two personal situations are quite the same; understanding this, Pitman presents the material in a way that can be relatable to all readers.

After reading this book, you may get a different outlook on your own complex situations. Although life may seem bigger than any one of us can imagine, our problems and unique situations are still small enough that we cannot let them defeat us, but rather, use these challenges to learn from others and use our personal resiliency to empower us. Pitman’s assertions in this book provide uplifting real-life viewpoints that focus on knowing and understanding our purpose in life and using it as a driving force in exemplifying our resilient natures.

Hensuli Spichiger Kennedy

Chief Warrant Officer 2

United States Army

INTRODUCTION

For much of my early life, I fought against hopelessness. From living in war-torn Liberia, to life in the United States, there were times when I felt despondent. By staying on course, remaining focused and digging deep within myself, I learned not only how to survive through difficult times, but mastered the skill of resilience. I am convinced that a person can achieve just about anything when the mind is set on a goal. Success comes from the embrace of tools like resilience, courage, determination, focus, and perseverance.

I hope that in telling my story and sharing my experiences others may find courage and inspiration within them. With God’s guidance and protection, I was able to utilize aspects of resilience to propel myself through my journey, which includes witnessing the inception of war hostilities in Liberia, traversing through rebel-infested jungles, coming face to face with death, experiencing unprecedented starvation, while being exposed to disease and illness, living a very painstaking refugee experience, and overcoming a challenging, but rewarding, and life-changing Air Force career. These experiences led me to where I am today.

I want people to understand that no matter what life throws at them, not only can they overcome the challenges, but they may use these obstacles as pathways to monumental achievements.

THE EARLY YEARS

My mom unexpectedly gave birth to me on the bathroom floor in Bomi Hills, Liberia. It was a regular day. My mom was doing chores, and my dad was working. My mom had an unusual feeling. Knowing she was pregnant, with the help of nearby midwives, she went into labor and gave birth to me. She was taken to the hospital and we both