Postcards Through Hell

As a commissioned officer and soldier with previous deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, the “Postcards Through Hell” took me back to my own experiences and I was immediately able to identify with the mission objective. These men, many prior military, opted to work in one of the most dangerous professions worldwide and without the protection of the military at their back. As professional security contractors Edward Ford and Alan Chiasson present a clear and thrilling picture of what some might believe a mundane job, driving supply routes.

The reality is far from it, these men employed tactics, techniques, and procedures honed from years of collective experience in the theater of war to survive in a hostile environment. Despite my many years of service, I learned much and developed a greater appreciation for security contractors. This book is “a must read” for all who are considering working in the private sector as a security contractor. As with combat missions, the men of the Pony Express lost brothers, and this work serves to honor and preserve their memory. It was a privilege to read, I salute you all!

Peter Coldwell, M.D.
COL, MC, FS, TXARNG

Focusing on a brief three-year period in Afghanistan, “Postcards Through Hell” accurately, and brilliantly portrays the functions, tactics, techniques, and procedures employed by these incredible security and force protection contractors in both of the most lethal environments of this century—Iraq and Afghanistan.

Charged with missions in areas where the shrinking military lacked the manpower to operate, these heroic contractors served our Nation with extraordinary pride and distinction, while largely ignored by the media, without acclaim for their courageous acts, and embracing the hope for but one reward—to return home safely. My compliments to the authors of this magnificent account, Edward Ford and Alan Chiasson.

Lucious E. (Ed) Delk, Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.)

"The following is my endorsement for the upcoming book, “Postcards Through Hell,” authored by Alan Chiasson and Edward Ford. During my tenure at Camp Phoenix, I was fortunate enough to have family that supported me greatly in my mission there. I was constantly receiving packages and mail from home; plus, packages I had ordered for equipment that I needed to perform my duties. The Pony Express, as they were known, were responsible for making sure that our packages and mail always got delivered to Camp Phoenix on time. I don't think they ever failed their mission, despite the tremendous adversity and danger they faced on a daily basis.

Their exploits moving through extremely hostile zones on the road are the stuff legends are made of. I do not say that lightly, having spent almost 10 years working security in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I speak fondly of these men and their team to this day. There is nothing that lifts moral more in a combat zone than receiving mail and care packages from home. Without it, life there would be completely miserable. So my team and I were always excited when we saw their big gray gun trucks pull in through the gate. We knew what they faced to bring us a bit of happiness from home. Without a doubt, this book would be very well received by the military community, the loved ones of all of those people who sent mail and the general public at large. It would give them a glimpse inside the world of these men, and what happened when they sent a "Postcard Through Hell."

Dave Marris CEO
Black Moon Consulting

"Many think wars are fought by those who sign a contract with their country, but this is not necessarily so. Modern warfare today has seen an influx of dedicated men and women who feel the business of protecting freedom is not done by simply stepping out the military and hanging up the uniform. “Postcards Through Hell” highlights this transition from uniform to an even greater cause of friendship, brotherhood and courage, spanning a community only very few have shared the experience of.

These elite warriors risk their lives in the pursuit of freedom and liberty for all, running and gunning in hostile landscapes where mercy is not in the enemy’s credo. I am now a politician but was once a contractor and I have worked closely with these brave individuals. “Postcards Through Hell” is a true account of the lives of those who took great risk in seeing necessary supplies were delivered including the US Mail, to allow freedom to prevail.

Paul Golle, Elected Government Official Redland City Council
Former Australian Military and Security Contractor

"POSTCARDS THROUGH HELL", by turn is an exciting, powerful, and action-packed read. In this book of adventures, Ford and Chiasson have you follow in their footsteps as team members weaving a tale of unforgettable survival and determination to complete some of the most dangerous missions faced by security contractors working outside the wire in Afghanistan. I highly recommend this exhilarating book to be read by all. It gives you an insight to a world most civilians never knew existed and how these men put their lives on the line to deliver the US Mail.

Robert Bierman, NYPD ESU (Ret.)

"The image is as lurid as it is false. American security contractors operating in the war-torn Middle East--a gang of adrenaline junkies seeking another fix--a bunch of ex-military mercenaries selling the skills they honed in uniform in exchange for cold cash. If that's what comes to mind when you ponder Security Contractors in combat zones like Iraq and Afghanistan, you need to read this book.

Veteran-authored by men who laid their lives on the line in Afghanistan mainly because they thought it the right thing to do for their country, The Pony Express, is both an eye-opening, detailed account of Contractor operations and a penetrating look into the hearts and minds of patriots who continued to fight for the better good once they'd shed the official uniform. Here's the unvarnished story of the outriders who kept vulnerable supply convoys moving along Afghanistan's infamous, blood-soaked Ring Road and it's a thrilling read."

Captain Dale A. Dye, USMC (Ret.)
Author of Run Between the Raindrops and the Shake Davis Series

"As a leader of Marines and a combat veteran, this book provides all of the information one would expect from combat veterans. In combat, as in military life in general, there are always unforgettable moments that stay with us. Many are funny and nostalgic, while others are tragic, provoking long moments of thought as we lose comrades, bringing home the realization that we worked in a very dangerous occupation.Ed Ford and Alan Chiasson provide all of these examples in this extremely informative and readable project.

People will learn interesting things about the world of contracting, which carries many of the same dangers as serving in frontline combat units. In becoming aware of this project, I was educated as to many things with which I was not familiar, yet also the memory was triggered by many things that I also experienced. The reader will enjoy the operational details and methods, while also learning about a world that is not well known outside the operators themselves. I would suggest that people considering military service in general, and military support contracting in particular read this book. Being well informed prior to making such life altering decisions is not just wise, it is expected of the true professional. Many of us may leave the service and take off the uniform, but we never stop being patriotic Americans. These men who served on active duty then decided to serve our nation further did so at great risk. We can be proud of their service and their dedication. God bless them all"

Major General James E. Livingston, USMC (Ret.)
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient

As a 39-year veteran of the Postal Service and the 73rd Postmaster General from 2010 to 2015. I am proud to offer this endorsement for the Pony Express. The book “Postcards Through Hell” is a fascinating true tale of some of the bravest men to deliver the US Mail in war-torn Afghanistan. This book suits either the historian or the non-fiction reader. It is a riveting account of the SOC Mobile Operations teams who were contracted to support the military by delivering US Mail and other critical supplies throughout Afghanistan.

I was not aware of their individual exploits until I read this book. Authors Ford and Chiasson offer perspectives that I have not encountered before despite reading other books on war. “Postcards Through Hell” paints a very clear and succinct picture of what it was like to run missions as security contractors along Ring Road, the deadliest road in the world. The men of the Pony Express are true patriots who risked life and limb to provide our military and other contracted companies their only real connection to home, the US Mail. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about their heroic acts despite overwhelming odds against the Taliban and other criminal insurgents. They are all heroes in my eyes and I truly thank them for a job well done.

Patrick R. Donahoe, Former Postmaster General USPS

"Postcards Through Hell" is an engaging and gripping account of a world many of us have heard about but know little of. That of the Security Contractor. It opens the door in a factual, honest and “boots on the ground” detailed manner that allows the reader to feel as if they too are part of the “Team”.

Authors Ford and Chiasson bring the reader along to participate in the hell these brave men survived and share in the special bond that is the brotherhood of warriors. These were missions they endured with little public recognition, understanding or accolades. I recommend this book strongly to anyone who wishes to expand their understanding of what was (and may continue to be) a significant part of the campaigns in both Iraq and Afghanistan."

David S. Reny, MSc.
International Airline Captain
Canadian "Cold War" Army Veteran

As a journalist embedded during Operation Desert Storm, I have unfortunately seen firsthand, the remnants of War. War is not something easily explained to the average person. To literally have your life in the hands of the person next to you is not something most people will never comprehend, but that trust is expected in battle and freely given. It is that brotherhood and commitment that draws the warrior to battle. “Postcards Through Hell” details a group of warriors who share that same kind of brotherhood. They shed their countries uniforms and donned the tactical garb of the private security contractor, yet they still put their lives on the line for the American Military every day.

I have personally volunteered for organizations that put together care packages for Soldiers Sailors, Airmen and Marines and have heard time and time again how much those packages mean to the men and women receiving them. The men of the Pony Express delivered those packages. Forget snow, rain, sleet or hail, try bullets, roadside bombs, RPG’s and the Taliban keeping you from your appointed rounds. The Pony Express drove the most dangerous road in the world, and sometimes off road, to deliver the mail! “Postcards Through Hell” is their account of that brotherhood, the danger, and the commitment it took to come through for American and coalition forces. As private contractors they often faced an uphill battle, but as Brothers they always got the job done. Thank you Gentlemen for sharing your thrilling, dangerous, and deadly accounts of what it took to drive on Ring Road, and Thank you most of all for your Service and your Sacrifice.

David Weed, Investigative Journalist
National PIO - The Thin Blue Line LEMC

It’s difficult to have a true appreciation for the sacrifices of those who valiantly serve in our Armed Forces or in the world of private security contracting. I think it’s fair to say that, when we hear the word “sacrifice”, we immediately think of the ultimate one: the giving up of one’s own life for the preservation of another’s. The enormity of such selflessness can never be overstated and those who have the courage to offer their lives for that possible outcome must always be honored. That said, there are smaller sacrifices that these brave soldiers make in the day to day grind of war. There are mental and emotional sacrifices that only come from constant near-death experiences, sacrifices that are perhaps “small” relative to the aforementioned ultimate one, but relentlessly pile up nonetheless. This is what the book “Postcards Through Hell” perfectly encapsulates.

The toils of the human heart and mind in the midst of combat are delivered by the authors with a precision and utility that one would expect from meticulously disciplined warriors such as themselves. Their authentic human experiences as contractors in the Middle East - one of the most dangerous regions on Earth - provides invaluable historical context to an era that we still find ourselves living in. Anyone wishing to understand and honor our modern day heroes will find this book a definite “must read”.

Greg Chaisson, Bass Guitarist
Badlands, Kings of Dust

I am super proud of the authors, their team, their mission and their book. As a Man who has lived abroad in War Zones for many years, even into 2020, I have always been grateful to those who risk all to keep us connected to the world - They're true, unsung heroes. “Postcards Through Hell” is an awesome, timely and much needed book, to remind us all, especially in these pandemic days, how crucial their mission is, and how great their risk is, to deliver mail through conflict, they help keep society together and help us all survive. For those who risk it all to deliver the mail - God Bless!

Mykel Hawke, Retired Special Forces Combat Officer
TV Host & Author

"Postcards Through Hell” is a fascinating account of the daily dangers and challenges that forged deep bonds of trust and friendship between men. The detailed mission descriptions provide a glimpse into a place and a profession few of us can imagine. Despite the intense trials of life in Afghanistan, the sense of purpose and camaraderie seduced these men far from their homes, families, and comforts. Within this memoir, there are great lessons to be learned about finding meaning and fulfillment in life.

Juliet Breeze, M.D.
CEO - Next Level Urgent Care

America is well-known for having men of honor and courage. These men of the Pony Express are just one of many groups of young Americans, mostly combat vets, who continue to risk injury and death to serve our nation, and augment our military forces. Tough duty, hard men, and a very good read.

Col. Walter Boyne, USAF (Ret.)

A powerful narrative that brings to light a hitherto unexamined aspect of the war in Afghanistan: security contractors at war.

Eric Hammel, Author of Two Flags Over Iwo Jima