Testimonials
"The measure of a life isn’t what you take—it’s what you give." By that standard, Mike Penn has handed you treasure worth more than gold. This man endured hell. The kind of torture and uncertainty that breaks most people. Those brutal days and sleepless nights of captivity didn’t just scar him—they forged him into something extraordinary. Now he’s offering you the keys to strength you didn’t know you possessed. Penn doesn’t just tell war stories. He delivers battle-tested wisdom. Every page contains hard-won lessons that can transform how you face your own fights. You get the benefit of his suffering without having to bleed for it yourself.
I know Mike personally. He’s not just a gifted storyteller—though he is that. He’s a man whose character runs deeper than his wounds. When he speaks, you listen. When he writes, you learn.
– Don’t want to waste your time? Skip the fiction.
– Want to be entertained? Watch TV.
– Want to discover how one man’s darkest moments can light your path to victory? Buy this book. Today.
The lessons inside could save you years of struggle. Or they could save your life. "
— Bob Clinkingbeard, Former FOX News VP , EMMY and PEABODY award-winning journalist, Team Builder
"All of our lives are built on hope…that little kernel of belief that one can achieve something in one’s life. It is that single flame that gets us through the trials and tribulations of our journey and at times reinforced by the stories of others. Hope and Courage by Mike Penn is that flame."
— Rocky Bleier, US Army, Vietnam Veteran, Author of Fighting Back (made into a TV movie), NFL Pittsburgh Steelers 1968-1980; 4-time Super Bowl Winner & the Only Super Bowl Champion & Vietnam Veteran in history
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13
I picked this bible verse because it exemplifies the life of Mike Penn during dangerous times. We began our journey with both of us being commissioned police officers in 1966 which was one of the most deadly times in American history. On the mean streets of Fort Worth, Texas, we found ourselves virtually in harm’s way every time we ventured out in our squad cars. Mike and I quickly identified the sound of bullets whizzing past our cars and bodies. We were targeted for assassination and had to hide under bridges and in dark areas just to write our reports. It is common knowledge that men in desperate combat situations when asked why they fight, they all answer, “we fight for our buddies and our friends”. At no time when Mike was partnered with me during our police experience, did I ever have a concern about him “having my back.”
Mike’s book, “HOPE and COURAGE”, is an example of facing death, finding hope and his belief in God. He remains, as always, my best friend.
— Warren Conrad Novelist (The Jake Stryker Series Warren Conrad), Ingternational Investment Banker, Private Equity Investment Manager (U.S. & Europe). U.S. Marshall
Today’s young Naval Aviators are put through several days of what’s known as SERE (Survival Evasion Resistance Escape) training. The treatment from their “captors” is based on the lessons learned from the real-life experiences of Mike Penn and his fellow POWs—albeit without the actual torture and other dehumanizing abuses they endured. To a man, these budding aviators come away with a profound respect for what Mike and his fellow prisoners endured—and the true strength of character and resilience needed to survive it.
As the pages unfold on Mike’s story, I’m certain it will inspire that same respect and, moreover, will help you understand why hope became such a powerful ingredient in his survival and subsequent success in life.
— Captain Belton Jennings, USNR (Ret.), CEO Emeritus @ Virgin Islands Territorial Assn of Realtors®
While my time as an Army officer was very, very brief, I did learn one lesson: “It is considered bad form to ever compliment the Navy.” — Until now.
Mike has nailed it with this book. Not only are the documented twists and turns in his life fascinating, but the overall life lessons of goals, dedication, perseverance, and, most importantly, hope and timeless attributes for which we should all strive.
Sadly, the heroes of most people these days reside in sports, Hollywood or Washington. There is an old saying about never meeting your heroes because you will be disappointed. Well, my hero is a lot closer to home. I’ve known Mike over 40 years and he is my hero. I’ve never been disappointed. The things he has been through and the way he has responded and lived his life should be an inspiration to us all. Read his book. I suspect that he might become a hero to you, too.
– Charlie Gaines, CPA, Businessman, Friend
As someone who has served as a military physician in Europe, practiced medicine for over 50 years, and worked as a police physician for over 40 years, I have seen human suffering and resilience from multiple perspectives. I have treated combat veterans in emergency rooms, responded to countless crisis calls involving PTSD and addiction emergencies, and witnessed both the devastating effects of trauma and the remarkable capacity for human recovery. Mike Penn’s “Hope and Courage: A POW’s Guide to Life, Recovery, Success, and Peace of Mind” offers insights that transcend any single profession—it is a masterclass in human survival and the medical, psychological, and spiritual factors that determine who lives and who dies when pushed beyond normal human limits.
Penn’s memoir illustrates a fundamental medical truth I have observed throughout my career: the connection between hope and survival is not metaphorical—it is physiological. His statement that “one can live about a month without food, about a week without water, but not one day without hope” aligns with medical research on how hope and despair directly affect immune function, healing capacity, and will to live. His honest account of PTSD symptoms, addiction, and recovery provides crucial insights for medical professionals, while his work with the HIMS program demonstrates how those who have walked through the valley of death often become the most effective guides for others facing similar journeys. His Saturday morning commitment to “Grand Group” proves what we know from addiction medicine: recovery is not a one-time event but a daily practice, and peer support is often more powerful than any medication we can prescribe.
This book should be required reading in medical schools, police academies, and military leadership courses. Penn’s story proves that healing is possible, that hope can be rebuilt, and that everyone has the capacity for recovery, redemption, and service to others. “Hope and Courage” isn’t just a memoir—it’s a medical case study, a leadership manual, and a prescription for resilience all rolled into one. It deserves a place on the bookshelf of anyone who serves others in their darkest hours, providing unvarnished truth about trauma, addiction, recovery, and the unbreakable power of the human spirit when sustained by hope and courage.
– Paul M. Fine, MD U.S.A.F Physician Veteran, Reserve Captain & Police Physician Emergency Medical Services Medical Director, Professor Emeritus at a Major Medical School in Houston
This book is a powerful celebration of a life courageously and purposefully lived. Through times of laughter, joy, fear, perseverance, victories, and setbacks, it will enlighten readers about the many lessons that shape who we become. It’s more than a memoir; it’s a masterclass in perseverance and purpose.
No one can fully understand the bond, bravery, fear, patriotism, scars, faith, and hope, to name a few, that our men and women endure during wartime. Through the years wars change but, the results are veterans that are never the same people, especially if you spend time as a POW. His experiences as such, and his openness about PTSD, emotional scars, and personal struggles, provide an invaluable window into the lasting impact of war. He doesn’t just share his battles—he shares his healing.
“Hope and Courage” is a lesson on the effects of attitude and demeanor affecting outcomes, and highlights examples of someone that has learned from his victories, defeats and is helping so many others improve their life through his solid leadership. His Saturday morning “Grand Group” is only one example of how he continues to uplift and empower others. Mike’s journey is a profound reminder: the most inspiring people aren’t those who avoid hardship, but those who rise in the face of it. His mantra—“HOPE and COURAGE”—isn’t just inspirational, it’s a battle cry, a blueprint, and, formany, a lifeline.
– Captain Kenneth Lott, Chief Pilot Dallas. Southwest Airlines, (Ret.)
In 2011, I was a shattered man—an Air Force veteran who had nearly destroyed his marriage, betrayed the trust of his employer, and attempted suicide. Then I met Mike Penn. His quiet strength, humility, and hard-won wisdom lit a spark of hope I thought was gone forever. “HOPE and COURAGE” captures the mindset and principles that showed me recovery was possible and life could be rebuilt. This is the best book for anyone who wants to overcome adversity, because it is filled with genuine wisdom, and Hope and Courage is a blueprint for building a good life.
– Michael G. Wells, USAF Veteran (Captain), Supply Chain Executive
“Hope and Courage: A POW’s Guide to Life, Recovery, Success, and Peace of Mind” by Mike Penn is a great read and demonstrates Mike’s early grit and determination to not only succeed as the best fighter/attack pilot he could be, but to aid others by opening up himself and showing others that no matter the obstacles you encounter, with a never give up attitude and honest self-reflection, all obstacles can be overcome.
I met “Pig” in 1983 when we were both new hires at Continental Airlines. I too had been a Naval Aviator A-7 pilot but was stationed on the east coast so our paths did not cross until Continental. For 47 years I have been privileged to call “Pig” one of my closest friends.
Reading his book brought emotions of laughter and tears as he described the many facets of life he has encountered. Mike’s poignant reflection of his lost squadron pilot brothers definitely caused some tears. Mike’s insights on his combat tour in Vietnam and subsequent POW stay in the Hanoi Hilton were very sobering and displayed how never giving up and always having hope are essential to life.
I have a Grandson who is considering attending the Naval Academy with the goal of becoming a fighter/attack pilot and he will definitely be getting Mike’s book. I sincerely wish everyone will, so they can highlight their darkest moments with a path to success.
– Bruce “Gator” Anderson, VA-81/174, Airbus Check Airman US Airways/American
“Hope and Courage: A POW’s Guide to Life, Recovery, Success, and Peace of Mind” is more than the story of a remarkable man—it is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and the refusal to surrender no matter the circumstances. This book is a guide for anyone who must face overwhelming adversity, recover from deep setbacks, and still move forward with strength and purpose. It delivers hard-earned lessons that can be applied to business, family, and personal challenges alike.
This is a book worth owning, reading, and sharing. The lessons inside will challenge you to think differently about adversity, inspire you to keep moving forward, and remind you that hope is never lost. Buy it for yourself, recommend it to colleagues, and give it to the next generation. Its value goes far beyond one man’s story—it is a lasting guide to resilience, courage, and peace of mind.
– John G Ross, Former A7 Corsair Naval Aviator, Former VP of Flight Operations at major U.S. & Int'l airlines
Mike Penn’s Hope and Courage transforms the horrors of captivity into a masterpiece of human triumph. As a former Prisoner of War, Penn doesn’t just share a survival story—he delivers a blueprint for conquering life’s most brutal challenges. The deepest wisdom emerges from our darkest moments. Penn proves that adversity, met with unwavering courage and hope, becomes the catalyst for extraordinary achievement. His journey from despair to victory reveals a profound truth: circumstances don’t define us—our response to them shapes our destiny.
Each chapter is a masterclass in resilience and the principles that govern true success. Penn’s insights cut straight to what matters: the infinite power of the human spirit to overcome, recover, and rise beyond what seems possible.
This isn’t just a book—it’s a call to greatness. For those ready to understand life’s deepest truths, “Hope and Courage” serves as your compass, proving that success flows not from luck, but from the indomitable will to persevere.
The road to greatness demands courage and unshakable hope. Penn shows you the way.
– Frank Masters, Author and Investor