“As described in Jake Harriman’s important new book, America is neither a finished product nor a lost cause. Rather, he suggests that protecting and revitalizing the idea of America requires consistent vigilance from citizens to realize our full potential and avoid decay. Jake’s book offers both an admirable personal tale of an American dedicated to service and a thoughtful diagnosis of our current political and social tensions. In Rescuing the Idea of America, Jake presents the reader with a dual vision—a country presently rife with division, apathy, and animosity, but which carries within itself the clear remedy for this malaise. Jake issues a call to each of us to embrace the core American principle of serving each other. It is through this service and humble engagement with each other that we can begin to heal our divides. Jake focuses on community-level solutions which can help address our national problems. Jake understands that democracies can and do die if citizens allow it. His book is a powerful call to action. It asks Americans to be courageously engaged with our communities to bridge divides, break down barriers, and eliminate the discord which has the potential to tear our country apart. I can’t imagine a more important book for these difficult times.”

– General Jim Mattis (USMC Retired)

“Jake Harriman has seen the worst of war and poverty yet continues to live a life of hope and patriotic service. I hope all Americans will heed his rejection of divisiveness and pessimism—and answer his call to serve.”

– US Senator Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania)

“At a time when our politics too often divide instead of deliver, Jake Harriman reminds us what it means to put country first. From the mountains of West Virginia to the front lines overseas, his life reflects the very best of what America stands for. Rescuing the Idea of America, offers a practical and hopeful path forward, reminding us that the strength of this nation has and always will come from its people, not its political parties. It is a timely call to action for anyone who still believes, as I do, in the promise of this nation.”

– Senator Joe Manchin III

“Jake Harriman understands that America’s future won’t be decided by politics alone, but by people willing to serve, connect, and lead. Rescuing the Idea of America is a powerful call to action for anyone who believes this country is still worth fighting for.”

– US Senator John Curtis (R-Utah)

“I’ve known Jake Harriman and his family my entire life, and this book is a love letter to his country and to the people who shaped him. It’s raw, honest, and clear-eyed about the mistakes he—and our country—have made, while holding onto a steady optimism that we can learn from them and do better. This is a book for anyone feeling lost or worried about our country’s future and looking for a way to help themselves and others chart a better path forward.”

– Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey

“There are many forces trying to divide America. Jake Harriman is a unique counter to those destructive influences. Based on his vast life experiences, from leading troops in combat as a Marine Corps officer to his time leading a non-profit in Africa working to eradicate extreme poverty, Jake knows that America is an idea worth fighting for—and saving. He also knows that can only happen if we unify as a people. This book aims to do just that—bridge our differences and find our common ground.”

– Jocko Willink, March 2026

“Jake Harriman has lived the American story from a farm in Appalachia to the front lines of war and the front lines of civic renewal. In this powerful and deeply personal book, he argues that America’s future will not be secured by louder politics, but by better citizens. Rescuing the Idea of America is a timely and hopeful reminder that the republic belongs to those willing to serve it.”

– Stan McChrystal, general, US Army (Retired)

“In a world of despair and division, Jake Harriman brings us unbridled optimism. He has experienced the worst of mankind and yet he sees the goodness in all of us. As Americans we can do better and Jake has a plan to get us there. We all need this book—now!”

– William H. McRaven, admiral, US Navy (Retired)

“Jake Harriman fought terrorists in Iraq and helped dismantle extreme poverty in Africa. Then he came home to find the same enemies. Extremism was tearing America apart. This book is his ‘battle plan’ to save us. Urgent, personal, and impossible to put down.”

– Van Jones, CNN host, founder of DreamMachine.org and RAPPORT.co

“Jake Harriman reminds us we are in danger of forgetting a simple truth—our strength and greatness as a nation springs from our shared identity as Americans, and our willingness to measure up to the idea of America by striving to be the kind of citizen, neighbor, and friend we know we should be. This is a book of hope.”

– Mike Raiole, retired CIA officer, former director of CIA’s Paramilitary and Covert Action Infrastructure