Book Review

Soldiers Widow… Soldiers Wife… Soldiers Mother…
by Norma Shinno Irving Donlon
Forward by Gary Sinise
LifeRich Publishing (June 15, 2025)
202 pages
Available in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle

By How Miller

Norma Donlon’s book Soldiers Widow… Soldiers Wife… Soldiers Mother… is about how she saw life while involved with the military. She reveals intimately the pains and joys she experienced with each of the four military men in her life.

Part one describes a young Norma meeting, marrying, and losing Lieutenant John Irving. John was KIA on what already would have been the last mission of his tour before returning to his wife, who was waiting in Hawaii. The devastating news and all that followed is told in touching detail, which is heart-grabbing.

In Part 2, Norma relates her not wanting to get involved with another brave soldier, let alone a Medal of Honor recipient. Eventually, a young Captain Roger Donlon, in an effort spanning more than 3 years, won her trust and her heart. During their long, wonderful life together, they adopted three children and then succeeded in having one biological son.

She points out how Roger’s patient temperament made him ideally suited as a spouse, parent, and in his many high-level assignments.

Norma was Roger’s strength during his final twelve years while he fought the effects of Agent Orange.

Parts 3 and 4 are about their sons, Derek and Justin, two of their four sons, who entered the military and had widely different experiences.

Norma doesn’t dwell on the combat experiences of her men; after all, she wasn’t there.

But she does a marvelous job of conveying many of the intense experiences of a wife and mother. It’s the cost paid by our military families that often goes unheralded.

This book is well worth the read.

Editor’s Note: Click here to read excerpts from this book.

What others are saying about Soldiers Widow… Soldiers Wife… Soldiers Mother…

“A powerful and honest memoir by an indomitable woman and an extraordinary Army wife. The traumatic experience of losing her first husband to the Vietnam War, followed by a horrible betrayal, should have broken her spirit. Instead, she showed exceptional resilience and made the decision to love another soldier, the heroic Roger Donlon, and embrace the Army life once again, wherever it led them. We can all learn lessons from Norma Donlon in grace, courage and love.”

Hollister (Holly) K. Petraeus, Military Advocate, Army Daughter, Sister, Wife, and Mother

“Norma’s remarkable story of service to her family and country is one that everyone can learn from. A dedicated Gold Star Wife, Army wife and mother, Norma’s story of resilience and dedication will remain with you long after reading. How lucky are we to hear her story in her own words. We hope that when you read this book, you share Norma’s example of service with the children in your life so they can be inspired too.”

Karen Worcester, Executive Director, Wreaths Across America

About the Author:

How Miller has served as the editor of Chapter 78’s Sentinel since January 2021. Read How’s Member Profile to learn more about him.

How-Miller