See You Along The Way: Reflections of a Veteran Hiking The Camino de Santiago

NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Winner for Summer 2019

A retired Air Force officer and veteran of Afghanistan, Iraq, Djibouti and humanitarian deployments embarks on a journey of spiritual and self-rediscovery along the five-hundred-mile ancient pilgrimage: the Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James. Physically and mentally beat up and exhausted, Colonel Tracey Meck struggles to find a new identity and purpose after retiring from the only adult life she had known.

As she endeavors to overcome physical pain and limitations, she is determined to redeem herself after failing to complete the trek two years earlier. Along The Way, she reflects on her Air Force career, from being a part of the seventh class with women at the Air Force Academy through four combat deployments to include a year leading interagency reconstruction and development efforts in two Afghan provinces as the Provincial Reconstruction Team Gardez Commander. Weaving through it all is her spiritual journey as she struggles with experiences that feed both spiritual growth and recurring doubts.

Reader Reviews:

I have known Tracey Meck for several years now, so when I learned that she had written a book, I was intrigued. I began to read the book and I was hooked! I stayed up every evening beyond my normal bedtime until I finished the book, all within a week. What held my interest was the tenacity this woman exhibited. She returned to finish a pilgrimage and succeeded while meeting the physical, mental, and emotional demands each day presented! Additionally, what fascinated me was her ability to reflect on and process her military career and her spiritual journey. I love her candor. She writes just like she converses - refreshing!!

-Jake Krestinski

Tracey has written a very personal story of her life as one of the first women to graduate from the United States Air Force Academy and the challenges she faced in the field as she rose to the rank of Colonel. The story of her military career is interspersed with her adjustment to civilian life and her walking the Camino de Santiago while facing significant physical challenges. Tracey's story is a fascinating look into military life and she is an inspiration to us all.

-Kathy Gowan

Tracey Meck's journey touched me because of her dedication and perseverance. She trekked over 500 miles enduring disabled hands, sore feet and a bad back. Her reminiscing about her career in the military was inspiring and commendable. At times adversity came from within as well as from Afghan insurgents, but her professionalism and courage carried her through to retirement. Tracey's daily devotional became mine as she applied the Word to her life. You will also be inspired by her dedication and perseverance.

-Judy Johnson

Nicely thought provoking. Great, reflective story that causes the reader to think and analyze their own life walks.

-Samantha McNeil

Very interesting read. I would consider it an absolute must for anyone planning a pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago trail (The Way).

-Russ Hall

Online Reviews:

Whether your background is the military, civil government, academia or business, Colonel Tracey Meck demonstrates through her shared experiences that planning, discipline, commitment, flexibility and faith, especially during times of challenge and crisis, leads to success. "See You Along the Way" is both instructional and enjoyable and provides inspiration for all, regardless of age or gender, to face life with courage and strength. Anonymous. 5 Stars on B&N, christianbooks.com, and BAM.

Great Read by a Heroic Military Officer, April 4, 2019: Refreshing view of the military as well as inspiring human interaction. Colonel Meck overcomes great personal hardship both in and out of the Air Force culminating in her conquering the Camino de Santiago. I will be retiring soon and look forward to following in her footsteps. A well written serpentine story of current and past life giving a great first person view of human tragedy, courage and ability to overcome severe obstacles. Earl the Pearl, 4 Stars, Amazon.

Great read. Like the behind the scenes of the workings of the upper brass in the military. M.G. Mitchell, 5 Stars, Amazon.

An Interesting Read. Tracey gives an interesting, insightful and introspective look into her life, career and spiritual journey as well as lots of helpful tips on how to tackle the El Camino. H Pfeiffer, 5 Stars, Amazon, B&N, christianbook.com.

Story of a strong woman not letting adversity get to her. My husband and I both have read her book and thoroughly enjoyed it. Tracy takes us on a journey of her military career and the trials and tribulations she faced being a woman in the military. The trek showed how strong she is. We have passed her book onto friends and they too have enjoyed it. We have a friend retired from the Air Force and he quickly purchased one. He loves the book. Anonymous, 5 Stars, B&N.

Amazing Book. See You Along the Way is a very well written book. It flows well and is easy to follow. Learning about the Air Force was interesting and enlightening. She shared her struggles and her accomplishments in the Air Force both emotionally and spiritually. Tracey has lived a very exciting life that most people will never experience. As she described her journey on the pilgrim trail I could visualize the scenery. Thank you Tracey for sharing your life with us. airforcefan, christianbook.com

This book is also available through Books-A-Million, Mcnally Robinson, and christianbook.com.


--Colonel Tracey Meck

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