"Mario, I heard the noises. Branches breaking behind us." I called the commanding officer and said, "It's 5:00 AM." "Radio silence. Wait for my sign." What we didn't know was that enemy was already in the tunnel. They were everywhere. The ultimate price of freedom is human life. And I wasn't prepared to die. I was afraid and angry that all I saw was disappointment in the faces of everybody around me, blaming us because we didn't perform well. We did inflict damages to the enemy, but we were outnumbered. I don't know how many, but that enemy was waiting for us. Even today I still see that tunnel, that abyss of darkness trying to swallow us all. 'What is the true price of freedom', is a must read. It fascinatingly explores the darkness casualties of conflict are thrust into, and what it does to alter a person mentally. It delves into the psychological, emotional and physical challenges war creates, and how it is psychologically transformational. Mario Bekes, "What is the true price of freedom' is a powerful account of tragedy, struggle and heroism. George Hazim, Executive Producer of TheInformer " A, real-life account of a soldier, who relives the atrocities and savagery of war, while still clinging onto compassion, empathy, and love. A story that will grip you from page one! " Michael Ray "Professional soldiers pray for peace and hope for war, and if our prayers weren't answered, I'd go to the battlefield with this man.'' Daniel Tolson, Business Coach This is one epic tale of experiences that had me on an emotional roller-coaster of anger and warmth, kindness and frustration. It is an epic tail of experience that most of us in life will never know or even understand. Mario's natural ability to make you feel as though you are right there with him is moving. I highly recommend you take a look into the abyss of darkness and what hides in the shadows of what we only hear about. This is where the lesson for life and leadership are embedded in the shadows of the paragraphs and chapters of this book. Dave Clare Founder, Circle Leadership Global, Author, Speaker and Coach. Co-Author of 2 x Amazon Bestselling books.