Raul Medrano

Author & US Army Veteran

Background includes years of U.S. Army service, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, and a Master of Business Administration. His military service, education, life experiences, and faith are reflected throughout his published works.

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Published Books

THE BIRDS ARE COMING:
A SOLDIER'S STORY OF WAR, INTERCESSION, AND MERCY

During an ambush in Afghanistan, a Sergeant promises his Soldiers that help is coming, knowing it isn't. Years later, an unexpected event from that night takes on new meaning through faith, military tradition, and the story of Saint Barbara.

CATHOLICISM FOR VETERANS:
A VETERAN’S INTRODUCTION TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

An introduction to Catholicism written with veterans in mind, whether they are returning to the Church or discovering it for the first time. Explains Catholic beliefs, the Mass, Confession, Saints, prayer, and other fundamentals in accessible language.

THE ENDING WE THOUGHT WE HAD:
COMING HOME FROM AFGHANISTAN AND WATCHING KABUL FALL

What happens when the country you once fought in falls back into enemy hands? A veteran reflects on returning to civilian life, watching Afghanistan collapse in 2021, and confronting the difficult question of what the war ultimately accomplished.

THE SERGEANT IN FRONT OF YOU:
LESSONS IN SMALL-UNIT ARMY LEADERSHIP

Leadership isn't just about rank, regulations, or military doctrine. Through real experiences in training, garrison, and combat, a former Army Sergeant explores the responsibilities, mistakes, and decisions that shape first-line leaders.

YA VIENEN LOS PAJAROS:
LA HISTORIA DE UN SOLDADO SOBRE LA GUERRA, LA INTERCESION, Y LA MISERICORDIA (SPANISH EDITION)

The Spanish-language edition of The Birds Are Coming, recounting a Soldier's experience during an ambush in Afghanistan and his eventual return to the Catholic faith. A true story of combat, survival, brotherhood, and the search for meaning.

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Published Articles & Media

THE HAVOK JOURNAL:
THE WORDS I CARRIED HOME

A firsthand account of a 2013 ambush in Afghanistan, the difficult decision to promise help that wasn't coming, and the questions that followed a Soldier home. Explores guilt, responsibility, faith, and how the meaning of one night changed more than a decade later.

KINGS RIVER LIFE MAGAZINE:
FROM THE CENTRAL VALLEY TO AFGHANISTAN AND BACK HOME

From California's Central Valley to the mountains of Afghanistan, a veteran reflects on the unexpected similarities between two very different places. A personal story connecting military service, returning home, and the experiences that inspired The Birds Are Coming.

LEGIONTOWN U.S.A.:
THE BIRDS ARE COMING: A SOLDIER'S STORY OF WAR, INTERCESSION, AND MERCY

Published through the American Legion's In Your Own Words section, this feature introduces a combat veteran's memoir of Afghanistan and his eventual return to the Catholic faith. Highlights the experiences behind the book and the author's military background.

THE BUSINESS JOURNAL:
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

A business publication's People on the Move section highlighting individuals and professional developments throughout California. The September 2026 edition includes a feature regarding veteran and author Raul Medrano.

DVIDS:
3RD BATTALION, 7TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 3RD INFANTRY DIVISION

An official U.S. Army photograph documenting Raul Medrano and Soldiers of 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, providing security near Forward Operating Base Shank in Afghanistan on May 25, 2013. Offers a historical glimpse of the unit and deployment setting featured in The Birds Are Coming.

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Causes I Support

Patron Saint of Artillery

Saint Barbara

SaintBarbara.info is an independent website created to bring together information about Saint Barbara in one place. It includes her history, patronages, and the churches and organizations named in her honor. Additionally, it features artwork, books, and other resources connected to her devotion and legacy.

Causes For Canonization

FATHER KAPAUN GUILD:
VENERABLE EMIL J. KAPAUN

Dedicated to preserving the legacy of Father Emil Kapaun, a U.S. Army Chaplain and Medal of Honor recipient who served during the Korean War. Shares his story of courage, sacrifice, and faith while promoting his cause for sainthood in the Catholic Church.

FATHER VINCENT CAPODANNO GUILD:
SERVANT OF GOD VINCENT R. CAPODANNO

Dedicated to honoring Father Vincent Capodanno, a U.S. Navy Chaplain and Medal of Honor recipient who gave his life ministering to wounded Marines during the Vietnam War. Preserves his legacy of selfless service, courage, and faith while promoting his cause for sainthood in the Catholic Church.

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MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

Military Order of the Purple Heart

A congressionally chartered veterans organization composed of Purple Heart recipients and dedicated to supporting veterans and their families through service, advocacy, and fellowship.

The Society of the 3rd Infantry Division

An organization serving past and present Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division and their families while preserving the history, fellowship, traditions, and legacy of the division.

7th Infantry Regiment Association

An association connecting veterans and active-duty members of the 7th Infantry Regiment, the “Cottonbalers,” while supporting fellowship, preserving regimental history, and maintaining connections within the regimental community.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

A national organization representing and advocating for the post-9/11 generation of veterans through research, policy, education, advocacy, and public awareness.

© Raul Medrano. All rights reserved.
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About

Raul Medrano

Raul Medrano is a California native, U.S. Army veteran, and independent author. During his military service, he was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, with the 3rd Infantry Division, with whom he deployed to eastern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was later stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, as part of the 2nd Infantry Division.During his time in the Army, he served honorably with:3-7 Infantry — Cottonbalers. 3rd Infantry Division.
1-76 Field Artillery — Patriots. 3rd Infantry Division.
1-9 Field Artillery — BattleKings. 3rd Infantry Division.
2-17 Field Artillery — Steel. 2nd Infantry Division.
2-1 Infantry — Legion. 2nd Infantry Division.After leaving the Army, he continued his education and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management. His writing reflects a range of interests and experiences, including military service, leadership, veterans, faith, and the transition from military to civilian life.

Military Awards

- Meritorious Unit Commendation with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
- Regimental Distinctive Insignia — 7th Infantry Regiment (Cottonbalers)
- Shoulder Sleeve Insignia — Military Operations in Hostile Conditions (SSI-MOHC) — 3rd Infantry Division
- Combat Action Badge
- Purple Heart
- Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
- Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
- Army Good Conduct Medal with 2 Loops/Knots on Clasp
- National Defense Service Medal
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon
- Army Service Ribbon
- Overseas Service Ribbon
- NATO Non-Article 5 Medal (ISAF)
- Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar
- Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-W Bar

Medals, Ribbons & Badges Explained

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Contact

For questions about my books, media inquiries, organizations, or other general correspondence, please use the contact form below.

© Raul Medrano. All rights reserved.
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Reviews & Recognition

THE BIRDS ARE COMING:
A SOLDIER'S STORY OF WAR, INTERCESSION, AND MERCY

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

CATHOLIC PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS CLUB OF FRESNO

"Well written war memoirs are one of the more important forms of literature, a record of History, and all wars are History, recorded by those who were there in the linguistic style common to the era. If well written, the reader learns more than History, but rather the human and even the supernatural forces affecting the outcome.While not a lot of good memoirs of the current Middle Eastern wars have come to my attention, “The Birds Are Coming” is an important exception revolving around a particular firefight, and the decision made by the author, Raul Medrano, while serving as Forward Observer on a dismounted patrol in Afghanistan.Sergeant Medrano’s patrol is inserted by helicopter at night. Relying on night vision goggles, the unit forms and moves forward in the eerie green landscape of the night vision goggles. Later on, the patrol is ambushed by a larger enemy unit. In the firefight the patrol gets separated and Sergeant Medrano’s squad takes cover behind a low dirt berm. As the enemy closes in, Medrano’s patrol starts getting low on ammunition. As the forward observer, Madrano also carries radios to report back to headquarters and call for artillery or air support if needed, and the pressing circumstances called for much needed support.But Sergeant Medrano was told no gunships or artillery was available.
Soldiers, on the last of their magazines, repeatedly called out asking when support would come but since no rescue was coming, Medrano could only respond “The Birds (helicopter gunships) Are Coming” rather than relay the hopelessness of his unit’s situation.
Then an illumination shell bursts overhead, illuminating the landscape like daylight exposing the separated patrols position which allowed them to reform and disengage from the enemy.Eventually their unarmed transport helicopters find the patrol and airlifts them to safety, but the lie, that “The Birds Are Coming”, told to his comrades, haunted the author along with the illumination shell that no one had called for, nor could be accounted for in the after-action report.In civilian life, Sergeant Medrano reconnected with his Catholic faith and discovered a different History, one of intercession and mercy that has been a north star for Catholics in dangerous times."- John Kasaian
Catholic Professional & Business Club Of Fresno

READER REVIEWS

AMAZON

A Soldier's Story Of Hope.
★★★★★
5 out of 5 stars.
"Medrano recounts a night that is forever imprinted in his mind—a night when he told his brothers-in-arms a lie that more than likely saved their lives, simply because he didn’t want them to lose hope.Hope and faith are two of the most powerful forces in this world, and Raul Medrano beautifully shares how both played a role throughout his military career. Reading his story opened my eyes to just how deeply the phrase, “the bastard son of the artillery, abandoned to the infantry,” runs.I highly recommend this book to everyone, but especially to anyone who is, or has a loved one who is, a Forward Observer. This is a story of courage, brotherhood, faith, and the power of hope when everything seems lost."- M. White

Immediately In The Action of Battle!
★★★★★
5 out of 5 stars."Sergeant Medrano immediately sets the stage in war and eminences the reader in battle!A emotional read that gives a glimpse into the mind of a soldier that almost gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country.The book is a quick read and hard to put down. Emotional, truthful, and educational. For someone who did not serve in the U.S Army, Sergeant Medrano briefly educates the reader in every topic he goes over in regards to the Army lingo, history, and warfare enough to understand his story.Highly recommend this book it is worth the read and you’ll walk away with a different perspective."- D. Garza

GOODREADS

The Birds Are Coming.
★★★★★
5 out of 5 stars."To SGT Medrano;I’m glad you were able to tell your story. The way you tell it; paints a vivid picture for the reader to envision. As I read I saw the little mound you used for cover. I’m glad you found your faith.'Cottonbalers by God'"- A. Ramirez

The Birds Are Coming.
★★★★★
5 out of 5 stars."The Birds Are Coming was an emotional and meaningful read for me. Having family members who have served, I appreciated how personal Raul Medrano's story felt. It gave me a different perspective on what soldiers may experience during deployment and what those memories can mean years later."- M. Palacios

New Release Rankings

Amazon #1 New Release — Afghan War

The Birds Are Coming: A Soldier’s Story of War, Intercession, and Mercy reached the #1 position on Amazon’s New Releases chart in the Afghan War category

Amazon #2 New Release — Saints

The Birds Are Coming: A Soldier’s Story of War, Intercession, and Mercy reached the #2 position on Amazon’s New Releases chart in the Saints category.

© Raul Medrano. All rights reserved.
Support My Writing At: Buy Me A Coffee >