“Leaving the Amish (to Serve with Honor)” by Simon S. Troyer has been released worldwide. This 184-page memoir recounts the author’s winding life story, from being born into an Old Order Amish community in central Pennsylvania to leaving the community at 22 to pursue military service, on through his life in the U.S. Coast Guard, the PA Air National Guard, serving as a Deputy Game Warden, and work as a correctional facility sniper for a Pennsylvania State Penitentiary.

Over the course of his life, Troyer has navigated challenges and uncertainty, fueled by his own curiosity and drive to persevere, all while amassing education, learning languages, and earning accolades across his career. By sharing his story, the author aims to inspire others to see their own potential, to make tough choices that benefit their own lives, and to never give up in the face of adversity.

An informative look at growing up in a traditional Amish community, the difficulties of leaving such an isolated life, and navigating numerous aspects of military service, this memoir is sometimes sad, sometimes funny, and filled with empowering messages of self-reliance. 

Honest and insightful throughout, Troyer’s life and legacy offers valuable lessons for any reader.  

Leaving the Amish (ISBN: 9781958729687) can be purchased through retailers worldwide, including Barnes and Noble and Amazon. The paperback retails for $12.99. Wholesale orders are available through Ingram. Review copies and interviews are available upon request. 

From the back cover:

Simon was the youngest of 11 children, born into an Old Order Amish family, after losing his mother while he was very young, his future looked grim, somehow though, he was able to overcome many of the obstacles life threw at him. When he was a teenager, he decided the Amish way of life wasn’t for him, at the age of 18, he made his first unsuccessful attempt at leaving, at the age of 22, he made his final break and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. Simon had many challenges to overcome in life, but in the end, he had two successful careers, this is his story, and the heavy price he paid for his freedom. 

About the author:

Simone Troyer was born and raised Old Order Amish, a small and horse and buggy community in central PA. With only an eighth grade education from an Amish school and no birth certificate, at the age of 22 he left the only life he knew, to pursue his dream of serving in the Military. After earning his G.E.D., he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served four years, and was awarded the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal. Simon, at the age of 39, re-enlisted in the PA Air National Guard, where he was awarded the PA Achievement Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, along with the prestigious Air Force Meritorious Service Medal. After 20 years of honorable service, Simon retired as a Master Sergeant. Simon is fluent in 3 languages, and during his Military career he earned an Associates Degree in Applied Science. Simon also enjoyed a successful career with the PA Game Commission, retiring after 25 years of service. He also served nine years simultaneously as a Deputy Game Warden and three years as a Correctional Officer (Sniper) at a PA State Penitentiary. 

Simon’s unique style of writing and dry sense of humor will leave the reader in awe as he takes them through the struggles and sacrifices he endured as he transitioned from his Amish life to a life in the Military, all the while being shunned by his Amish family and the church. Through sheer will and determination, Simon was able to successfully achieve his dreams, in spite of the many challenges placed in his way by being raised Amish. Simon has a great love for the outdoors, and wild places; he and his wife Denise spend as much as possible at their cabin, in northwest Montana. 

About MindStir Media:

MindStir Media LLC is an award-winning book publisher. To learn more about publishing a book with MindStir Media, visit http://mindstirmedia.com or call 800-767-0531.

Media Contact
Company Name: MindStir Media LLC
Contact Person: Jen McNabney
Email: Send Email
Phone: 800-767-0531
Address:1 New Hampshire Ave Suite 125
City: Portsmouth
State: NH
Country: United States
Website: https://mindstirmedia.com/