Full Breakdown
Martha Raddatz’s *The Hero Next Door* Highlights Veteran Mark Little’s Journey
5/27/2026, 2:56:57 AM
Book Overview & Author Background
Martha Raddatz, former NPR correspondent and current chief global affairs correspondent for ABC News, released *The Hero Next Door*, a book profiling a dozen service members, including Army officer Mark Little, to reveal everyday experiences of those who serve. Raddatz, a seven-time Emmy winner and George C. Marshall Medal recipient, has reported on U.S. military operations since the September 2001 attacks, covering Afghanistan, Iraq and later conflicts.
Mark Little’s Combat Injury and Recovery
Raddatz first met Mark Little in 2007 when he was a second lieutenant in Iraq. A Humvee IED blast severed his lower legs; he applied a tourniquet, escaped the burning vehicle, and was medevaced to a combat support hospital where he remained conversational, joking that his mother would “kill him” for not revealing his danger. After treatment, his unit placed a Purple Heart by his pillow. He later received prosthetic legs, was promoted, stood before the Iwo Jima Memorial, and founded a nonprofit that assists wounded veterans with expenses.
Official Statements & Responses
Raddatz describes herself as a bridge between civilians and service members, noting that many people do not realize their neighbors may have served in recent wars. She stresses that decision-makers need personal insight into the realities of combat. She also acknowledges that covering the Pentagon has become more difficult due to lawsuits and pressure from the Trump administration, but affirms that her reporting continues unchanged.
Impact & Ongoing Advocacy
Mark Little’s rapid pursuit of prosthetic limbs and public appearance at the Iwo Jima Memorial illustrate personal resilience. His nonprofit extends that resilience by providing financial aid to other wounded veterans. Raddatz’s narrative encourages readers to recognize ordinary individuals as heroes and to support veteran charities, such as the Bob Woodruff Foundation, on whose board she serves.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No problem, no problem, he goes, but I got to tell you - my mom is going to kill me.” — Mark Little, U.S. Army officer
- “I’m really happy every day when I open my eyes.” — Mark Little, U.S. Army officer
- “Every one of the people I profile in this book, different as they are, whatever the battles they have fought, shares a passion for service that has outlasted the wars themselves.” — Martha Raddatz, Chief Global Affairs Correspondent, ABC News
What’s Next
Raddatz will continue reporting on defense for ABC News while promoting *The Hero Next Door* through media appearances. The book’s Memorial Day release seeks to raise awareness of veteran experiences and encourage support for groups such as the Bob Woodruff Foundation.
