Husband · Father · Veteran · Author
Jeff Daley
Preserving authentic stories of devotion, duty, and the enduring bonds of family and service.
His life has been defined by service—to country, family, profession, and fellow veterans. Through his writing, Jeff Daley carries those experiences forward for readers of every generation.
About the author
A life shaped by service
Jeff Daley’s path began in St. Paul, Minnesota, and eventually led him into military service during the Vietnam War. After completing specialized training with the U.S. Army 10th Special Forces in Bad Tölz, Germany, he served as a Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol operator in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
At twenty years old and only eleven days in-country, Daley gave his first deep-reconnaissance report from memory. His work placed him with small teams operating in difficult terrain where discipline, silence, preparation, and trust were essential to survival.
Wounded and reported missing in action, Daley returned home in November 1966. Like many veterans, however, his journey did not end when he left the battlefield. Coming home began another long walk: building a career, pursuing an education, raising a family, and finding meaningful ways to serve others.
After Vietnam
Continuing the journey
After returning to civilian life, Daley built a long career with the Bell System while continuing his education. His academic journey ultimately led to a doctorate—an accomplishment representing the same persistence and discipline that had carried him through military service.
He later devoted time to helping other veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs. That work deepened his understanding of the lasting effects of military service and reinforced his belief that veterans’ experiences must be heard, preserved, and understood.
Why he writes
Stories worth preserving
Daley began writing so his family would understand where he had walked and what those experiences meant. His memoir draws upon memory, declassified records, and after-action reports to preserve a personal view of war and its lasting consequences.
His children’s stories take a different path but share the same values. Inspired by Marshall, his Belgian Malinois service dog, they introduce younger readers to courage, responsibility, loyalty, teamwork, and the bond between a veteran and the dog who helped him regain his independence.
“The stories that shape a life deserve to be remembered—and shared with the generations that follow.” Jeff Daley
Books by Jeff Daley
Stories for more than one generation
From the ridgelines of Vietnam to the remarkable partnership between a veteran and his service dog, Jeff Daley’s books preserve stories centered on courage, memory, responsibility, loyalty, and service.
Memoir
Walking in the Garden
A soldier’s account of childhood, military training, reconnaissance service in Vietnam, coming home, and the lasting cost carried by those who served.
Discover the memoirStories for younger readers
Marshall Has Two Jobs
A children’s story inspired by Marshall’s life as both a devoted companion and a working service K9 who helped his veteran regain independence.
Read Marshall’s storyConnect
Contact Jeff Daley Books
For reader questions, media inquiries, speaking requests, or information about Jeff Daley’s books, please use the website Contact page.
Contact Jeff