Endorsements (Foreword by Bishop Coffey

“Sister Dede is an American hero who served her country with devotion and courage from Ground Zero to Afghanistan and back. She is a beautiful personification of the many patriots who draw upon their faith to build and sustain this great country. I hope her powerful story, as told by Dr. Carzon, will inspire a new generation of Catholics and Americans to a life of service.” 

— President Donald J. Trump

I have the highest regard for both Sister Deirdre “Dede” Byrne, POSC, and for Dr. Leisa Marie Carzon. Dr. Carzon’s biography of Sister Dede is an edifying and inspiring story of God’s Grace at work in the life of a soul who completely surrenders to His Truth and Love known through both reason and faith. It is clear that God guided Sister Dede by a faithful Catholic family and through the spiritual counsel of Servant of God John A. Hardon, S.J., Saint Teresa of Calcutta, MC, and His Eminence James Aloysius Cardinal Hickey to be a Sister in our nation’s capital, evangelizing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords; to be a soldier for the United States of America, for the Kingdom of God, and for the right to life; and to be a surgeon who serves as an instrument in the hand of our healing and merciful God. I highly encourage everyone to reap the fruits of this excellent study of the life of Sister Dede, a co-worker with Christ in the truth (cf. Jn 3, 8).

---Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke 

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” is a familiar Scripture passage from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. Sr. Dede’s life of selfless service is a remarkable reflection of these words.  From Georgetown Medical School graduate, to serving overseas as a U.S. Army colonel, to wearing the religious habit of the Little Workers of the Sacred Heart, Sr. Dede dedicates her life to healing people in body and soul. Known not only as ‘pro-life’ but ‘pro-eternal life’, this modern-day Joan of Arc is an outspoken advocate of the Catholic faith and the unborn. Dr. Leisa Marie Carzon vividly captures the life and courage of this extraordinary woman.

---The Most Rev. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archdiocese of San Francisco

These pages tell an amazing story of a doctor, religious woman, and an Army colonel who serves and served her country in all three roles without contradiction.  She embodies the Catholic tradition of service in truth and we are enriched by her commitment.  Dr. Carzon tells her story well—now it is up to us to learn and to imitate, the highest form of flattery.

The Most Rev. Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, USA

The remarkable modern-day story of Sister Deidre “Dede” Byrne, POSC, is beautifully told by Dr. Leisa Carzon in a compelling new biography entitled: Sister, Soldier, Surgeon: The Courage and Life of Sister Dede Byrne. Once the reader begins, it is hard to put this captivating book down. Combining the courage of a Joan of Arc and the compassion of a Mother Theresa, Sr. Dede is the living embodiment of what John Paul II described as the “feminine genius.” Whether she is in scrubs, camouflage or her religious habit, Sr. Dede’s life is riveting, and her travels literally span the globe through her many deployments and missionary expeditions, as she dedicates her entire life to care of the poor, love of God and country, and an unwavering defense of the unborn. Sr. Dede proposes Christ to everyone she meets in a winning and joy-filled way, with fearless abandon and determined love. This is a beautiful story of a modern woman that everyone should read.

Most Rev. Bishop James Conley, Lincoln Diocese, & Episcopal Advisor for the Catholic Medical Association

It is said the opposite of fear is love (cf. 1 John 4:18). The inspirational courage of Sister Dede Byrne to speak Christ's truth without fear or apology in every aspect of her life is a manifestation of the way she so beautifully loves all she encounters. Whether saving lives in the heat of battle or outside the doors of Planned Parenthood, this incredible, must-read book by Dr. Carzon chronicles the life of one of our nation's finest heroes and shows us what it means to be Christ's hands in a world desperate for His love. 

Most Rev. Bishop Joseph L. Coffey, Auxiliary Bishop for the Military Archdiocese, USA

“Sister Dede is an inspiration. Her intellect, religious devotion, courage, and grit are a rare and compelling combination. This book will give readers a healthy dose of the hope, encouragement, and humor that’s needed now more than ever.” 

— Laura Ingraham, Host, The Ingraham Angle

“Sister Dede Byrne is a hero. Whether in the operating room or in the public square, she exemplifies the feminine genius and demonstrates love in action in all she does. Dr. Carzon’s page-turner chronicles Sister’s life while revealing her daily life of prayer and charity. This is an inspiring life worthy of attention and, one hopes, imitation.”

— Raymond Arroyo, New York Times Bestselling Author and Broadcaster

“One mark of our age’s corruption is how little we learn about the saints. The greatest people ever to have lived go largely unmentioned. That sad fact describes not only the canonized dead but also and especially the exemplars of faith and virtue who still walk the earth. In this latter category, none rank

higher than Sister Dede Byrne, whose life offers inspiration and a model to emulate. Dr. Carzon’s marvelous biography of Sister Dede goes a long way toward helping us get to know one of the very best among us.”

— Michael Knowles, Daily Wire

“Sister Dede is one of my favorite Catholics. Whether it’s the military frontlines of Afghanistan, the medical frontlines of COVID, or the political frontlines of the fight for the unborn, Sister Dede always fearlessly goes where she is needed most. Her story should be heard by more people — so they know what real Christian heroism is like.”

— Charlie Kirk, Founder and President, Turning Point USA

“Sister Dede’s dedication to protecting unborn and eternal life is an inspiring story for all of us on how to live our godly purpose. Thank you, Dr. Carzon, for telling it.”

— Glenn Beck, Host, The Glenn Beck Program

“Sister, Soldier, Surgeon is a remarkable and inspiring story about Sister Dede Byrne — a woman who boldly confronts adversity and tragedy with strength, humility, and unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ.”

— Ambassador Callista L. Gingrich

“Sister Dede’s fearless defense of the unborn is inspirational. This powerful biography by Dr. Carzon highlights Sister’s courage and emboldens us to walk proudly beside her in the fight for life.”

— Kristan Hawkins, President, Students for Life of America

“Dr. Leisa Marie Carzon does a wonderful job detailing the powerful life and most important work of Sister Deirdre Byrne as she serves Him through serving the most vulnerable.”

— Marjorie Dannenfelser, President, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America

“A beautiful account of an extraordinary woman and an extraordinary life. Sister Deirdre Byrne’s threefold career calling, though unusual, is deeply instructive and exemplary. This timely, uplifting story will bring hope and inspiration to a culture presently much in need. In both the spiritual and terrestrial realms, Sister Dede shines. This book provides the light.”

— Dr. William Bennett, Former Secretary of Education; Author, The Book of Virtues