ARPress

“These stories and many others continue to haunt my life and the struggle every black man sees in this America. I reflect on the ministry work I was called upon to do by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and how it started in the streets of Chicago, Cook County Jail, Stroger’s Hospital, and various nursery homes after becoming licensed through Last Call Ministry and the Church of God in Christ.”

–           an excerpt from the book

Author Reputation Press is honored to publish “A Toy Black Soldiers Story” by Sgt. James R. Willis. This book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress website.

Some stories go beyond history books, delving deep into the personal experiences of those who have lived through war, poverty, and systemic struggles. A Toy Black Soldier’s Story by Sgt. James R. Willis is one such book—a powerful memoir that chronicles the author’s journey from the Cabrini Green Projects of Chicago to the battlefields of Vietnam, and ultimately, through the lifelong struggles of a Black soldier in America.

This deeply personal and raw account captures the realities of war, the pain of lost dreams, the perseverance of family bonds, and the relentless pursuit of purpose despite the odds. It is a gripping story of resilience, identity, and the lifelong impact of military service.

Sgt. James R. Willis is a Vietnam War veteran whose experiences shaped his lifelong journey of service and survival. Raised in Chicago’s Cabrini Green Projects, he overcame immense struggles to become a soldier, a professional, and later, a social worker dedicated to helping others in need. His life has been marked by personal losses, battles with PTSD, and the search for meaning beyond war. A Toy Black Soldier’s Story is his way of sharing not only his own journey but also the untold stories of countless Black veterans whose sacrifices often go unrecognized.

The narrative of “A Toy Black Soldier’s Story” follows Sgt. James R. Willis as he grows up in a struggling but hopeful family in Chicago. Raised by parents who instilled in him the value of perseverance despite economic hardships, Willis excelled in academics and athletics, with dreams of becoming a lawyer or professional athlete. However, with limited opportunities, he made the difficult decision to join the military, believing it was his best path forward.

The book vividly describes Willis’s experiences in the Vietnam War—his harrowing first days in boot camp, the horrors of combat, and the emotional toll of losing close friends. The reader is taken deep into the realities of war, from ambushes in the jungle to the struggle of returning home with wounds both seen and unseen. Yet, the battle did not end when he left Vietnam. Willis describes the psychological war he faced upon returning home—losing friends to crime, drugs, and mental health struggles, dealing with racism in America, and finding it difficult to reintegrate into civilian life.

The story is more than a war memoir—it is a reflection on the systemic issues that many Black veterans face, including PTSD, lack of recognition, and the challenge of finding purpose beyond the battlefield. It is a story of a man who, despite hardship, continued to fight—not only in war but in life.

“A Toy Black Soldier’s Story” is compelling, thought-provoking, and deeply moving. Whether you are interested in military history, Black history, or personal stories of resilience, this book offers a rare and invaluable perspective. It is a reminder that behind every soldier’s uniform is a human being with dreams, struggles, and a story that deserves to be told.

“A Toy Black Soldiers Story” by Sgt. James R. Willis is now available for purchase via ARPress Bookstore: