This is a singular, first-of-its-kind memoir about a mother and daughter, modern warriors in an era of global strife. Mothers who want to raise strong daughters will find this engaging, not only how to survive and thrive at West Point, but anywhere: on the athletic field, in the classroom, in the boardroom, and in life. This is not a how-to manual, but a personal story of two women who felt called to the profession of arms.

MyLinh Shattan explores the sense of duty that helped found the nation and offers a rare look inside a new military tradition, one passed from mother to daughter. RAISING ATHENA, A Mother and Daughter Attend West Point Thirty Years Apart traces what compels a woman—and then her daughter—to answer the call. Watching her daughter follow in her footsteps, MyLinh searches for answers.

Why does anyone join the military?
What’s changed for women in the past three decades?
What hasn’t?
Weaving together history, philosophy, and intimate personal narrative – from Homer to Thich Nhat Hanh – this memoir speaks to every reader who has wrestled with fear, guilt, and meaning.

MyLinh Brewster Shattan wrote for the Tampa Tribune, taught in college, and managed human resources. In the Army, she had the great privilege to lead U.S. soldiers at the end of the Cold War in a reunified Germany. In the twelfth class at West Point that admitted women, she was a Cadet Captain and Captain of the Women’s Track Team.

She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Queens University and a Master in Business Administration from Florida Southern College. She has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy, West Point.

Married to her West Point classmate; all three of their children graduated from West Point and serve in the U.S. Army.