Everyone sees the military hero . . . the outcome of a battle won. But few ever see what it took to get there.
Beneath every success story is another battle unseen—a personal war fought in silence, long after the noise fades. Behind every chapter in this book is a journey marked by transformation, truth-telling, and the decision to turn pain into purpose. And this is where legacy is truly built.
In We Are the Legacy: What We Carried, What We Conquered, and What We Became, military-connected authors pull the curtain back on what it really took to become who they are today. They share stories that trace the arc from trauma to transformation, from transition to leadership, from surviving to serving in new, more intentional ways.
These are not stories of uniform and rank—they are stories of humanity. Of loss and strength. Of courage that continued long after the mission ended. They are the stories of veterans, service members, and spouses.
Each chapter reveals the defining moments that shaped these writers not only as storytellers, but as changemakers—leaders who chose to rebuild, to rise, and to tell the truth about what it means to carry both wounds and wisdom.
Through these pages, you’ll be reminded that healing doesn’t erase the battle—it transforms it. And the story you’ve lived may be the exact story someone else needs to begin their own.
What legacy will you leave behind?
Now it’s your turn.
If you’ve carried experiences that shaped who you are—moments of service, sacrifice, transition, or transformation—your story belongs here. We Are the Legacy is a movement to bring the unseen into the light and remind the world what military life and service truly looks like.
We’re gathering a powerful community of authors who are ready to write the truth behind the highlight reel—to share what it really took to get where they are today.
If you feel the pull, it’s not by accident. It’s your invitation.
At E.P. House, we believe stories are more than words on a page—they’re bridges that connect generations, cultures, and hearts. We are a boutique, award-winning traditional publishing house dedicated to amplifying voices that create change, challenge assumptions, and leave a lasting legacy.
Through our work, we partner with thought leaders, changemakers, and philanthropists who are ready to share the stories that shape humanity’s collective growth. Our authors doesn’t just write books, they also create movements.
That mission is carried forward through our philanthropic arm, Military Memoir Project—a storytelling initiative created to honor, heal, and preserve the lived experiences of the military community. The project provides opportunities for veterans, service members, and spouses to share their truths and publish their stories through the anthologies we publish.
By giving voice to those who’ve served—and those who’ve served beside them—Military Memoir Project ensures that the legacy of service is not only remembered, but becomes a part of history.
Kristin Bentley is the founder and CEO of E.P. House, a boutique traditional publishing house dedicated to helping changemakers share the stories that matter most.
Her journey began in Seattle, where she worked as a journalist and developed a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling. That passion led her to serve as Editor-in-Chief of the National Infantry Association’s official magazine, a role that reinforced how stories can move people, build connection, and preserve legacy.
Kristin later transitioned into the corporate world as a creative executive for a startup serving major brands, including Hilton, where she specialized in translating big visions into compelling narratives.
Her work included helping launch global publications, one of which was distributed to nominees of the Oscars and the Grammys—an experience that affirmed her readiness to build something of her own.
In 2020, she founded E.P. House with a clear and ambitious goal: to create a publishing home where authors feel seen, supported, and empowered to bring meaningful work into the world. Since then, she has guided authors whose books have become bestsellers, earned awards, and created tangible impact for readers.
At the core of Kristin’s work is a belief that publishing should be personal. For her, it is not simply about placing a book on a shelf, but about sharing truth, creating impact, and leaving a legacy that endures.
After 9/11, she spent sixteen years as a special operations military spouse and now more than six as a veteran spouse. She understands firsthand the sacrifice required to support someone called to serve. Today, she uses her platform to invite others in the community to share their stories—preserving legacy by archiving them in the Library of Congress, opening dialogue beyond our own circles, and humanizing history.