In this episode of The State I Am In, I sit down with Alaskan author, veteran, and homesteader Bob Stark. Bob’s story takes us from the wide-open beaches of Nome, to life in Eagle River and Seward, to the battlefields of Iraq as an airborne infantry soldier, and finally to his family homestead in Happy Valley. Along the way, he shares how identity, family, and faith were shaped through experiences of hardship, loss, and resilience.

We talk about what it was like growing up in a home marked by addiction and incarceration, and how those early years influenced the way Bob saw himself. He opens up about his service in Iraq, the adrenaline and fear of combat, the brotherhood of the infantry, and the challenges of reintegration when he returned home at just 22 years old. We also explore his struggles with addiction, the role of spirituality in his life, and how writing his books Warflower and Just Like a Soldier helped him process what he had been through.

Today, Bob is raising a family and working his land in Happy Valley, proof that healing and growth are possible even after walking through the darkest chapters. His reflections on service, sacrifice, and fatherhood offer a perspective that is raw, human, and deeply Alaskan.

Follow the links below to connect with Bob, explore his website, and find his books Warflower and Just Like a Soldier.

Website: www.secretgardenalaska.org

Facebook: Robert Stark

Youtube: @SecretGardenAlaska

Purchase Books on Amazon