Heart of a Ranger

The True Story of Cpl. Ben Kopp, American Hero in Life and Death

By: Bill Lunn

Narrated by: Bill Lunn, Jill Stephenson

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Ben's death had been recorded on paper more than 24 hours previously. But in the very late hours of July 19, 2009, Ben finally no longer had a pulse. The heart of a Ranger was still, but alive and awaiting its next mission.

When Jill Stephenson received the call that her 21-year-old son, Corporal Ben Kopp, had been shot in the leg while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom, her fear was that he would lose his leg. But soon her fears would be realized in more devastating ways than she ever expected. Due to complications, Ben went into a coma, and eight days later he was pronounced brain-dead. Corporal Ben Kopp, an American hero who was credited with saving the lives of six of his fellow soldiers on the battlefield, was struck down defending his country; he died a ranger, a warrior, and a patriot. And his heroism would not stop at death.

Through the donating of his organs, bone, skin, and tissue, the mischievous and fun-loving kid from Rosemount, Minnesota went on to save the lives of four Americans and benefited the lives of more than 60. After reporting Cpl. Kopp's story, broadcast journalist Bill Lunn couldn't forget it, referring to it as the most compelling story of his career. In Heart of a Ranger, Lunn follows Ben's life from his childhood in the Midwest to the battlefields of Southern Afghanistan, to the chest of his heart donor recipient in Chicago. Through interviews with loved ones, service members, and Ben's heart recipient, Heart of a Ranger captures the true story of American bravery and sacrifice. In these minutes and in reality, the impact of Ben's life beats on.

©2017 Bill Lunn (P)2022 Bill Lunn

Must read - Perspective on a fallen hero

This is a important story for every American to better grasp military sacrifice from a families prespective. Thank you Jill Stephenson, love you. Honor and Remeber Ranger Ben Kopp. Never Forget. RLTW! David Hart <1>

Exceptionally BRUTIFUL!

A beautiful and heart wrenching story on an American Hero, his sacrifice, his gift and a mothers love that goes farther and wider then any human eye can see!

Girlfriend of a Army Veteran

This book sure does put into light the risk these men and women take to assure our freedom! I am so glad I got to meet Jill 2 weeks ago and will be participating in the BKMR from now on!! Thank you Bill and Jill for this phenomenal book. Take care and God bless!!

Biography, military tactics, and true-story fate

Every time I read this amazing story I am left feeling humbled in different ways.

1) The world is smaller than we could ever believe, so be kind and strive to help those around you.
2) Life's everyday problems really could be worse, so appreciate the small nuances and "embrace the suck".
3) Always follow your passion and purpose in the name of something greater than yourself; with that in mind ONLY fear in God and never your adversaries.

Finally, it is a must-read for anyone interested in better understanding realities of military life, considering a life in military service, or have a loved one in military service.

Blessed to have read this

So excellent that I feel like I am a better person for having read it. I have told many people that they must read this, and so I know Ben’s legacy will live on. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ben’s mom Jill, and she is the definition of “peace beyond understanding” that can only come from God.