Tell us more about who you are and what you do?
I am Ralph Brooks III, Born and raised in Louisville, Ky. Currently preparing to retire from
20 years of service in the United States Navy(November 2026). I have 3 sons, Ralph IV, Kavion and Yazmir, who are my biggest inspiration and motivation. Beyond my military career, I’m dedicated to mentoring the youth at Sowing Seeds with Faith (in Louisville) and helping men understand their power, presence, and purpose in shaping the next generation.
Tell us more about your new book and what inspired it?
My new book, Anchored Wisdom: A Deployed Father’s Guide to Manhood, is being
released on December 14, 2025. It’s a 20 chapter guide filled with real life lessons I’ve learned through personal experiences, fatherhood, and life in uniform. The inspiration came from years of being away on deployments, missing key moments in my sons’ lives, and realizing that I wanted to leave something behind, a guide they could always turn to in the case that I don’t make it back home. It’s my way of passing down knowledge, not just to my sons, but to every young man trying to find his way in a world that often misunderstands his strength. And for anyone needing help on providing that foundation for a young man.
What are the top three takeaways you want readers to get from your book?
1. Manhood is a journey, not a destination. It’s built on discipline, integrity, and emotional
control.
2. You already have everything you need inside you. The strength, purpose, and resilience are already in your DNA, you just need to refine it.
3. Legacy is intentional. Every action you take, every word you speak, and every example you
set builds the story your name will carry long after you’re gone.
How did you navigate being the best dad you can be while also serving in the military?
It wasn’t easy. There were long nights, missed birthdays, and moments where I
questioned if I was doing enough. I learned to be intentional, making every phone call, every video chat, and every letter count. I also made sure my sons knew why I was gone. I needed them to know that my service was part of something bigger, but they were always at the center of my purpose. Being present isn’t always about filling a physical space, it’s about emotional consistency and connection.
Who is Ralph Brooks III as a father?
I’m a firm but loving father. I believe in structure, accountability, and teaching by
example. I don’t shy away from tough conversations, but I always make sure my sons know that love, respect and guidance come first. My goal is to raise men who think for themselves, stand on their principles, and understand their values both in their families and in the world.
What advice do you have for dads looking to build a legacy?
Your legacy starts with your daily habits. It’s not about how much money you make or
how many people know your name, it’s about how consistent you are in being the man your kids can depend on. Be present. Be intentional. Be REAL. And always remember, your sons are watching how you move, not just what you say.
What will fathers experience when going from survival to leadership?
They’ll experience clarity. When you shift from surviving to leading, you stop reacting
and start directing. You begin to make choices based on purpose instead of pressure. It’s about evolving from “I have to get through this” to “I’m building something bigger than me.” That’s where transformation happens. Knowing the storms don’t last forever, you just have to keep pushing through.
What are the top ways you show leadership as a dad?
By staying grounded in my values, holding myself accountable, and showing my sons
that real leadership starts with service. I lead by example, whether it’s how I treat people, how I speak to them, or how I handle adversity. Leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present, consistent, and honest with them.
How can people purchase your new book?
Anchored Wisdom will be available December 14, 2025, on Amazon, Barnes & Noble,
and IngramSpark distribution for bookstores nationwide. Preorders will open soon through my website and social platforms, all of which will be shared ahead of the launch.
Tell people what’s next for you, how they can follow you, etc?
Next for me is taking Anchored Wisdom on the road, connecting with fathers, sons, and
communities through speaking engagements, workshops, and youth mentorship programs. I want to create spaces where real conversations about manhood, fatherhood, and growth can happen.
You can follow me on
Instagram: AnchoredWisdomBook
Facebook: AnchoredWisdomBook
LinkedIn: RalphBrooksIII
Visit AnchoredWisdomBook.com for updates, preorder info, and events.
For direct contact email me at AnchoredWisdomBook@gmail.com
