Robert Macpherson has been a writer, aid worker, and career infantry officer in the U.S. Marines with service in Vietnam, Iraq, and Somalia. After retiring as a Colonel, he enjoyed a second career with the humanitarian organization CARE, where he directed global risk mitigation for staff and vulnerable populations and led humanitarian response missions worldwide. These efforts often required engaging with foreign governments and the United Nations as well as with non-traditional actors such as the Taliban in Afghanistan, warlords in Sudan and Somalia, local militias, and kidnappers.

Stewards of Humanity is his debut book. He lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife, Veronica and service dog, Blue. Connect with Bob on his website, and by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

"A sincere tribute to professionals who do not always receive the recognition and support they deserve, Stewards of Humanity is a memoir about healing through—and from—humanitarian work." —Foreword Reviews

When the world turns away from the horrors of war, genocide, famine, and natural disasters, the stewards of humanity run toward the suffering. They stand as a thin line between life and death for thousands of people who will never know their stories. These stewards are neither heroes nor saints—they are ordinary people with ordinary struggles who rise to extraordinary challenges. They are beacons of light in the darkness of humanitarian crisis.

With an unflinching view into some of the worst humanitarian crises of our lifetime, author Robert Macpherson—US Marine combat veteran turned aid worker—tells the stories of the men and women who have courageously confronted evil and injustice from Somalia to Bosnia, Rwanda, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Throughout his narrative, Robert challenges us to consider our place in humanity and our own role as stewards.

Awards, Reviews, and Coverage

IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards 2022 — Silver Medal in Best New Voice: Nonfiction

Military Writers Society of America 2023 – Finalist

"Stewards of Humanity is a fabulously well-told memoir by a soldier turned humanitarian worker who cares deeply about the troubled world in which we live." –Carol Bergman, Editor, Another Day in Paradise; International Humanitarian Workers Tell Their Stories, Orbis Books

"A riveting and emotional personal account of his journey…to a life of dedication to help those in need." —General Tony Zinni, USMC (ret)

"Macpherson is a brilliant writer whose broad life experiences validates him as a major thinker, teacher, and caretaker for the plight of the victims as well as the millions of unnamed worldwide humanitarians. It is a gem of a book that will rapidly win the respect and admiration of a large audience of readers...as it should." –Frederick M. Burkle, Jr., MD, MPH, PhD (Hon.), DTM, FAAP, FACEP

"Stewards of Humanity is a must-read for current and aspiring humanitarian aid workers, human rights defenders, and academics. ... This book calls us to honor those who choose to serve humanity and, through that summons, find the connection that binds us all—our responsibility to care for one another." –Jane Barry, human rights activist and author