nope, started just after leaving the marines.
  great books jim!
curious though, i think the show was better for those who had not read the books yet... due to all the changes... I like the books the way they are so there for when they changed so much I was like wtf!? ( my girl is hooked and has read them all ....3 times?  any way) looked over at her was like huh? dono wondering what you fine people think?