Bestselling Vietnam Memoir By Jack Billups, My Vietnam A Gift To My Daughter, Offers A Riveting And Unprecedented Account Of The Vietnam War

Billups' book is a stunning piece of writing that will likely take its place as one of the best Vietnam memoirs ever written.

The Vietnam War had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of soldiers and their families. It left both physical and psychological scars on many of the soldiers, while their families endured emotional turmoil and upheaval.

Some veterans faced challenges in readjusting to civilian life, including difficulties in finding employment and reintegrating into society. The war gave rise to anti-war sentiments, and veterans often faced criticism and hostility upon their return. For many, the psychological toll was profound, with a high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans. At the same time, many families experienced anxiety, fear, and uncertainty throughout their loved ones' deployments. The constant worry for their safety created immense emotional strain.

While many stories of the Vietnam War focus on the negative effects on soldiers and families, there are other stories that show us how even a devastating war can be the catalyst that can help unite strangers, friends and family in extraordinary ways. My Vietnam is one of those stories. It connects at a very deep level with the families of Vietnam veterans, as it explore the relationship between a daughter and her father, who served as a "grunt" in the Vietnam war.

As Jack wrote in his book, “Naomi was born with a heavy dose of adventure in her DNA. So, after she read my memoir, she called, ‘Hey Dad, how would you like to return to Vietnam, just you and me?’ It was apparent Naomi wanted to get as close as possible to her father’s experiences as a 19-year-old young man fighting for survival in the jungles of Vietnam. Now, nearly fifty-years later, could this be accomplished?”

"After My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter was published, messages and reviews arrived from the children of Vietnam veterans," Billups stated. "They expressed gratitude for writing the book, then shared their own heart-felt stories. It was clear they reached out to me because of an emotional stirring when reading my memoir. Although unexpected, it made me feel good knowing that in some way, each one felt closer to their fathers. Many expressed, 'My dad wouldn’t talk about it,' but now I know what it was like.

"I received an email from a rock star, Brant Bjork. He began, 'I’ve watched and read a lot about the Vietnam war. Your book is without a doubt the best I’ve ever read.' Then, BB as he’s called, explained his passion.

'My stepfather would take me to watch Vietnam war movies together. My infatuation with the war began early, watching movies and reading books. I never knew my real father, although alive, I didn’t know where he was. I had an intuition that he served in Vietnam. Years passed, and I began searching for him on-line. I finally located him and eventually we met. I learned he had served in the war as a grunt. We continued to come together for the following two years before he passed on. He shared many stories with me of his time in the jungle.'

"BB continued, 'It’s my dream to educate younger generations about the Vietnam War, and those who served, while also teaching about the history of Rock music during that time.'

"BB connected with his father, and now, he reached out to me after reading my memoir. In a strange way, with Brant Bjork and the others, it felt like I had become an emotional connection, allowing them sentiment, making them feel closer to their father’s.

"One day during a book signing, a woman tearfully embraced me, and compassionately spoke of her father who was killed in the war. I take pleasure knowing that “My Vietnam” has become a soothing balm to the families of veterans who have suffered the emotional wounds created by that crazy Asian war." "

Billups' memoir puts the reader into a pair of combat boots, and allows them to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the Vietnam combat experience in vivid detail. That is but part of the story.

George C. Colclough, Col. Inf (retired) US Army, former president, and CEO of Smith & Wesson, stated in the introduction to the book, "Just another Vietnam War book? Certainly not, Jack takes you down two roads as he embarks on one remarkable journey with his daughter. First, Jack effectively articulates his story in such a way that puts the reader into the boots of a grunt, causing them to feel what he felt, and understand the daunting challenges of those who traveled the Vietnam jungle.

"Secondly, Jack and his daughter continued this remarkable adventure as they traveled back to Vietnam to return to the places where her father had so many vivid experiences. A wonderful story!"

What really sets this bestselling memoir apart is Billups' writing style. There is no pretense; nothing feels forced or contrived, made up or embellished. Billups presents his real-life characters in such a way as to make the reader feel intimately familiar with each of the members of his very young band of brothers, warts, and all. Billups tells it exactly as it was.

His style holds through the second part of the book, describing his return to Vietnam and the jaw-dropping changes now evident in modern day Vietnam. One of the highlights of the second part of the book is the reunion, bringing those somewhat innocent young men back together many decades later as mature men. Readers will get a vivid look, from many points of view, at how the Vietnam experience changed the lives of those who lived through that experience.

It is also a compelling memoir that reconciles America and Vietnam, then and now, including the culture shock of seeing Vietnam as it exists today. It offers a heartfelt and heartwarming message to the people of both countries, and a greater understanding of what the old song "Ruby" called "that crazy Asian war."

Readers and reviewers alike have praised 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter'. It has been called "A beautiful journey to healing," and "A thought-provoking and introspective Vietnam memoir". One reviewer said, "The book was so good, I was sad when I finished it." Another stated, "Jack's memory of his time in Vietnam has been beautifully detailed in his book. Not everyone wants to relive such a terrible page in our American history, but Jack was able to do a remarkable job talking about actual events that he lived through and came back home in one piece to give such a wonderful gift he has given to his daughter."

Another wrote, "The book delivered on my husband's hopes for a healing response to what our Armed Services faced over there. My husband usually can't read much Vietnam War material due to PTSD. He read this in just a few days; it was that good. Our thanks to the author for undertaking this topic and telling his story."

The book will make for an engaging read for veterans, spouses and children of veterans and others who have been impacted in any way by serving in any branch of the military, as the memoir includes the years leading up to, and after his service in Vietnam, including the effects his tour in Vietnam had on his family.

Jack Billups is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at myvietnam1949@gmail.com. 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter' is available at Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and audio formats. More information is available at Billups' website at https://myvietnambook.com.

About Jack Billups:

As a 19-year-old Army volunteer, Sgt. Jack Billups received the Bronze Star with the V attachment. He was awarded the Air Medal, which went to those who participated in combat aerial missions. Assigned to the 1st Air Calvary infantry as a M60 machine gunner, Jack served in the steamy jungles near the Ho Chi Minh trail along the Cambodian border.

Jack grew up during the 1950s and early 1960s in a peaceful Southern California community populated by many senior citizens and dotted with chicken ranches. He is a dependable and talented "everyman" who makes no claim about his service in Vietnam except for being a patriotic American who did "the right thing" as he saw it. He maintained that attitude throughout his life. Asked to talk about his military experience by his daughter, he began writing it out, and ended up exposing 50-year-old forgotten memories and emotions about the jungle war, concluding with a trip back to Vietnam with his daughter.

Contact:

Jack Billups

myvietnam1949@gmail.com

http://www.myvietnambook.com

Leia Mais…

The Profound Change In Traditional American Values And The Anguish Parents And Grandparents Experience Is Addressed By Jack Billups, Bestselling Author Of My Vietnam And Christian's Walk

'Christian's Walk' was inspired by John Bunyan's immortal classic, 'Pilgrims Progress'. Billups' first book, 'My Vietnam', was a bestseller in the Vietnam War Memoir category.

Never before has the chasm between generations been as profound as the one that engulfs us today. As it always has done, transformation has crept across the decades, leaving older Americans in a state of apprehension. The source of their puzzlement, as whispered by the aging "Boomers," lies within the monumental shifts reverberating through the core of the American value system. Now, we have evidence regarding how deep these changes go.

The recent WSJ/NORC poll revealed some startling facts about how Americans now view life in the US. The poll details a seismic shift in the American value system over the last 25 years.

In 1998, 62% of people saw religion as important. In 2023, that percentage is only 39%.

In 1998, 70% of people believed patriotism was important. In 2023, that percentage is only 38%.

In 1998 47% of people believed community involvement was important. Today that number is just 27%.

In 1998, 64% of people believed the next generation would do better than they. In 2023, that percentage is only 21%.

Growing up in the fifties, life was simple, and the differences between good and bad, were clearly defined. Now, over seventy years later, I don’t recognize my country. What used to be known as unspeakable, and vile, is now being forced on children as normal and mainstream by the so called, self-appointed “Enlighted One’s.” When I was a kid, such an attempt would have been an outrage, and swiftly dealt with. Now, entertainment, educators, and leaders all the up to the White House, make no apologies for their aggressive campaign to infect the minds and souls of Americas youth.

In addition to voting, I, as an American senior, will use persuasion to counter this storm of wickedness and deception. That’s why I wrote, ‘Christian’s Walk: The Journey. This entertaining illustrated fiction was written for times such as these, where “evil is called good, and good is called evil.” Now, my grandchildren and beyond can be influenced by me, even after I’m gone. This book is for all ages and reflects the thoughts and intents of the reader’s heart.

Excerpt from Christian’s Walk ~ The Journey

Turn the TV off, shouts Chris. Extremely frustrated, he races from the house, mumbling, “I can’t believe this, the world has gone collectively insane; nothing makes sense anymore.” Everything right is wrong, and everything wrong is now right. Everyone is looking out for themselves! Whatever happened to courtesy, kindness, and integrity? Now it’s fashionable to disrespect seniors, boastfully spew profanities and see who can push the furthest boundaries of decency and modesty! Why does my culture celebrate perversion and lewdness? Why are criminals pitied while their victims are ignored? My kids haven’t a chance!

"I have given to each of my loved one’s a copy of 'Christian’s Walk', hoping that within my circle of influence, there will be 'push-back' against the dark forces that are destroying this once great nation.”

'Christian's Walk, The Journey', is available at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jack-Billups/author/B08R5PHYYV?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true.

Billups’ bestselling first book, 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter', is a stunning piece of writing that will likely take its place as one of the best Vietnam memoirs ever written.

‘My Vietnam’ is, at its core, a love story, combined with a dramatic and searing account of the Vietnam War experience. That experience is shared with a family member, in the most intimate way possible - a return trip to the battlefields of Vietnam.

Billups' memoir puts the reader into a pair of combat boots, and allows them to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the Vietnam combat experience in vivid detail. That is but part of the story.

"Hey Dad, please share your Vietnam experiences?" Naomi's request set into motion a journey, 50 years into the past, as a "grunt" in the steamy jungles of Vietnam. Four months later with his memoir completed, Naomi asked, "Dad, let's go to Vietnam, just you and me?" Could the ghosts of Vietnam past morph into a father and daughter blessing in the present?

George C. Colclough, Col. Inf (retired) US Army, former president, and CEO of Smith & Wesson, stated in the introduction to the book, "Just another Vietnam War book? Certainly not, Jack takes you down two roads as he embarks on one remarkable journey with his daughter. First, Jack effectively articulates his story in such a way that puts the reader into the boots of a grunt, causing them to feel what he felt, and understand the daunting challenges of those who traveled the Vietnam jungle.

"Secondly, Jack and his daughter continued this remarkable adventure as they traveled back to Vietnam to return to the places where her father had so many vivid experiences. A wonderful story!"

What really sets this bestselling memoir apart is Billups' writing style. There is no pretense; nothing feels forced or contrived, made up or embellished. Billups presents his real-life characters in such a way as to make the reader feel intimately familiar with each of the members of his very young band of brothers, warts, and all. Billups tells it exactly as it was.

His style holds through the second part of the book, describing his return to Vietnam and the jaw-dropping changes now evident in modern day Vietnam. One of the highlights of the second part of the book is the reunion, bringing those somewhat innocent young men back together many decades later as mature men. Readers will get a vivid look, from many points of view, at how the Vietnam experience changed the lives of those who lived through that experience.

It is also a compelling memoir that reconciles America and Vietnam, then and now, including the culture shock of seeing Vietnam as it exists today. It offers a heartfelt and heartwarming message to the people of both countries, and a greater understanding of what the old song "Ruby" called "that crazy Asian war."

Readers and reviewers alike have praised 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter'. It has been called "A beautiful journey to healing," and "A thought-provoking and introspective Vietnam memoir". One reviewer said, "The book was so good, I was sad when I finished it." Another stated, "Jack's memory of his time in Vietnam has been beautifully detailed in his book. Not everyone wants to relive such a terrible page in our American history, but Jack was able to do a remarkable job talking about actual events that he lived through and came back home in one piece to give such a wonderful gift he has given to his daughter."

Another wrote, "The book delivered on my husband's hopes for a healing response to what our Armed Services faced over there. My husband usually can't read much Vietnam War material due to PTSD. He read this in just a few days; it was that good. Our thanks to the author for undertaking this topic and telling his story."

The book will make for an engaging read for veterans, spouses and children of veterans and others who have been impacted in any way by serving in any branch of the military, as the memoir includes the years leading up to, and after his service in Vietnam, including the effects his tour in Vietnam had on his family.

Jack Billups is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at jabillups49@gmail.com. 'Christian's Walk: The Journey' is available in ebook and paperback at Amazon. 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter' is available at Amazon in Kindle, paperback and audio formats. More information is available at Billups' website at https://myvietnambook.com.

About Jack Billups:

As a 19-year-old Army volunteer, Sgt. Jack Billups received the Bronze Star with the V attachment. He was awarded the Air Medal, which went to those who participated in combat aerial missions. Assigned to the 1st Air Calvary infantry as a M60 machine gunner, Jack served in the steamy jungles near the Ho Chi Minh trail along the Cambodian border.

Jack grew up during the 1950s and early 1960s in a peaceful Southern California community populated by many senior citizens and dotted with chicken ranches. He is a dependable and talented "everyman" who makes no claim about his service in Vietnam except for being a patriotic American who did "the right thing" as he saw it. He maintained that attitude throughout his life. Asked to talk about his military experience by his daughter, he began writing it out, and ended up exposing 50-year-old forgotten memories and emotions about the jungle war, concluding with a trip back to Vietnam with his daughter.

Contact:

Jack Billups

myvietnam1949@gmail.com

http://www.myvietnambook.com

 

 

 

Leia Mais…

Jack Billups, Bestselling Author Of My Vietnam And Christian's Walk, Addresses The Worry Anguished Parents And Grandparents Experience Over The Change In Traditional American Values

Author Jack Billups' first book, 'My Vietnam' was a bestseller in the Vietnam War Memoir category. The new book was inspired by John Bunyan's immortal classic, 'Pilgrims Progress'.

At no time in history has then been a wider generation gap than the one we experience today. Change has come at a breakneck speed over the last few decades, The angst older Americans feel in regard to younger Americans’ views could be caused, according to many "Boomers", by changes in the traditional American value system. While many of us felt or perhaps intuited that something had changed, we struggled to determine what had changed, and perhaps how or why. No longer. We now have the proof.

The recent WSJ/NORC poll revealed some startling facts about how Americans now view life in the US. The poll details a seismic shift in the American value system over the last 25 years.

In 1998, 64% of people believed the next generation would do better than they. In 2023, that percentage is only 21%.

In 1998 47% of people believed community involvement was important. Today that number is just 27%.

In 1998, 70% of people believed patriotism was important. In 2023, that percentage is only 38%.

In 1998, 62% of people saw religion as important. In 2023, that percentage is only 39%.

“As the grandparent of 17, I have become increasingly distraught watching American culture rapidly morph from the values I knew in the 50s, to the godlessness that looms over our country today. Not wanting to sit on the sideline wringing my hands, I chose to do more than vote and complain. Persuasion works for both good and evil.

"That’s why I wrote and illustrated, 'Christian’s Walk ~ The Journey'. Attractive in appearance, this fictional book has a storyline for our time and culture. A book that both the young and old can enjoy. Within the story are passages from the Bible, called, The Big Book, that address issues of the heart, and the unusual occurrences pressing in on our youth today."

Excerpt from Christian’s Walk ~ The Journey

Turn the TV off, shouts Chris. Extremely frustrated, he races from the house, mumbling, “I can’t believe this, the world has gone collectively insane; nothing makes sense anymore.” Everything right is wrong, and everything wrong is now right. Everyone is looking out for themselves! Whatever happened to courtesy, kindness, and integrity? Now it’s fashionable to disrespect seniors, boastfully spew profanities and see who can push the furthest boundaries of decency and modesty! Why does my culture celebrate perversion and lewdness? Why are criminals pitied while their victims are ignored? My kids haven’t a chance!

"I have given to each of my loved one’s a copy of 'Christian’s Walk', hoping that within my circle of influence, there will be 'push-back' against the dark forces that are destroying this once great nation.”

'Christian's Walk, The Journey', is available at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jack-Billups/author/B08R5PHYYV?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true.

Billups’ bestselling first book, 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter', is a stunning piece of writing that will likely take its place as one of the best Vietnam memoirs ever written.

‘My Vietnam’ is, at its core, a love story, combined with a dramatic and searing account of the Vietnam War experience. That experience is shared with a family member, in the most intimate way possible - a return trip to the battlefields of Vietnam.

Billups' memoir puts the reader into a pair of combat boots, and allows them to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the Vietnam combat experience in vivid detail. That is but part of the story.

"Hey Dad, please share your Vietnam experiences?" Naomi's request set into motion a journey, 50 years into the past, as a "grunt" in the steamy jungles of Vietnam. Four months later with his memoir completed, Naomi asked, "Dad, let's go to Vietnam, just you and me?" Could the ghosts of Vietnam past morph into a father and daughter blessing in the present?

George C. Colclough, Col. Inf (retired) US Army, former president, and CEO of Smith & Wesson, stated in the introduction to the book, "Just another Vietnam War book? Certainly not, Jack takes you down two roads as he embarks on one remarkable journey with his daughter. First, Jack effectively articulates his story in such a way that puts the reader into the boots of a grunt, causing them to feel what he felt, and understand the daunting challenges of those who traveled the Vietnam jungle.

"Secondly, Jack and his daughter continued this remarkable adventure as they traveled back to Vietnam to return to the places where her father had so many vivid experiences. A wonderful story!"

What really sets this bestselling memoir apart is Billups' writing style. There is no pretense; nothing feels forced or contrived, made up or embellished. Billups presents his real-life characters in such a way as to make the reader feel intimately familiar with each of the members of his very young band of brothers, warts, and all. Billups tells it exactly as it was.

His style holds through the second part of the book, describing his return to Vietnam and the jaw-dropping changes now evident in modern day Vietnam. One of the highlights of the second part of the book is the reunion, bringing those somewhat innocent young men back together many decades later as mature men. Readers will get a vivid look, from many points of view, at how the Vietnam experience changed the lives of those who lived through that experience.

It is also a compelling memoir that reconciles America and Vietnam, then and now, including the culture shock of seeing Vietnam as it exists today. It offers a heartfelt and heartwarming message to the people of both countries, and a greater understanding of what the old song "Ruby" called "that crazy Asian war."

Readers and reviewers alike have praised 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter'. It has been called "A beautiful journey to healing," and "A thought-provoking and introspective Vietnam memoir". One reviewer said, "The book was so good, I was sad when I finished it." Another stated, "Jack's memory of his time in Vietnam has been beautifully detailed in his book. Not everyone wants to relive such a terrible page in our American history, but Jack was able to do a remarkable job talking about actual events that he lived through and came back home in one piece to give such a wonderful gift he has given to his daughter."

Another wrote, "The book delivered on my husband's hopes for a healing response to what our Armed Services faced over there. My husband usually can't read much Vietnam War material due to PTSD. He read this in just a few days; it was that good. Our thanks to the author for undertaking this topic and telling his story."

The book will make for an engaging read for veterans, spouses and children of veterans and others who have been impacted in any way by serving in any branch of the military, as the memoir includes the years leading up to, and after his service in Vietnam, including the effects his tour in Vietnam had on his family.

Jack Billups is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at jabillups49@gmail.com. 'Christian's Walk: The Journey' is available in ebook and paperback at Amazon. 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter' is available at Amazon in Kindle, paperback and audio formats. More information is available at Billups' website at https://myvietnambook.com.

About Jack Billups:

As a 19-year-old Army volunteer, Sgt. Jack Billups received the Bronze Star with the V attachment. He was awarded the Air Medal, which went to those who participated in combat aerial missions. Assigned to the 1st Air Calvary infantry as a M60 machine gunner, Jack served in the steamy jungles near the Ho Chi Minh trail along the Cambodian border.

Jack grew up during the 1950s and early 1960s in a peaceful Southern California community populated by many senior citizens and dotted with chicken ranches. He is a dependable and talented "everyman" who makes no claim about his service in Vietnam except for being a patriotic American who did "the right thing" as he saw it. He maintained that attitude throughout his life. Asked to talk about his military experience by his daughter, he began writing it out, and ended up exposing 50-year-old forgotten memories and emotions about the jungle war, concluding with a trip back to Vietnam with his daughter.

Contact:

Jack Billups

myvietnam1949@gmail.com

http://www.myvietnambook.com

Leia Mais…

Best Christian Books For Women: Christian's Walk: The Journey, By Jack Billups, Achieves Bestseller Status

Author Jack Billups' first book, 'My Vietnam' was a bestseller in the Vietnam War Memoir category. The new book was inspired by John Bunyan's immortal classic, 'Pilgrims Progress'.

Jack Billups, bestselling author of 'My Vietnam', has announced that his latest Christian fiction book, 'Christian's Walk: The Journey', has achieved bestseller status.

Christian readers find comfort and inspiration in stories that align with their faith and values, while others appreciate the way Christian fiction can address complex moral and ethical issues in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, deepen their faith and understanding of the world around them, and to reflect on their own experiences and relationships in a new light.

'Christian's Walk: The Journey', accomplishes all of the above.

Appropriate for men, women and even younger teens, it blends the remarkable insights of John Bunyan's immortal classic, 'Pilgrims Progress' with illustrated storybook imagery. Christian's Journey is everyone's journey; hosting danger, excitement, fears, doubts, tragedy, victories, and blessings. Biblical truths are presented in such a way that anyone can relate to and understand. Insightful, Chris's story penetrates the heart with reflection, conviction, guidance, comfort, and purpose.

'Christian's Walk' brings pertinent scriptures to life as the King's children travel through a confusing and turbulent world. The characters of Christian Walk become our mirrored images revealing the thoughts and intents of the heart.

When asked why he wrote Christian’s Walk, Billups offered an example featuring the main character in the book:

“Turn the TV off,” shouts Chris. Extremely frustrated, he races from the house mumbling, “I can’t believe this, the world has gone collectively insane; nothing makes sense anymore.” Everything right is wrong, and everything wrong is now right. Our leaders are no longer leaders but weak, self-indulging frauds, only looking out for themselves. Everyone is looking out for themselves! Whatever happened to courtesy, kindness, and integrity? Now it’s fashionable to disrespect seniors, boastfully spew profanities, and see who can push the furthest boundaries of decency and modesty! Why does my culture celebrate perversion and lewdness? Why are criminals pitied while their victims are ignored? My kids haven’t a chance!

“It’s like a cloud of darkness covering the earth’s atmosphere raining down storms of dissension, division, envy, hatred, and depravity on the human race. Families are being destroyed, creating a wake of disillusioned children. Nothing but bad news all the time. The only mention of Good News was spoken to me last week by an unusual older fellow named Pastor Jimmy.”

“My goal and passion for writing ‘Christian’s Walk,’ is to address the lost world that we live in with a colorful and unique fictional story that is inviting, effective and easy to read,” Billups stated. “This has been accomplished, now people need to have this book put into their hand.

“I honestly feel like a soldier fighting for the hearts and minds of millions of people who, like Chris, live in Destruction City, crying out in frustration.”

'Christian's Walk, The Journey', is available at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jack-Billups/author/B08R5PHYYV?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true.

Billups’ bestselling first book, 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter', is a stunning piece of writing that will likely take its place as one of the best Vietnam memoirs ever written.

‘My Vietnam’ is, at its core, a love story, combined with a dramatic and searing account of the Vietnam War experience. That experience is shared with a family member, in the most intimate way possible - a return trip to the battlefields of Vietnam.

Billups' memoir puts the reader into a pair of combat boots, and allows them to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the Vietnam combat experience in vivid detail. That is but part of the story.

"Hey Dad, please share your Vietnam experiences?" Naomi's request set into motion a journey, 50 years into the past, as a "grunt" in the steamy jungles of Vietnam. Four months later with his memoir completed, Naomi asked, "Dad, let's go to Vietnam, just you and me?" Could the ghosts of Vietnam past morph into a father and daughter blessing in the present?

George C. Colclough, Col. Inf (retired) US Army, former president, and CEO of Smith & Wesson, stated in the introduction to the book, "Just another Vietnam War book? Certainly not, Jack takes you down two roads as he embarks on one remarkable journey with his daughter. First, Jack effectively articulates his story in such a way that puts the reader into the boots of a grunt, causing them to feel what he felt, and understand the daunting challenges of those who traveled the Vietnam jungle.

"Secondly, Jack and his daughter continued this remarkable adventure as they traveled back to Vietnam to return to the places where her father had so many vivid experiences. A wonderful story!"

What really sets this bestselling memoir apart is Billups' writing style. There is no pretense; nothing feels forced or contrived, made up or embellished. Billups presents his real-life characters in such a way as to make the reader feel intimately familiar with each of the members of his very young band of brothers, warts, and all. Billups tells it exactly as it was.

His style holds through the second part of the book, describing his return to Vietnam and the jaw-dropping changes now evident in modern day Vietnam. One of the highlights of the second part of the book is the reunion, bringing those somewhat innocent young men back together many decades later as mature men. Readers will get a vivid look, from many points of view, at how the Vietnam experience changed the lives of those who lived through that experience.

It is also a compelling memoir that reconciles America and Vietnam, then and now, including the culture shock of seeing Vietnam as it exists today. It offers a heartfelt and heartwarming message to the people of both countries, and a greater understanding of what the old song "Ruby" called "that crazy Asian war."

Readers and reviewers alike have praised 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter'. It has been called "A beautiful journey to healing," and "A thought-provoking and introspective Vietnam memoir". One reviewer said, "The book was so good, I was sad when I finished it." Another stated, "Jack's memory of his time in Vietnam has been beautifully detailed in his book. Not everyone wants to relive such a terrible page in our American history, but Jack was able to do a remarkable job talking about actual events that he lived through and came back home in one piece to give such a wonderful gift he has given to his daughter."

Another wrote, "The book delivered on my husband's hopes for a healing response to what our Armed Services faced over there. My husband usually can't read much Vietnam War material due to PTSD. He read this in just a few days; it was that good. Our thanks to the author for undertaking this topic and telling his story."

The book will make for an engaging read for veterans, spouses and children of veterans and others who have been impacted in any way by serving in any branch of the military, as the memoir includes the years leading up to, and after his service in Vietnam, including the effects his tour in Vietnam had on his family.

Jack Billups is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at jabillups49@gmail.com. 'Christian's Walk: The Journey' is available in ebook and paperback at Amazon. 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter' is available at Amazon in Kindle, paperback and audio formats. More information is available at Billups' website at https://myvietnambook.com.

About Jack Billups:

As a 19-year-old Army volunteer, Sgt. Jack Billups received the Bronze Star with the V attachment. He was awarded the Air Medal, which went to those who participated in combat aerial missions. Assigned to the 1st Air Calvary infantry as a M60 machine gunner, Jack served in the steamy jungles near the Ho Chi Minh trail along the Cambodian border.

Jack grew up during the 1950s and early 1960s in a peaceful Southern California community populated by many senior citizens and dotted with chicken ranches. He is a dependable and talented "everyman" who makes no claim about his service in Vietnam except for being a patriotic American who did "the right thing" as he saw it. He maintained that attitude throughout his life. Asked to talk about his military experience by his daughter, he began writing it out, and ended up exposing 50-year-old forgotten memories and emotions about the jungle war, concluding with a trip back to Vietnam with his daughter.

Contact:

Jack Billups

myvietnam1949@gmail.com

https://myvietnambook.com/

Leia Mais…

Bestselling Author Jack Billups Announces New Christian Fiction Novel, Christian's Walk: The Journey, Will Be Available At No Charge In Ebook Form February 1 Through February 3, 2023

Billups' first book, 'My Vietnam' was a bestseller in the Vietnam War Memoir category. The new book was inspired by John Bunyan's immortal classic, Pilgrims Progress

Jack Billups, bestselling author of 'My Vietnam', has announced the release of a new Christian Fiction novel, 'Christian's Walk: The Journey'. The book will be available for a limited time at no charge in ebook form from February 1 through February 3, 2023.

'Christian's Walk' blends the remarkable insights of John Bunyan's immortal classic, 'Pilgrims Progress' with illustrated storybook imagery. Christian's Journey is your journey; hosting danger, excitement, fears, doubts, tragedy, victories, and blessings. Biblical truths are presented in such a way that anyone can relate to and understand. Insightful, Chris's story penetrates the heart with reflection, conviction, guidance, comfort, and purpose.

'Christian's Walk' brings pertinent scriptures to life as the King's children travel through a confusing and turbulent world. The characters of Christian Walk become our mirrored images revealing the thoughts and intents of the heart.

“I decided to write this book," Billups stated, "because of this passage in the Bible: 'How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?' Although I do not see myself as a preacher, I do have a passion for sharing my faith in Christ with a confused, obstinate, and hurting world.

"With America rapidly turning to paganism, genuine Christianity is now scorned and despised. Church attendance is in decline, and the populace has deafened their ears to the invitation Christ spoke, 'Come to Me all who are weary, and burdened, and I will give you rest.' I believed a different approach would be an effective way to present Christ.

"With a colorful cover and 38 pencil illustrations, I created a fictional story parallel to John Bunyan’s 'Pilgrim’s Progress'. Keenly adapted to our culture and times, the characters in 'Christian’s Walk' become a reflection of us. This is not a typical dry Christian publication that feels like Churchianity, but, at the same time, there is no watering down, or compromising the scriptures.

"The appearance and storyline make 'Christian’s Walk' appealing and palatable. Like my first book, 'My VIETNAM: A Gift to My Daughter', I’m optimistic 'Christian’s Walk' will soon reach a bestseller ranking. I am pleased that both books are bringing to the table a message of understanding and hope.”

'Christian's Walk' will be available at no charge in ebook form from February 1 through February 3, 2023 at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Christians-Walk-Journey-Jack-Billups-ebook/dp/B0BRNSY8GL/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1673532526&sr=8-1.

Billups’ bestselling first book, 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter', is a stunning piece of writing that will likely take its place as one of the best Vietnam memoirs ever written.

‘My Vietnam’ is, at its core, a love story, combined with a dramatic and searing account of the Vietnam War experience. That experience is shared with a family member, in the most intimate way possible - a return trip to the battlefields of Vietnam.

Billups' memoir puts the reader into a pair of combat boots, and allows them to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the Vietnam combat experience in vivid detail. That is but part of the story.

"Hey Dad, please share your Vietnam experiences?" Naomi's request set into motion a journey, 50 years into the past, as a "grunt" in the steamy jungles of Vietnam. Four months later with his memoir completed, Naomi asked, "Dad, let's go to Vietnam, just you and me?" Could the ghosts of Vietnam past morph into a father and daughter blessing in the present?

George C. Colclough, Col. Inf (retired) US Army, former president, and CEO of Smith & Wesson, stated in the introduction to the book, "Just another Vietnam War book? Certainly not, Jack takes you down two roads as he embarks on one remarkable journey with his daughter. First, Jack effectively articulates his story in such a way that puts the reader into the boots of a grunt, causing them to feel what he felt, and understand the daunting challenges of those who traveled the Vietnam jungle.

"Secondly, Jack and his daughter continued this remarkable adventure as they traveled back to Vietnam to return to the places where her father had so many vivid experiences. A wonderful story!"

What really sets this bestselling memoir apart is Billups' writing style. There is no pretense; nothing feels forced or contrived, made up or embellished. Billups presents his real-life characters in such a way as to make the reader feel intimately familiar with each of the members of his very young band of brothers, warts, and all. Billups tells it exactly as it was.

His style holds through the second part of the book, describing his return to Vietnam and the jaw-dropping changes now evident in modern day Vietnam. One of the highlights of the second part of the book is the reunion, bringing those somewhat innocent young men back together many decades later as mature men. Readers will get a vivid look, from many points of view, at how the Vietnam experience changed the lives of those who lived through that experience.

It is also a compelling memoir that reconciles America and Vietnam, then and now, including the culture shock of seeing Vietnam as it exists today. It offers a heartfelt and heartwarming message to the people of both countries, and a greater understanding of what the old song "Ruby" called "that crazy Asian war."

Readers and reviewers alike have praised 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter'. It has been called "A beautiful journey to healing," and "A thought-provoking and introspective Vietnam memoir". One reviewer said, "The book was so good, I was sad when I finished it." Another stated, "Jack's memory of his time in Vietnam has been beautifully detailed in his book. Not everyone wants to relive such a terrible page in our American history, but Jack was able to do a remarkable job talking about actual events that he lived through and came back home in one piece to give such a wonderful gift he has given to his daughter."

Another wrote, "The book delivered on my husband's hopes for a healing response to what our Armed Services faced over there. My husband usually can't read much Vietnam War material due to PTSD. He read this in just a few days; it was that good. Our thanks to the author for undertaking this topic and telling his story."

The book will make for an engaging read for veterans, spouses and children of veterans and others who have been impacted in any way by serving in any branch of the military, as the memoir includes the years leading up to, and after his service in Vietnam, including the effects his tour in Vietnam had on his family.

Jack Billups is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at jabillups49@gmail.com. 'Christian's Walk: The Journey' is available in ebook and paperback at Amazon. 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter' is available at Amazon in Kindle, paperback and audio formats. More information is available at Billups' website at https://myvietnambook.com.

About Jack Billups:

As a 19-year-old Army volunteer, Sgt. Jack Billups received the Bronze Star with the V attachment. He was awarded the Air Medal, which went to those who participated in combat aerial missions. Assigned to the 1st Air Calvary infantry as a M60 machine gunner, Jack served in the steamy jungles near the Ho Chi Minh trail along the Cambodian border.

Jack grew up during the 1950s and early 1960s in a peaceful Southern California community populated by many senior citizens and dotted with chicken ranches. He is a dependable and talented "everyman" who makes no claim about his service in Vietnam except for being a patriotic American who did "the right thing" as he saw it. He maintained that attitude throughout his life. Asked to talk about his military experience by his daughter, he began writing it out, and ended up exposing 50-year-old forgotten memories and emotions about the jungle war, concluding with a trip back to Vietnam with his daughter.

Contact:

Jack Billups

myvietnam1949@gmail.com

http://www.myvietnambook.com

Leia Mais…

What Was The Vietnam War Really Like? Russian Soldiers In Ukraine Cannot Be Compared To Vietnam Vets - Defending The Vietnam Veteran's Reputation By Jack Billups, Veteran And Author Of Bestselling Vietnam Memoir, My Vietnam

Billups’ book is a stunning piece of writing that will likely take its place as one of the best Vietnam memoirs ever written. Here, he draws a comparison between Vietnam war depictions by the media and his on-the-ground experiences.

A recent article in "Current Affairs" by Nathan J. Robinson draws parallels between the conduct of Russian soldiers in Ukraine and the American soldiers in the American War in Vietnam. Although he agrees with some of what was written, Jack Billups, bestselling author of 'My Vietnam', "became annoyed when a 1971 New York Times article was used to prop up Robinson’s similarities." That 1971 article started in part:

“The men themselves are fed up with the war and the draft, questioning orders, deserting, subverting, smoking marijuana, shooting heroin, stealing from their buddies, hurling racial epithets and rocks at their brothers. Their leaders, trained to handle a different sort of crisis, often seem as bewildered as the rawest recruits, compromising, innovating, ordering strategic retreats from tradition, tossing out the training manual—all with uncharacteristic pliability. The desertion rate soars, so they do away with bed checks and permit psychedelic posters on barracks walls. The troops are bored, so they take them skiing and put beer machines in the day room. The troops refuse to advance, so they talk it over with them and try to find another way.”

Billups had this to say:

In my book, “My VIETNAM – A Gift to My Daughter,” I addressed the subject of a one-sided, skewed, and exaggerated view propagated by the media; and is still perceived as truth to this day. There’s a much different assessment after the facts are presented, the other side of the coin as it were.

Veteran Successes: From U.S. Wings"
Vietnam Veterans represented 9.7% of their generation.
They have a lower unemployment rate than the same non-vet age groups.
Their personal income exceeds that of our non-veteran age group by more than 18 percent.
There is no difference in drug usage between Vietnam Veterans and non-Vietnam Veterans of the same age group (Source: Veterans Administration Study).
Vietnam Veterans are less likely to be in prison – only one-half of one percent of Vietnam Veterans have been jailed for crimes.
85% of Vietnam Veterans made successful transitions to civilian life.
97% of Vietnam Veterans were honorably discharged.
91% of Vietnam Veterans say they are glad they served.
74% say they would serve again, even knowing the outcome.

Then there’s this, from We Are The Mighty:

• The draft didn’t unfairly target the working class or minorities.
The demographics of troops deployed to Vietnam were close to a reflection of the demographics of the U.S. at the time. 88.4% of troops deployed to Vietnam were Caucasian, 10.6% were African-American and 1% were of other races. The 1970 census estimated the African-American population of the U.S. at 11%.

• A majority of the men who fought in Vietnam weren’t drafted.
they volunteered. More than three-quarters of the men who fought in Vietnam volunteered to join the military. Of the roughly 8.7 million troops who served in the military between 1965 and 1973, only 1.8 million were drafted. 2.7 million of those in the military fought in Vietnam at this time. Only 25% of that 2.7 million were drafted and only 30% of the combat deaths in the war were draftees.

• Vietnam Veterans are not mostly crazy, homeless, drug users.
There is no difference in drug usage between Vietnam Veterans and non-Vietnam Veterans of the same age group. 97% of Vietnam vets hold honorable discharges and 85% of Vietnam Veterans made successful transitions to civilian life. The unemployment rate for Vietnam vets was only 4.8% in 1987, compared to the 6.2% rate for the rest of America.

• No American unit ever surrendered in battle during that 10-year war.
This reflects on the character and pride of our soldiers despite the negatives we faced.

"Thus, the cowardice implied in the article is contrived.

"As it’s said, 'the proof is in the pudding.' So, the article referenced from the New York Times in 1971 was debunked as Vietnam Veterans lived out their lives. I’m earnest when voicing that journalists, political commentators, and editors must be questioned and scrutinized no different than politicians. Promoting a false narrative is subject to all humans, and we should have learned by now, they, have not been assigned, nor earned the title, 'Truthteller.”'

"The comparison between Ukraine and Vietnam has limited truth, however, when it comes to likening the conduct of the Russian soldiers to the American soldiers who fought in Vietnam, this should be tread on lightly, not recklessly."

My Vietnam is, at its core, a love story, combined with a dramatic and searing account of the Vietnam War experience. That experience is shared with a family member, in the most intimate way possible - a return trip to the battlefields of Vietnam.

Billups' memoir puts the reader into a pair of combat boots, and allows them to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the Vietnam combat experience in vivid detail. That is but part of the story.

"Hey Dad, please share your Vietnam experiences?" Naomi's request set into motion a journey, 50 years into the past, as a "grunt" in the steamy jungles of Vietnam. Four months later with his memoir completed, Naomi asked, "Dad, let's go to Vietnam, just you and me?" Could the ghosts of Vietnam past morph into a father and daughter blessing in the present?

George C. Colclough, Col. Inf (retired) US Army, former president, and CEO of Smith & Wesson, stated in the introduction to the book, "Just another Vietnam War book? Certainly not, Jack takes you down two roads as he embarks on one remarkable journey with his daughter. First, Jack effectively articulates his story in such a way that puts the reader into the boots of a grunt, causing them to feel what he felt, and understand the daunting challenges of those who traveled the Vietnam jungle.

"Secondly, Jack and his daughter continued this remarkable adventure as they traveled back to Vietnam to return to the places where her father had so many vivid experiences. A wonderful story!"

What really sets this bestselling memoir apart is Billups' writing style. There is no pretense; nothing feels forced or contrived, made up or embellished. Billups presents his real-life characters in such a way as to make the reader feel intimately familiar with each of the members of his very young band of brothers, warts, and all. Billups tells it exactly as it was.

His style holds through the second part of the book, describing his return to Vietnam and the jaw-dropping changes now evident in modern day Vietnam. One of the highlights of the second part of the book is the reunion, bringing those somewhat innocent young men back together many decades later as mature men. Readers will get a vivid look, from many points of view, at how the Vietnam experience changed the lives of those who lived through that experience.

It is also a compelling memoir that reconciles America and Vietnam, then and now, including the culture shock of seeing Vietnam as it exists today. It offers a heartfelt and heartwarming message to the people of both countries, and a greater understanding of what the old song "Ruby" called "that crazy Asian war."

Readers and reviewers alike have praised 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter'. It has been called "A beautiful journey to healing," and "A thought-provoking and introspective Vietnam memoir". One reviewer said, "The book was so good, I was sad when I finished it." Another stated, "Jack's memory of his time in Vietnam has been beautifully detailed in his book. Not everyone wants to relive such a terrible page in our American history, but Jack was able to do a remarkable job talking about actual events that he lived through and came back home in one piece to give such a wonderful gift he has given to his daughter."

Another wrote, "The book delivered on my husband's hopes for a healing response to what our Armed Services faced over there. My husband usually can't read much Vietnam War material due to PTSD. He read this in just a few days; it was that good. Our thanks to the author for undertaking this topic and telling his story."

The book will make for an engaging read for veterans, spouses and children of veterans and others who have been impacted in any way by serving in any branch of the military, as the memoir includes the years leading up to, and after his service in Vietnam, including the effects his tour in Vietnam had on his family.

Jack Billups is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at myvietnam1949@gmail.com. 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter' is available at Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and audio formats. More information is available at Billups' website at https://myvietnambook.com.

About Jack Billups:

As a 19-year-old Army volunteer, Sgt. Jack Billups received the Bronze Star with the V attachment. He was awarded the Air Medal, which went to those who participated in combat aerial missions. Assigned to the 1st Air Calvary infantry as a M60 machine gunner, Jack served in the steamy jungles near the Ho Chi Minh trail along the Cambodian border.

Jack grew up during the 1950s and early 1960s in a peaceful Southern California community populated by many senior citizens and dotted with chicken ranches. He is a dependable and talented "everyman" who makes no claim about his service in Vietnam except for being a patriotic American who did "the right thing" as he saw it. He maintained that attitude throughout his life. Asked to talk about his military experience by his daughter, he began writing it out, and ended up exposing 50-year-old forgotten memories and emotions about the jungle war, concluding with a trip back to Vietnam with his daughter.

Contact:

Jack Billups

myvietnam1949@gmail.com

http://www.myvietnambook.com

Leia Mais…

What Was The Vietnam War Really Like? Jack Billups, Veteran And Author Of Bestselling Vietnam Memoir, My Vietnam, Looks At The Hit Movie, We Were Soldiers

Billups’ book is a stunning piece of writing that will likely take its place as one of the best Vietnam memoirs ever written. Here, he draws a comparison between Hollywood movies and his on-the-ground experiences.

'We Were Soldiers' is a 2002 Vietnam War movie starring Mel Gibson, Madeline Stowe, Sam Elliot and Greg Kinnear. The movie was based on the book 'We Were Soldiers Once . . . And Young', written by Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Hal Moore and Joseph L. Galloway. The Vietnam War has been the subject of a large number of mega-hit Hollywood movies that attempt to portray the war as accurately as possible, though it is likely beyond the ability of film to adequately convey such experiences. Books do a better job perhaps, as they allow us to experience not only actions, but also the thoughts and feelings of those brave souls who protect us all.

Jack Billups, author of the bestselling Vietnam War memoir, 'My Vietnam', recently offered some insight regarding what the Vietnam War was really like, as compared to versions that has been portrayed on the big screen, specifically in the movie 'We Were Soldiers'.

We were soldiers portrayed the beginning of a new army division blended into an old one. In my book, “My Vietnam-A Gift to My Daughter” I wrote, “the 1st Cavalry traded in their horses for choppers.”

"Hal Moore, (Mel Gibson) was assigned to head up the 1st Air Cavalry. In an attempt to gain an advantage over enemy soldiers who have been fighting on their own turf for the past 20-years, a new strategy was created. With helicopters, the U.S. Army could quickly transport grunts to suspected NVA infestations.

"I also was a grunt in the 1st Air Cavalry and became a participant of this quick response mobile division.

"The beginning of the movie had historical value revealing a new strategy, 'combat assaults.’ I found this interesting. Then when the 1st Air Cavalry began operations in Vietnam, that’s when the movie's accuracy dissolved.

"The first engagement with the enemy looked more like the American Civil War scene where numerous NVA soldiers ran across open fields yelling at the top of their lungs. This battle lasted for days, ending with a mountain of enemy bodies. At that point the movie felt like a mix of WW 2, and Vietnam.

"Granted, I served in the 1st Cavalry in 69 & 70. 'We Were Soldiers' occurred in 1965, therefore I can’t say with certainty this kind of a battle never happened, but I doubt it. Only fortified Landing Zones experienced that kind of attack, and only at night.

"In my book I describe a different scenario. In the jungle it was hard to see, and if visual contact was made, it was brief while both sides hit the dirt and hid behind bushes and trees.

"The number of enemy soldiers was smaller, and the duration of the firefights were shorter.

"The Combat Assaults were accurate with one exception, we had Cobra gunships on our flanks firing into the landing zone before touchdown.

"More accurate and relatable was the movie, 'Platoon.' I found myself becoming Charlie Sheen’s character from the beginning to the end of his tour.

"Although trivial, I found the bright yellow 1st Cavalry patch on the soldiers’ uniforms strange. The patch used in Vietnam was black and olive green making it subdued.

"There’s no doubt that serving as a grunt in the 1st Air Cavalry wasn’t boring. The numerous combat assaults blended together as we went from one firefight to another."

Bestselling author Jack Billups, as a 19-year-old Army volunteer, received the Bronze Star with the V attachment. He was awarded the Air Medal, which went to those who participated in combat aerial missions. Assigned to the 1st Air Calvary infantry as an M60 machine gunner, Jack served in the steamy jungles near the Ho Chi Minh trail along the Cambodian border. Recently he received a number of awards and official commendations for his service during the Vietnam War, a story that eventually became a bestselling Vietnam memoir, My Vietnam: A Gift To My Daughter.

“From what I’ve been able to tell, most people see the Vietnam war through the prism of two-hour movies,” Billups wrote. “It’s blood, guts, firefights, and death the entire time. Hollywood, how they distort things! The reality was different; it would be more accurate to select any Vietnam movie and stretch it out over a year.”

My Vietnam is, at its core, a love story, combined with a dramatic and searing account of the Vietnam War experience. That experience is shared with a family member, in the most intimate way possible - a return trip to the battlefields of Vietnam.

Billups' memoir puts the reader into a pair of combat boots, and allows them to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the Vietnam combat experience in vivid detail. That is but part of the story.

"Hey Dad, please share your Vietnam experiences?" Naomi's request set into motion a journey, 50 years into the past, as a "grunt" in the steamy jungles of Vietnam. Four months later with his memoir completed, Naomi asked, "Dad, let's go to Vietnam, just you and me?" Could the ghosts of Vietnam past morph into a father and daughter blessing in the present?

George C. Colclough, Col. Inf (retired) US Army, former president, and CEO of Smith & Wesson, stated in the introduction to the book, "Just another Vietnam War book? Certainly not, Jack takes you down two roads as he embarks on one remarkable journey with his daughter. First, Jack effectively articulates his story in such a way that puts the reader into the boots of a grunt, causing them to feel what he felt, and understand the daunting challenges of those who traveled the Vietnam jungle.

"Secondly, Jack and his daughter continued this remarkable adventure as they traveled back to Vietnam to return to the places where her father had so many vivid experiences. A wonderful story!"

What really sets this bestselling memoir apart is Billups' writing style. There is no pretense; nothing feels forced or contrived, made up or embellished. Billups presents his real-life characters in such a way as to make the reader feel intimately familiar with each of the members of his very young band of brothers, warts, and all. Billups tells it exactly as it was.

His style holds through the second part of the book, describing his return to Vietnam and the jaw-dropping changes now evident in modern day Vietnam. One of the highlights of the second part of the book is the reunion, bringing those somewhat innocent young men back together many decades later as mature men. Readers will get a vivid look, from many points of view, at how the Vietnam experience changed the lives of those who lived through that experience.

It is also a compelling memoir that reconciles America and Vietnam, then and now, including the culture shock of seeing Vietnam as it exists today. It offers a heartfelt and heartwarming message to the people of both countries, and a greater understanding of what the old song "Ruby" called "that crazy Asian war."

Readers and reviewers alike have praised 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter'. It has been called "A beautiful journey to healing," and "A thought-provoking and introspective Vietnam memoir". One reviewer said, "The book was so good, I was sad when I finished it." Another stated, "Jack's memory of his time in Vietnam has been beautifully detailed in his book. Not everyone wants to relive such a terrible page in our American history, but Jack was able to do a remarkable job talking about actual events that he lived through and came back home in one piece to give such a wonderful gift he has given to his daughter."

Another wrote, "The book delivered on my husband's hopes for a healing response to what our Armed Services faced over there. My husband usually can't read much Vietnam War material due to PTSD. He read this in just a few days; it was that good. Our thanks to the author for undertaking this topic and telling his story."

The book will make for an engaging read for veterans, spouses and children of veterans and others who have been impacted in any way by serving in any branch of the military, as the memoir includes the years leading up to, and after his service in Vietnam, including the effects his tour in Vietnam had on his family.

Jack Billups is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at myvietnam1949@gmail.com. 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter' is available at Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and audio formats. More information is available at Billups' website at https://myvietnambook.com.

About Jack Billups:

As a 19-year-old Army volunteer, Sgt. Jack Billups received the Bronze Star with the V attachment. He was awarded the Air Medal, which went to those who participated in combat aerial missions. Assigned to the 1st Air Calvary infantry as a M60 machine gunner, Jack served in the steamy jungles near the Ho Chi Minh trail along the Cambodian border.

Jack grew up during the 1950s and early 1960s in a peaceful Southern California community populated by many senior citizens and dotted with chicken ranches. He is a dependable and talented "everyman" who makes no claim about his service in Vietnam except for being a patriotic American who did "the right thing" as he saw it. He maintained that attitude throughout his life. Asked to talk about his military experience by his daughter, he began writing it out, and ended up exposing 50-year-old forgotten memories and emotions about the jungle war, concluding with a trip back to Vietnam with his daughter.

Contact:

Jack Billups

myvietnam1949@gmail.com

http://www.myvietnambook.com

Leia Mais…

What Was The Vietnam War Really Like? Jack Billups, Veteran And Author Of Bestselling Vietnam Memoir, My Vietnam, Looks At The Hit Movie Platoon

Billups’ book is a stunning piece of writing that will likely take its place as one of the best Vietnam memoirs ever written. Here, he draws a comparison between Hollywood movies and his on-the-ground experiences.

The Vietnam War has been the subject of a large number of mega-hit Hollywood movies. One of those movies is "Platoon". According to Wikipedia, the movie "is a 1986 American war film written and directed by Oliver Stone, starring Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen, Keith David, Kevin Dillon, John C. McGinley, Forest Whitaker, and Johnny Depp. It is the first film of a trilogy of Vietnam War films directed by Stone, followed by Born on the Fourth of July (1989) and Heaven & Earth (1993)".

The movie has been described as "pulse-pounding" and "heart-wrenching". No small wonder, as the film features an all-star cast and was directed by the legendary Stone himself. But we must ask, "Does the movie accurately portray what the Vietnam War was really like?" In some ways, yes. But in others, no.

That said, we must understand that such an experience defies description, and is beyond the ability of film to adequately convey. Even given the best of portrayals, the staggering toll taken on both mind and body due to the ever-present anxiety, hellish stress levels and the insufferable terror of having one's life on the line, second by second, 24-7, for month after month, remain incomprehensible to the rest of us. Books do a better job perhaps, as they allow us to experience not only actions, but also the feelings of those performing those actions.

Jack Billups, author of the bestselling Vietnam War memoir, "My Vietnam", recently offered some insight regarding what the Vietnam War was really like, as compared to versions that has been portrayed on the big screen.

"Chris, (Charlie Sheen) is a young man who volunteered like me for the same reasons, as noted in my book. His grandfather served in WW1 and his father in WW2.

"The scenes at the beginning and the end of the movie, when Chris was thinking to himself, were spot on. At the end he was flying out of the field to return home. His thoughts were, 'the war is over now, but it will always be there the rest of my life. For those of us who did make it have an obligation to build again, to teach others what we know. And to try, with what’s left of our lives, to find a goodness and meaning to this life.'

"This is exactly what I believe I accomplished in writing my book.

"The movie portrayed well the misery the jungle hosted. The heat, rain, bugs and creatures; this was not exaggerated as it added to the frustration and insanity.

"The firefights were fairly accurate, however, the killing of the village people and burning down of their homes was definitely the exception and not the rule.

"The way the leaders treated those under them was unrealistic, as detailed in the book. Mutual respect was more the case regardless of rank. There were arguments at times, but the bullying of new guys and going as far as killing a fellow soldier is unlikely. When Blacks and Whites were in the bush, there was no segregation. On the contrary, it was fairly easy to become friends with those from another race.

"One scene really hit home when Chris was on guard duty. It was dark, raining, shadows and noises. I recall the terror of those same moments.

"The movie also portrayed that no one cared about new soldiers coming into the field - not true. Everyone in the bush wanted to survive and go home. The FNG’s just had to wait longer.

"Overall the movie was effective allowing the viewer to experience what Chris was thinking and feeling.

Finally, it’s notable how Chris changed from the beginning to the end of his tour, that was accurate and is similar to what I related in the book".

Bestselling author Jack Billups, as a 19-year-old Army volunteer, received the Bronze Star with the V attachment. He was awarded the Air Medal, which went to those who participated in combat aerial missions. Assigned to the 1st Air Calvary infantry as an M60 machine gunner, Jack served in the steamy jungles near the Ho Chi Minh trail along the Cambodian border. Recently he received a number of awards and official commendations for his service during the Vietnam War, a story that eventually became a bestselling Vietnam memoir, My Vietnam: A Gift To My Daughter.

“From what I’ve been able to tell, most people see the Vietnam war through the prism of two-hour movies,” Billups wrote. “Its blood, guts, firefights, and death the entire time. Hollywood, how they distort things! The reality was different; it would be more accurate to select any Vietnam movie and stretch it out over a year.”

My Vietnam is, at its core, a love story, combined with a dramatic and searing account of the Vietnam War experience. That experience is shared with a family member, in the most intimate way possible - a return trip to the battlefields of Vietnam.

Billups' memoir puts the reader into a pair of combat boots, and allows them to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the Vietnam combat experience in vivid detail. That is but part of the story.

"Hey Dad, please share your Vietnam experiences?" Naomi's request set into motion a journey, 50 years into the past, as a "grunt" in the steamy jungles of Vietnam. Four months later with his memoir completed, Naomi asked, "Dad, let's go to Vietnam, just you and me?" Could the ghosts of Vietnam past morph into a father and daughter blessing in the present?

George C. Colclough, Col. Inf (ret) USAR, former president and CEO of Smith & Wesson, stated in the introduction to the book, "Just another Vietnam War book? Certainly not, Jack takes you down two roads as he embarks on one remarkable journey with his daughter. First, Jack effectively articulates his story in such a way that puts the reader into the boots of a grunt, causing them to feel what he felt, and understand the daunting challenges of those who traveled the Vietnam jungle.

"Secondly, Jack and his daughter continued this remarkable adventure as they traveled back to Vietnam to return to the places where her father had so many vivid experiences. A wonderful story!"

What really sets this bestselling memoir apart is Billups' writing style. There is no pretense; nothing feels forced or contrived, made up or embellished. Billups presents his real-life characters in such a way as to make the reader feel intimately familiar with each of the members of his very young band of brothers, warts and all. Billups tells it exactly as it was.

His style holds through the second part of the book, describing his return to Vietnam and the jaw-dropping changes now evident in modern day Vietnam. One of the highlights of the second part of the book is the reunion, bringing those somewhat innocent young men back together many decades later as mature men. Readers will get a vivid look, from many points of view, at how the Vietnam experience changed the lives of those who lived through that experience.

It is also a compelling memoir that reconciles America and Vietnam, then and now, including the culture shock of seeing Vietnam as it exists today. It offers a heartfelt and heartwarming message to the people of both countries, and a greater understanding of what the old song "Ruby" called "that crazy Asian war."

Readers and reviewers alike have praised 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter'. It has been called "A beautiful journey to healing," and "A thought-provoking and introspective Vietnam memoir". One reviewer said, "The book was so good, I was sad when I finished it." Another stated, "Jack's memory of his time in Vietnam has been beautifully detailed in his book. Not everyone wants to relive such a terrible page in our American history, but Jack was able to do a remarkable job talking about actual events that he lived through and came back home in one piece to give such a wonderful gift he has given to his daughter."

Another wrote, "The book delivered on my husband's hopes for a healing response to what our Armed Services faced over there. My husband usually can't read much Vietnam War material due to PTSD. He read this in just a few days; it was that good. Our thanks to the author for undertaking this topic and telling his story."

The book will make for an engaging read for veterans, spouses and children of veterans and others who have been impacted in any way by serving in any branch of the military, as the memoir includes the years leading up to, and after his service in Vietnam, including the effects his tour in Vietnam had on his family.

Jack Billups is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at myvietnam1949@gmail.com. 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter' is available at Amazon in Kindle, paperback and audio formats. More information is available at Billups' website at https://myvietnambook.com.

About Jack Billups:

As a 19-year-old Army volunteer, Sgt. Jack Billups received the Bronze Star with the V attachment. He was awarded the Air Medal, which went to those who participated in combat aerial missions. Assigned to the 1st Air Calvary infantry as a M60 machine gunner, Jack served in the steamy jungles near the Ho Chi Minh trail along the Cambodian border.

Jack grew up during the 1950s and early 1960s in a peaceful Southern California community populated by many senior citizens and dotted with chicken ranches. He is a dependable and talented "everyman" who makes no claim about his service in Vietnam except for being a patriotic American who did "the right thing" as he saw it. He maintained that attitude throughout his life. Asked to talk about his military experience by his daughter, he began writing it out, and ended up exposing 50-year-old forgotten memories and emotions about the jungle war, concluding with a trip back to Vietnam with his daughter.

Contact:

Jack Billups

myvietnam1949@gmail.com

http://www.myvietnambook.com

Leia Mais…

What Was The Vietnam War Really Like? Jack Billups, Veteran And Author Of Bestselling Vietnam Memoir, My Vietnam, Gives Readers A Revealing Account Of The War Never Offered Before

Billups' highly praised book is an utterly unique Vietnam memoir that served to help him reconnect with his daughter.

The Vietnam War is an event that has been immortalized in countless books and a vast number of hit movies. A mere sampling of these fictional and semi-fictional accounts include:

Apocalypse Now starring Marlon Brando
The Deer Hunter starring Robert De Niro
Forest Gump starring Tom Hanks
Born On The Fourth Of July starring Tom Cruise
We Were Soldiers starring Mel Gibson
Good Morning, Vietnam starring Robin Williams
Full Metal Jacket by Stanley Kubrick
Platoon starring Charlie Sheen

The public can't seem to get enough, as interest in the Vietnam War still runs high today. But many of these tales are complete fiction or have been massaged to increase their entertainment value. The question remains: What was Vietnam really like for those who had boots on the ground?

Bestselling author Jack Billups, as a 19-year-old Army volunteer, received the Bronze Star with the V attachment. He was awarded the Air Medal, which went to those who participated in combat aerial missions. Assigned to the 1st Air Calvary infantry as an M60 machine gunner, Jack served in the steamy jungles near the Ho Chi Minh trail along the Cambodian border. Recently he received a number of awards and official commendations for his service during the Vietnam War, a story that eventually became a bestselling Vietnam memoir, My Vietnam: A Gift To My Daughter.

It is a stunning piece of writing that will likely take its place as one of the best Vietnam memoirs ever written.

“From what I’ve been able to tell, most people see the Vietnam war through the prism of two-hour movies,” Billups wrote. “Its blood, guts, firefights, and death the entire time. Hollywood, how they distort things! The reality was different; it would be more accurate to select any Vietnam movie and stretch it out over a year.”

My Vietnam is, at its core, a love story, combined with a dramatic and searing account of the Vietnam War experience. That experience is shared with a family member, in the most intimate way possible - a return trip to the battlefields of Vietnam.

Billups' memoir puts the reader into a pair of combat boots, and allows them to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the Vietnam combat experience in vivid detail. That is but part of the story.

"Hey Dad, please share your Vietnam experiences?" Naomi's request set into motion a journey, 50 years into the past, as a "grunt" in the steamy jungles of Vietnam. Four months later with his memoir completed, Naomi asked, "Dad, let's go to Vietnam, just you and me?" Could the ghosts of Vietnam past morph into a father and daughter blessing in the present?

George C. Colclough, Col. Inf (ret) USAR, former president and CEO of Smith & Wesson, stated in the introduction to the book, "Just another Vietnam War book? Certainly not, Jack takes you down two roads as he embarks on one remarkable journey with his daughter. First, Jack effectively articulates his story in such a way that puts the reader into the boots of a grunt, causing them to feel what he felt, and understand the daunting challenges of those who traveled the Vietnam jungle.

"Secondly, Jack and his daughter continued this remarkable adventure as they traveled back to Vietnam to return to the places where her father had so many vivid experiences. A wonderful story!"

What really sets this bestselling memoir apart is Billups' writing style. There is no pretense; nothing feels forced or contrived, made up or embellished. Billups presents his real-life characters in such a way as to make the reader feel intimately familiar with each of the members of his very young band of brothers, warts and all. Billups tells it exactly as it was.

His style holds through the second part of the book, describing his return to Vietnam and the jaw-dropping changes now evident in modern day Vietnam. One of the highlights of the second part of the book is the reunion, bringing those somewhat innocent young men back together many decades later as mature men. Readers will get a vivid look, from many points of view, at how the Vietnam experience changed the lives of those who lived through that experience.

It is also a compelling memoir that reconciles America and Vietnam, then and now, including the culture shock of seeing Vietnam as it exists today. It offers a heartfelt and heartwarming message to the people of both countries, and a greater understanding of what the old song "Ruby" called "that crazy Asian war."

Readers and reviewers alike have praised 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter'. It has been called "A beautiful journey to healing," and "A thought-provoking and introspective Vietnam memoir". One reviewer said, "The book was so good, I was sad when I finished it." Another stated, "Jack's memory of his time in Vietnam has been beautifully detailed in his book. Not everyone wants to relive such a terrible page in our American history, but Jack was able to do a remarkable job talking about actual events that he lived through and came back home in one piece to give such a wonderful gift he has given to his daughter."

Another wrote, "The book delivered on my husband's hopes for a healing response to what our Armed Services faced over there. My husband usually can't read much Vietnam War material due to PTSD. He read this in just a few days; it was that good. Our thanks to the author for undertaking this topic and telling his story."

The book will make for an engaging read for veterans, spouses and children of veterans and others who have been impacted in any way by serving in any branch of the military, as the memoir includes the years leading up to, and after his service in Vietnam, including the effects his tour in Vietnam had on his family.

Jack Billups is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at myvietnam1949@gmail.com. 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter' is available at Amazon in Kindle, paperback and audio formats. More information is available at Billups' website at https://myvietnambook.com.

About Jack Billups:

As a 19-year-old Army volunteer, Sgt. Jack Billups received the Bronze Star with the V attachment. He was awarded the Air Medal, which went to those who participated in combat aerial missions. Assigned to the 1st Air Calvary infantry as a M60 machine gunner, Jack served in the steamy jungles near the Ho Chi Minh trail along the Cambodian border.

Jack grew up during the 1950s and early 1960s in a peaceful Southern California community populated by many senior citizens and dotted with chicken ranches. He is a dependable and talented "everyman" who makes no claim about his service in Vietnam except for being a patriotic American who did "the right thing" as he saw it. He maintained that attitude throughout his life. Asked to talk about his military experience by his daughter, he began writing it out, and ended up exposing 50-year-old forgotten memories and emotions about the jungle war, concluding with a trip back to Vietnam with his daughter.

Contact:

Jack Billups

myvietnam1949@gmail.com

http://www.myvietnambook.com

Leia Mais…

Jack Billups, Veteran And Author Of Bestselling Vietnam Memoir, My Vietnam, Honored By US Congress, Texas House Of Representatives And City Of Odessa, Texas For His Service In Vietnam

Billups' highly praised book is an utterly unique Vietnam memoir that served to help him reconnect with his daughter.

Bestselling author Jack Billups, as a 19-year-old Army volunteer, received the Bronze Star with the V attachment. He was awarded the Air Medal, which went to those who participated in combat aerial missions. Assigned to the 1st Air Calvary infantry as an M60 machine gunner, Jack served in the steamy jungles near the Ho Chi Minh trail along the Cambodian border. Recently he received a number of awards and official commendations for his service during the Vietnam War, a story that eventually become a bestselling Vietnam memoir, My Vietnam: A Gift To My Daughter.

Billups received notice of Congressional Recognition from The US House of Representatives. On Veterans Day, 2021, the House of Representatives of Texas flew the flag of Texas at the State Capital in honor of Billups' service. Mayor Javier Joven proclaimed November 11, 2021 as "Sgt. Jack Billups Day." He was then presented with both the US Flag and the flag of the State of Texas.

"Initially I wrote for my daughter,” Billups stated. “However, during the process it became apparent that everyone could benefit reading my story. I believed it was shortsighted to talk only about my combat experiences, so I painted a larger picture for the reader, allowing them to feel what it was like during that era in American history. I’m satisfied that goal was accomplished."

My Vietnam is, at its core, a love story, combined with a dramatic and searing account of the Vietnam War experience. That experience is shared with a family member, in the most intimate way possible.

It is a stunning piece of writing that will likely take its place as one of the best Vietnam memoirs ever written.

Billups' memoir puts the reader into a pair of combat boots, and allows them to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the Vietnam combat experience in vivid detail. That is but part of the story.

"Hey Dad, please share your Vietnam experiences?" Naomi's request set into motion a journey, 50 years into the past, as a "grunt" in the steamy jungles of Vietnam. Four months later with his memoir completed, Naomi asked, "Dad, let's go to Vietnam, just you and me?" Could the ghosts of Vietnam past morph into a father and daughter blessing in the present?

George C. Colclough, Col. Inf (ret) USAR, former president and CEO of Smith & Wesson, stated in the introduction to the book, "Just another Vietnam War book? Certainly not, Jack takes you down two roads as he embarks on one remarkable journey with his daughter. First, Jack effectively articulates his story in such a way that puts the reader into the boots of a grunt, causing them to feel what he felt, and understand the daunting challenges of those who traveled the Vietnam jungle.

"Secondly, Jack and his daughter continued this remarkable adventure as they traveled back to Vietnam to return to the places where her father had so many vivid experiences. A wonderful story!"

What really sets this bestselling memoir apart is Billups' writing style. There is no pretense; nothing feels forced or contrived, made up or embellished. Billups presents his real-life characters in such a way as to make the reader feel intimately familiar with each of the members of his very young band of brothers, warts and all. Billups tells it exactly as it was.

His style holds through the second part of the book, describing his return to Vietnam and the jaw-dropping changes now evident in modern day Vietnam. One of the highlights of the second part of the book is the reunion, bringing those somewhat innocent young men back together many decades later as mature men. Readers will get a vivid look, from many points of view, at how the Vietnam experience changed the lives of those who lived through that experience.

It is also a compelling memoir that reconciles America and Vietnam, then and now, including the culture shock of seeing Vietnam as it exists today. It offers a heartfelt and heartwarming message to the people of both countries, and a greater understanding of what the old song "Ruby" called "that crazy Asian war."

Readers and reviewers alike have praised 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter'. It has been called "A beautiful journey to healing," and "A thought-provoking and introspective Vietnam memoir". One reviewer said, "The book was so good, I was sad when I finished it." Another stated, "Jack's memory of his time in Vietnam has been beautifully detailed in his book. Not everyone wants to relive such a terrible page in our American history, but Jack was able to do a remarkable job talking about actual events that he lived through and came back home in one piece to give such a wonderful gift he has given to his daughter."

Another wrote, "The book delivered on my husband's hopes for a healing response to what our Armed Services faced over there. My husband usually can't read much Vietnam War material due to PTSD. He read this in just a few days; it was that good. Our thanks to the author for undertaking this topic and telling his story."

The book will make for an engaging read for veterans, spouses and children of veterans and others who have been impacted in any way by serving in any branch of the military, as the memoir includes the years leading up to, and after his service in Vietnam, including the effects his tour in Vietnam had on his family.

Jack Billups is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at myvietnam1949@gmail.com. 'My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter' is available at Amazon in Kindle, paperback and audio formats. More information is available at Billups' website at https://myvietnambook.com.

About Jack Billups:

As a 19-year-old Army volunteer, Sgt. Jack Billups received the Bronze Star with the V attachment. He was awarded the Air Medal, which went to those who participated in combat aerial missions. Assigned to the 1st Air Calvary infantry as a M60 machine gunner, Jack served in the steamy jungles near the Ho Chi Minh trail along the Cambodian border.

Jack grew up during the 1950s and early 1960s in a peaceful Southern California community populated by many senior citizens and dotted with chicken ranches. He is a dependable and talented "everyman" who makes no claim about his service in Vietnam except for being a patriotic American who did "the right thing" as he saw it. He maintained that attitude throughout his life. Asked to talk about his military experience by his daughter, he began writing it out, and ended up exposing 50-year-old forgotten memories and emotions about the jungle war, concluding with a trip back to Vietnam with his daughter.

Contact:

 

Jack Billups

myvietnam1949@gmail.com

http://www.myvietnambook.com

Leia Mais…