Author and novelist: October 2008

What did we leave behind in Vietnam? Memories of over 50,000 dead and thousands suffering from the injuries sustained in a brutal war. Why did we walk out and hand those innocent lives over to communism? The same reason many of the American people are imploring the government today and shouting, “Get our troops out of Iraq. Walk away as we did in Vietnam and leave the people to fend for themselves against corrupt Muslim leaders.” The audacity of Americans prompting the government to pull our troops out. Then ask yourselves, “Why did our men and women give their lives for the Iraqi people? So they can have the same freedom that Americans so dearly enjoy everyday.” Stand and fight to overcome losses, and end tyranny on their grounds before it destroys us on ours. Let’s not let this be another Vietnam where we abandoned lives.

To understand where this country is going, we must first understand where it has been. With this in mind comes Military Police Protection in Southeast Asia, a memoir of military police life in South Vietnam.

Engaging in combat, maintaining order on military bases, supporting troops in battle – military police officers fight and die by the motto “Protect and Serve.”

Along with chronicling my experiences in South Vietnam, I highlight the love and camaraderie that exists among fellow police officers and acknowledge the tragedies of each battle fought, expressing my gratitude and affection for any man or woman who has ever donned a military uniform.

Sincerely,
Ray E. Jackson
Author, Military Police Protection in Southeast Asia
1-903-473-8092
coachrays1044@verizon.net

Memoir Sheds New Light on Day-to-Day Life of Military Police Officers

In his engaging new memoir, Military Police Protection in Southeast Asia, Ray E. Jackson shares his experiences fighting in war-torn South Vietnam.

Never before has there been such a comprehensive account of military police life. Jackson writes in vivid, graphic detail, drawing the reader into the action, providing a snapshot of a particular place – South Vietnam – during the most tumultuous time in its history.

Military Police Protection in Southeast Asia delves into Jackson’s tour of duty with an honesty and real-world relevance that you won’t get from other memoirs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact: Ray E. Jackson
Phone: (903) 473-8092
Email: coachrays1044@verizon.net

New Memoir Examines the Impact of War, Highlights One Man’s Tour in Vietnam

Bloomington, Ind. (Oct. 10, 2008)—Wars bring about many heartaches, loss of loved ones, trauma and stress. In his new memoir, Military Police Protection in Southeast Asia, Ray E. Jackson asks the question, “Do these tragedies have to be so painful?” and responds, “Well, the answer is unequivocally yes.”

Jackson chronicles his services as a military police officer in the Vietnam War, recounting his transfer to war-ravaged South Vietnam from Germany in the summer of 1969. Before his transfer, Jackson was briefly stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash., where he received jungle and guerilla warfare training, giving him the skills necessary to do his job under dangerous, volatile conditions.

Jackson faced special challenges as a military police officer. He describes the conditions of South Vietnam in harrowing detail, explaining the difficulty of trying to maintain order in an unstable region prone to unpredictable, devastating violence. He writes:

The military police played an important role in Vietnam. Not only did they have to keep order on military bases, but also they were involved in actual combat. We were trained as combat military police. By supporting the troops in battle, we built a great camaraderie and respect with the infantry. We were billed as the bad guys to most troops, but we lived by the motto, “protect and serve.”

In addition to sharing his personal experiences on the ground, Jackson provides a comprehensive look at the relationships between soldiers, writing that “the only true friends you had were your fellow military policemen.” Also included are descriptions of battles, weapons, and the experience of being under fire.

At times graphic, Military Police Protection in Southeast Asia serves as an important reminder of a turbulent time, not only in one man’s life, but in America’s military history.

For more information about Military Police Protection in Southeast Asia, visit http://www.iuniverse.com/.

About the Author

Ray E. Jackson was born and raised in Texas. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1973 and was stationed in Germany, South Vietnam and Texas. Military Police Protection in Southeast Asia is his first book.

978-0-595-52301-6 • 6 x 9 • Trade Paperback • 316 pages • $22.95 •

Available at iUniverse.com, Amazon.com or BN.com

####

I started off my Saturday, October 18, 2008, with a visit to the American Legion Post 361, Chism Landers where I was the guest speaker. I gave a speech and presentation on my new book, "Military Police Protection in Southeast Asia." After about thirty minutes, I completed a question and answer session and left to attend the Autumn Festival downtown. I was invited to join the Ennis Journal at their booth to talk about my book to the public. Many passer-bys stopped and introduced themselves and ask questions concerning the book's content. I had a great time, and enjoyed visiting with the public. I hope to be able to setup a book signing in Ennis next month. Also, you can see my television interview with KLTV channel 7, Tyler, on the internet at http://www.kltv.com/ on or after November 7, 2008.