Book Review in The Voice of The Retired Enlisted Association

Military Police Protection in Southeast Asia
by Ray Jackson
ISBN 978-0-595-52301-6- $22.95
www.iuniverse.com
As a young boy growing up in Texas, I learned early that wars were characteristic of death. The news, described the American losses of each day's battles. Once in a while, you would hear how the Americans fought bravely and turned back the enemy or they took over a stronghold. Even when I was in basic training, our marching cadences dealt with being shipped back in a box. I then found myself trying to define hero. I couldn't answer that, because I was led to believe you had to do something very heroic.
Whether you lived or died, you were a hero ... I found out in later years, a hero is anyone who puts on the American uniform in defense of our country. Why are hometowns of America not recognizing the deceased heroes, outside the battlefield, of past and present wars? In my book, I take you step by step through everyday life in a combat zone. What it's like being involved in actual battle, and the casualties resulting from each conflict: the men, the women, the real heroes.

About the author: He is a disabled Vietnam veteran, who served 6 years in the Army, honorably discharged as a Sergeant E-5, October 31, 1973. He has been married 29 years, and has 3 living children and a grandchild. He lost a son at age 19. He has an Associate Degree in Business from Navarro College.

Comment from a very dear friend

Hey, Ray....finished your book today. Thank you for documenting your experiences in Viet Nam! That conflict defined our generation in so many ways, and I appreciate having the opportunity to read what it was like for those like you and Jimmy Swindell who served in the military during that time. Even though I knew in advance you made it through (thank God!), it still kept my interest, and I didn't skip a word. A funny thing...earlier today I caught a movie on TV from that war, and one of the scenes was in a club very much like what you described; the waitresses were serving beer labeled "33", and I knew what it was!

It is amazing to me that some communities, and sadly, Ennis is apparently one of them, don't recognize and commemorate the fallen who didn't actually die on the battlefield. If a soldier died as a result of wounds / injuries sustained in the war, they should be recognized as such! I'm flabbergasted that the Ennis City Manager took that stance! Has that been reversed since your book was written?? Is Billy Caldwell's name on that memorial? What happened to him?

Thank you again for your service! I'm looking forward to your next book, on families. You've endured a lot in your lifetime, and I'm sure what you have to say on the subject will be meaningful and touching in multiple ways!

God bless you!

Editing complete

My editor notified me today that she is almost finished with my second book, "Family Love, Happiness to Heartache." The publisher should have it in the next couple of weeks. I will keep you updated on the publishing process and access to purchasing a copy. I also hope to finish my third book by the middle of the summer, "Beyond Military Intervention."

Comments on Military Police Protection in Southeast Asia

Jimmy Swindell October 2008

For a first time writer, Ray E. Jackson has published a true story from first hand experience, the dangerous everyday life of a military policeman in Viet Nam that is so mezmorizing, that I could not put the book down before its finish. Writing a book is no easy task but, Ray has made a hit on his very first try. The daily routines of a military policeman is no easy task, especially in a war zone. Each chapter told a story in itself, keeping the reader on the edge of his seat. He is a disabled veteran due to his exposure to agent orange while on his tour in Viet Nam. Ray met many new friends during his tour in Viet Nam, along with old friends from Ennis where he was born and raised. Today he still keeps in touch with those friends as often as possible. I encourage everyone to purchase this book and experience for yourself what life was like during the Viet Nam era for not only a military policeman, but for others who fought in this war. I rate this book five stars and look forward to Ray's next book due out soon dealing with an everyday man's tragedy of life, love, and the horror of loosing an amazing son so early in his life. Thumbs up Ray, way up.

Dian Beaudoin at 6:34pm June 3

What I like is your devotion to family and that you have the courage to stand up for what you believe. I'm about halfway through your book, Ray, and with each chapter my admiration for you, Jimmy, and all our veterans grows. One of my daughter's friends will be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan in November (or next May, not sure yet). He's an A&M grad, now in the Marines, and that young crazy kid I knew when he was in HS is now a young man who will one day have maturity and appreciation for home that can only come from being away from it. God bless you and all those who sacrifice for the things we hold dear!