The Chaplain's Assistant: God, Country, and Vietnam

by J.T. Caldwell

August 1969--Ted Bertson is back from a summer of singing in Italy, thinking that he and his wife, Karen, will soon be living their dream. They are entering the fourth year of a good marriage; he has a signed contract from the University of Dubuque to join the music faculty; and they will soon be starting a family.

Then a draft notice arrives in the mail. Two weeks later, Bertson is in the U.S. Army. Four months later, he is in Vietnam serving as an Army chaplain s assistant, a job that few people know about. It sounds like a cushy job that will keep him "behind the lines"-- except in Vietnam there are no lines. No person or place is completely safe.

Behind every soldier in the field there are ten "support troops" who do the paperwork, make sure supplies are delivered, tend to the wounded, and care for their spiritual and emotional needs. Support troops are not considered to be heroic, but in Vietnam they are often attacked because they are necessary.

The Chaplain s Assistant: God, Country, and Vietnam, the story of just one of those under-the-radar support troops, details an experience that forever changes Bertson and his love for the country he serves.

Genres: Faith

297 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2007

Reviews

[Lillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sad book, but I imagine it's a fair representation of the experiences of many young men who were drafted into the military to serve in Vietnam. The author states that the book is a novel but that it is based on his and others' actual experiences. I worked in one of War on Poverty programs near the end of the Vietnam War and encountered a number of young men who had serious drinking, drug, and mental problems on their return. But since the main character of this story was a chaplain's assistant, I had hoped there would be something positive. However, that wasn't the case. I think we should know and understand history to avoid repeating the same mistakes, but I do prefer to read "happy ever after" stories.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can be said about war? It is senseless. Tragic. And it changes those fortunate enough to survive it.

Exquisitely written and paced, The Chaplains Assistant is a novel based on one man's experience of being drafted into the Vietnam conflict. If you enjoy dry wit and humor, this book will make you laugh. If you have a human soul, this book will make you want to cry. Either way, once you get through the first couple of chapters, you won't be able to put the book down.

[Brenda Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had my heart right away. Quick moving and held my interest from beginning to end. I couldn't read fast enough. Vietnam. This author made you feel like you were there with him. My heart still breaks after all these years for veterans of this war and all other wars. We are all indebted to the brave men & women who fought and still fight for our freedom.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps I liked this best because it gave me insight into the author who is a personal friend. Also.....in case you didn't think war is horrible and insane.....

[Bethenia Dixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to be returned before I could finish reading. What I was able to read (65%) was good, though. Hope to be able to finish sometime.