FULL CIRCLE: Bringing the War Home

by Allen Cates, Helen Murphy (Editor), James E. Parker Jr. (Introduction)

Acadian heritage and his father's watchful eye nurtured Brian Vincent's upbringing in the swamps and bayous of south Louisiana, where hunting and fishing were commonplace, and integrity and diligence were more than spoken virtues. Brian was a quick learner and an avid reader, and stories of love and war where warriors prevailed against formidable odds piqued his inquisitive mind. However, along with his strength of character came a degree of stubbornness. His family wanted him to be an attorney or a businessman carrying on the family tradition, but Brian wanted to test his mettle on the field of battle. Marine Corps Aviation offered the path he was seeking, and the war in Southeast Asia provided the catalyst where innocent people were willing to die for freedom against an oppressor who killed anyone who tried to stop them. Against his family's wishes, he entered the fray altruistically and unpretentiously. But Brian found military regimentation did not fit his persona. Still, the adrenaline rush while dancing with the devil was alluring, and Air America offered another path with a twist. Flying in primitive conditions where death lurked unexpectedly, like a hidden pit viper, was daunting. The psychic income from saving lives and accomplishing the mission with his initiative drew him further into an abyss. Seeing first-hand daily collateral damage without reason coupled with a naive approach to affairs of the heart took its toll. Brian made the full circle and returned home to his roots, broken in body and spirit. Now, he has to come to grips with the realization that people and governments are often devious, that life is not always fair, and he has begun to question the purpose of living in a complicated world.

234 pages, Paperback

Published November 12, 2019

Reviews

[Tom Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

What more do you need for fiction based on reality? Mr. Cates was a Marine helicopter pilot in combat operations in Vietnam and later a fixed wing and helicopter pilot with Air America's secret missions in Laos. The author is flawless in character development and telling a story that needs to be told.

Full Circle is a masterpiece of reality and the universality of the human spirit. As a Vietnam Veteran I thoroughly enjoyed the book and question those who say that it is not for everyone. I don’t think you need to be a veteran to enjoy it. In my opinion it presents a little known part of our history in a captivating way. I couldn’t put it down and while reading it, I actually re-read parts of it because I didn’t want it to end. If this book gets any exposure, I have no doubt that others will enjoy it as well.

This one qualifies as a fictional novel that portrays what really happened. My days over there don’t even come close to the protagonist Brian Vincent’s experience in Vietnam and Laos but Full Circle touched me a great deal and I related to it in endless ways.

All of America at that time saw film footage of helicopters in combat and rescue operations. And even today we see historical footage. But to my knowledge no one witnessed the skill and courage of Air America pilots of fixed wing aircraft landing on short, obstacle ridden make-shift runways surrounded by the enemy during our secret war in Laos. And very few American citizens know what Air America pilots and crews actually did inside and outside those choppers during combat and search and rescue missions in Vietnam and Laos. Did you ever think about all the intricacies involved in flying a helicopter? We saw these flying machines on TV but never really thought about the adrenalin flow going on inside. Not many will appreciate the skill and talent, let alone courage, required to carry out those missions until they read this book.

There are bunch of stories woven into this fiction. One is a friendship story about the reunification of a Hmong family and Brian. Another is the utter shock, isolation and not wanting to participate in anything after returning home from war. Another is leaving your native friends behind, not knowing if they ended up in a reeducation camp or survived at all. There are details about the last days (and The last day) in Saigon. And details about what most Americans still don’t know about the rooftop rescues. And even down to the details about the pilots and crew members, and specifically whose helicopters, were involved in that historical and literal last ditch effort.

These are just some of the parts that resonated with me. Anyone who is half conscious will find their own favorite parts. There are plenty to choose. And each part is woven beautifully into making the story whole.

This fiction is about actual events connected to Air America’s covert activities at that time. You will read about the unselfish bravery and dedication of the pilots and crews who went on countless search and rescue and reconnaissance missions in Laos and Vietnam. You will learn about how many lost their lives and limbs but never got the deserved credit from the USA for the heroics they performed. Time is running out.