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2-27-70: A Short Story
Detail-rich story that keeps the reader engaged
Great introduction to the life of a young man heading to war
Thought-provoking memoir with smiles and tears
Mr. Podlaski is well-known for the accounts of his time served in the Vietnam War. However, this short story allows readers to see the beginning. He shares the emotions of being drafted into the U.S. Army on 2-27-70 and how it impacted not only him but also his family.
If you want to know what these ‘soon-to-be soldiers’ experienced at the Induction Center, then this book is a good place to start.
Great introduction to the life of a young man heading to war
Thought-provoking memoir with smiles and tears
Mr. Podlaski is well-known for the accounts of his time served in the Vietnam War. However, this short story allows readers to see the beginning. He shares the emotions of being drafted into the U.S. Army on 2-27-70 and how it impacted not only him but also his family.
If you want to know what these ‘soon-to-be soldiers’ experienced at the Induction Center, then this book is a good place to start.
29 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2022
6 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
John Podlaski
11 books69 followersJohn Podlaski served in Vietnam during 1970 and 1971 as an infantryman with both the Wolfhounds of the 25th Division, and the 501st Infantry Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, two Air Medals, and a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. "Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel" is his first book, published in 2010, it is faring well with over 300 combined reviews with an average of 4.6 stars. The story is a memoir of his time as as infantry soldier during the Vietnam War.
John spent the years since Vietnam working in various management positions within the automotive industry and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 2002. John is a life member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 and lives with his wife of 51 years, Janice, in Sterling Heights, Michigan. They both retired in 2013 and enjoy riding their 1997 Harley-Davidson Heritage.
Mr. Podlaski published his second book, "When Can I Stop Running?" in 2016. It's a spinoff from his first novel, and follows two soldiers during a terrifying night - alone in the jungle - on a listening post. Some of the characters from Cherries are also included in this story.
John is currently busy managing a website featuring weekly articles/stories, movies, videos, and photos about the Vietnam War. The address can be found below.
John spent the years since Vietnam working in various management positions within the automotive industry and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 2002. John is a life member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 and lives with his wife of 51 years, Janice, in Sterling Heights, Michigan. They both retired in 2013 and enjoy riding their 1997 Harley-Davidson Heritage.
Mr. Podlaski published his second book, "When Can I Stop Running?" in 2016. It's a spinoff from his first novel, and follows two soldiers during a terrifying night - alone in the jungle - on a listening post. Some of the characters from Cherries are also included in this story.
John is currently busy managing a website featuring weekly articles/stories, movies, videos, and photos about the Vietnam War. The address can be found below.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 16, 2022
This short story gave me a birdseye view into the life of a young man who had avoided the draft by being a full-time student—until he wasn't. Mr. Podlaski is well-known for his accounts of his time served in the Vietnam war. But this short story let us see the beginning. The emotions around getting drafted and how it not only impacted him but his family are shown in this book. One of the most emotional scenes for me was the one where the young man's father drove him to the reporting station without any conversation. But the hug and departing words brought tears to my eyes. This is a well-written account of that one single day in history that was also his father's birthday. If you want to know what it was like during that time period, this is a good place to start. It's a quick read.
October 12, 2022
John Podlaski reveals the importance of choices made and the associated results. February 27th was a key family date celebrated with a special meal, presents, and balloons until something changed.
Readers will enjoy the groundwork laid for family expectations and everyone’s role. The decorations added to the festivities, along with the smells and sibling interactions, highlighted the family’s support of one another for this special day each year.
I enjoyed the vivid images delivered throughout the story, but this passage made me hungry.
On the right side, an assortment of pierogi (Polish dumplings filled with a choice of sauerkraut, cheese, or potato) filled a fifteen-inch black skillet. Two dozen of the small wedge-shaped pieces simmered in a sea of steaming butter. Mom usually cooked all three varieties, but since they were unidentifiable, it was always a crapshoot when trying to pick your favorite from the skillet. If you selected wrong, you were stuck with your first choice.
In 1970 the family event took on new meaning amid the Vietnam War. It reveals the processes thousands felt, often with little to no regard for an individual’s wishes. The small mistakes added up far to an unforeseen and unchangeable result.
Thank you, John, for another remarkable story. This quick read shares a bit of history from one man’s eyes that made his parents both proud and sad. It is a story I recommend for its love of family, honesty, and a look back at history.
Readers will enjoy the groundwork laid for family expectations and everyone’s role. The decorations added to the festivities, along with the smells and sibling interactions, highlighted the family’s support of one another for this special day each year.
I enjoyed the vivid images delivered throughout the story, but this passage made me hungry.
On the right side, an assortment of pierogi (Polish dumplings filled with a choice of sauerkraut, cheese, or potato) filled a fifteen-inch black skillet. Two dozen of the small wedge-shaped pieces simmered in a sea of steaming butter. Mom usually cooked all three varieties, but since they were unidentifiable, it was always a crapshoot when trying to pick your favorite from the skillet. If you selected wrong, you were stuck with your first choice.
In 1970 the family event took on new meaning amid the Vietnam War. It reveals the processes thousands felt, often with little to no regard for an individual’s wishes. The small mistakes added up far to an unforeseen and unchangeable result.
Thank you, John, for another remarkable story. This quick read shares a bit of history from one man’s eyes that made his parents both proud and sad. It is a story I recommend for its love of family, honesty, and a look back at history.
January 21, 2024
Coming of Age…The Induction
I thoroughly enjoyed this brief read about coming of age in the America where people loved their culture but loved their country first and foremost. I experienced many of the things Mr. Podlaski experienced in his family. His writing style reminded me of the detail oriented style of the great novelist Thomas Wolfe. Mr. Podlaski delivered a slice of Americana that engaged all of your senses and left you wanting more. Fortunately, his story continues in subsequent works which I am eager to buy and start reading today. It is with heartfelt thanks that I commend Sir John Podlaski for his service to our nation, but also for his courage to demonstrate that the American fighting men in Vietnam were not murderers or baby killers…They were the sons of our next door neighbor, they were the grocery clerks, the mechanics, and factory workers. In short, they embodied the best values that made America great as they came of age.
I thoroughly enjoyed this brief read about coming of age in the America where people loved their culture but loved their country first and foremost. I experienced many of the things Mr. Podlaski experienced in his family. His writing style reminded me of the detail oriented style of the great novelist Thomas Wolfe. Mr. Podlaski delivered a slice of Americana that engaged all of your senses and left you wanting more. Fortunately, his story continues in subsequent works which I am eager to buy and start reading today. It is with heartfelt thanks that I commend Sir John Podlaski for his service to our nation, but also for his courage to demonstrate that the American fighting men in Vietnam were not murderers or baby killers…They were the sons of our next door neighbor, they were the grocery clerks, the mechanics, and factory workers. In short, they embodied the best values that made America great as they came of age.
July 30, 2022
John Podlaski certainly knows how to write about war. He brings it right to your front door, thrusts it into you face and says: “This is war. Smell it, see it, feel it. War isn’t romantic, glamorous, or heroic. War is young men dying in the dirt. War is loss and grieving families.”
This short story is about a young man who, lured by a good job and money, drops out of college and losses his protection against being drafted. At the age of just eighteen years old, this young man is yanked away from his loving family, handed a weapon, and sent off to fight for his country. All I could think of during the early scenes was my own son who is currently studying at university.
Congratulations to the author on another hard hitting and revealing look at the Vietnam War.
This short story is about a young man who, lured by a good job and money, drops out of college and losses his protection against being drafted. At the age of just eighteen years old, this young man is yanked away from his loving family, handed a weapon, and sent off to fight for his country. All I could think of during the early scenes was my own son who is currently studying at university.
Congratulations to the author on another hard hitting and revealing look at the Vietnam War.
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September 27, 2022Instead of the usual celebration of birthday cake, balloons and pierogi, 2-27-70 was a day of anticipation, reflection and ultimately a not particularly happy new beginning. In typical fashion, the author paints a picture that draws the reader into its center. I could smell the aroma of freshly baked cake and see young George’s cheeks seemingly ready to burst before his siblings came to the rescue, as he tried to blow up balloons for his dad’s annual birthday party.
When John woke up on his dad’s birthday in 1970, however, the jovial atmosphere was somber, and understandably so. Why? You’ll need to read this thought provoking short story to discover the reason and find out how John moved forward from 2-27-70. Well done, Mr. Podlaski!
When John woke up on his dad’s birthday in 1970, however, the jovial atmosphere was somber, and understandably so. Why? You’ll need to read this thought provoking short story to discover the reason and find out how John moved forward from 2-27-70. Well done, Mr. Podlaski!
August 9, 2022
I enjoyed this short story! It focuses on a pivotal moment in a young man's life as a small lapse in judgment alters his life forever. The author knows how to draw you in and hold you for the entire story. He easily shows you the reality of those times because he lived it. War changes lives forever, and this short story shows how impactful it was for this family. If you're looking for a quick read that will take you on a journey to the past, then you will enjoy this story. :-)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews