Wetterling, J. D. - Sons of Thunder (fiction)

[Belinda Y. Edwards]

purchased three copies of this book: one for my husband, one of my sons and my father-in-law. i purchased so many copies because interests in war is high in my family. Mainly, because my father-in-law flew a fighter plane in the same war as this book retales.

It is a book about war - from the heart and eyes of one who lived one of our most historical wars in history, Vietnam. A vulnerable book that openingly shares the fears, pain, and coping skills that one employs during times of great uncertainty.

Two thoughts that come from reading this book:

1. Causes one to consider life - are we all in a war of some kind? What coping skills do we engage?

2. Turns my heart to those who are serving our Country tonight and evokes prayers for their safety: mind/body/spirit/soul.

3. Does all caps mean something to those who served in Vietnam?

Edited to add that the first three chapters are online and may be read here. (http://www.jdwetterling.com/story.htm)

This book continues to vibrate within me - -

[Judy Hamilton]

This is a true story...(with lot-sa liberty taken with the love story and senarios) and it was a sad story..the Army nurse is penned as a pacifist..which is was/is in real time not true. However JD needed a character to bounce the pros and cons of the Vietnam war..and he chose this manner to accomplish this.
I think, after accidentlystumbling upon this book on an Internet site, ordering it myself and reading it..knowing full well it was about JD and myself, and that all of the pilots and the harowing missions were real. Lance (Rock in the book) exploded on the flight line one lazy afternoon, I watched this horror happen from a distance on the beach near the flight line, when Lance returned from a mission with a load of volatile JP-4 fuel. Vince was also my friend, a quiet guy from New York, JD's his wingman..JD watched him burn on a night mission when his plane exploded..all of this was true..JD needed to get this all off his chest so he could move on with his life. So he did this in a manner not many persons do. He wrote a best seller book..penned it as a novel.. a historical fiction..
At the time perhaps JD may have considered that I would someday find this story..however he did not consider the pain..bittersweet..that in doing so, reading this story has given to my heart. I also began by reading the three chapters of the book that is posted on the internet, then I ordered the book myself. I came upon this book two years ago and after some time of reconciliation, I am ok with this Internet discovery. It is just a story and deals with a time that is in the past. It does speak in an exaggerated manner to a part of my heart and my life..however it is all history

God has blessed this friend of my heart..abundantly..he is leading a very complete, satisfied life. He is a good husband, dad and grandfather, a committed elder in his church and a committed Christian in his relationship with the Lord..which is of utmost importance.

This is a photo of the author ..and here are the F-100 Squadron "Dusty Flight" pilots of whom the story is about. They each one served our country valiantly. JD is the fourth person from the left in the back row. Col. English is/was in real life Col. Rhenshaw, the sixth pilot from the left on the front row. He was a hero in his own right. I can tell you of the men in this squadron and my F-100 pilot friends of the New Mexico ANG, "the TACOS" their sister squadron, whose remains were shattered and left in a rice patty in Vietnam or were left on the mountains of Laos.
I know some of you have dogged me to "Write a book Judy". You need to write a book about your time spent as an Army Nurse in Vietnam!! I have been reticent over the years here on naznet to reply. Now perhaps you understand the reason, as I feel there are enough pages penned about an Army Nurse in a yellow bikini.

Judy

[Belinda Y. Edwards]

Judy - -

You knew i was going to purchase the book for the men in my life. Garry had read it months ago. i have just read it.

i cried when i read your post - as i have cried since reading the book.

The aweful pain, Judy - i understand now why you scream at us - mercy, please mercy

i understand now - why - you can't sleep some nights.

i was never going to identify people of the book. i feel it is a must need book to understand the horror of war.

my heart is breaking for our military and my heart breaks for you.

You are one more tough cookie, my dear.

[Judy Hamilton]

Belinda

Thank you for your comments

If a picture speaks a thousand words

Here is my story..

http://heyjude.smugmug.com/gallery/337718

Judy