A Warrior's Worth

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

The Forging of A Warrior's Worth

I have been asked numerous times why I wrote a book on my dad's unit in Vietnam. I can say that originally I had no intentions of writing a book. I set out to document my father's stories so one day my children and their children could read about my dad and get an idea of what the Vietnam War was really like and not what the movies portray it to be.

After interviewing my dad and documenting some of his stories he directed me to talk with his 1st platoon leader, Lt. Angus Macaulay. After my initial conversation with Angus I started contemplating writing a book. Angus began sending me numerous periodicals and directing me who to talk with and where to begin my research. From there my research efforts exploded and I dedicated myself to writing a book on F Troop.

As a husband and father of two with a full time job it was a demanding and daunting undertaking to start writing a book. It took me a total of four years of on again off again work to complete the book. I learned a lot while writing the book, specifically how not to write one. For my next book I plan on attacking it in a much more efficient manner. Work on the book was wholly dependant upon hearing from different troopers. After interviewing them I would document their stories and fit it into the framework of the book. When no new troopers contacted me then I was back to sitting and waiting on moving forward with the book. I interviewed approximately sixty troopers for the book.

I can tell you that as a military history buff I thought I knew what Vietnam was all about but even my thoughts on the war were scarred by decades of fictional works and one sided stories. Once I started talking to the men who were there I found that Vietnam was still alive in the hearts and minds of many troopers. Their stories and recollections created for me a whole new realization about what America was involved in over there. For many F Troopers, Vietnam would stand as a lone pillar in their lives to which all other events would be measured. It was a time that prematurely turned boys into men.

Announcing the release of A Warrior's Worth, The Forging of F Troop, 17th Cavalry

I am proud and honored to announce the release of my first book, A Warrior's Worth, The Forging of F Troop, 17th Cavalry. For those of you who are aware of this project know it has been a long time coming. Currently, copies are only available for purchase through me and I have unlimited access to additional copies. I elected to have the book layout done by a professional design group to get the right look and so far I have heard nothing but positive comments on the appearance. In addition to utilizing a professional design group, I published the book myself so the production costs was substantial. Each book currently cost $50 which already includes shipping anywhere in the United States. If you wish to purchase a book you can send me an e-mail at mjtkeegan@sbcglobal.net and I will advise where to send your check. Upon receiving your check I will mail your copy(s) out immediately. Please e-mail me or call me at 831-236-9228 if you have any questions. It has been an honor to document the history of F Troop and I am humbled to have written it's story.

Back Jacket Matter

A turning point in American military history, the Vietnam War would prove to be many things to many people. For the boys of F Troop, 17th Cavalry it would prove to be a defining time in their lives; an event that would prematurely turn them from boys into men. The time they spent together in the flatlands of Central Vietnam would become the pillar in their lives to which all other events would be measured.

Formed as a rag-tag band of soldiers and officers from different units, F Troop would too soon find itself battling for survival in an unknown and hostile land. Training and preparations were insufficient for what the men faced. Ingenuity, dedication to fellow soldier and tenacity in the face of a determined enemy proved to be the only elements needed to turn them into a cohesive American fighting unit. After nearly seven years in country, F Troop would earn the respect of fellow soldiers and the reputation for getting the job done.

Four decades later, F Troop would be re-born and re-flagged as the 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry. Instead of horses, ACAVs or Sheridan tanks, 6th Squadron would ride into battle on the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter. Their mission was to provide aerial reconnaissance as an agile weapons platform in support of American ground forces in Iraq. Supported and maintained by combat support units within 6/17, Task Force Saber would prove to be dedicated, professional and reliable in its mission.

A Warrior’s Worth is simply a glimpse into the lives of the men of F Troop and the days they had to endure battling the enemy on the killing fields of Vietnam. It is written so those who were there can remember and those who were not can understand. This is the story of F Troop as told by the men who were there; their words painting a portrait of honor and selfless dedication to America and their fellow soldier.