13 Moons over Vietnam: 6th Moon ~ Friction by Ben Thieu Long, published by Outskirts Press

13 Moons over Vietnam: 6th Moon ~ Friction

by Ben Thieu Long

13 Moons over Vietnam: 6th Moon ~ Friction

by Ben Thieu Long

Published Aug 27, 2021
190 Pages
Genre: FICTION / War & Military

Qty:

Book Details

“There’s a big difference between a good friend and a good partner,” Jacob said. “I thought a good friend would be a great partner,” Ben replied. “That assumption could be a fatal mistake on the job.” “MISTAKE? How could that be true?” “MP work is dangerous, depending on the situation. If a friend isn’t committed to performing as decisively or aggressively as the circumstances require, you could get hurt, or worse,” Jacob explained. “All my friends would be good partners!” Ben insisted. “Does that include your friend Zero? You said you’d never work with him again because he was unreliable on the job.” “Okay, he’s a friend, but a terrible partner on the job,” Ben admitted. “Wasn’t it worse than that? I heard there was intense friction.” “Okay, I get it. The best partners are guys who share the same approach to the job. Sometimes friends are the worst partners.” “There’s a big difference between a good friend and a good partner,” Jacob said. “I thought a good friend would be a great partner,” Ben replied. “That assumption could be a fatal mistake on the job.” “MISTAKE? How could that be true?” “MP work is dangerous, depending on the situation. If a friend isn’t committed to performing as decisively or aggressively as the circumstances require, you could get hurt, or worse,” Jacob explained. “All my friends would be good partners!” Ben insisted. “Does that include your friend Zero? You said you’d never work with him again because he was unreliable on the job.” “Okay, he’s a friend, but a terrible partner on the job,” Ben admitted. “Wasn’t it worse than that? I heard there was intense friction.” “Okay, I get it. The best partners are guys who share the same approach to the job. Sometimes friends are the worst partners.”

Thirteen Moons over Vietnam is a thirteen-volume series revealing a military policeman's moral and emotional trials while serving in the Vietnam War. The author published his stories and letters home to fulfill a promise he made in 1970 during his tour of duty. Ben Thieu Long (pseudonym) faced ongoing temptations and moral challenges, and his behaviors triggered doubts about his commitment to his values. A young man coming to terms with his faith and moral code, Ben changed dramatically due to his experiences. The author’s objective is to illustrate that even morally strong individuals can falter when enticed by tempting situations and that those choices have profound effects. Although this is one soldier's story, 13 Moons illustrates a pattern most certainly faced by countless veterans across generations when encountering the inevitable ethical ambiguities in war.

About the Author

Ben Thieu Long

Ben Thieu Long (pseudonym) was born in Chicago and graduated from high school in a small Midwestern town. He spent a couple of unsuccessful years in college before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969. Ben’s tour of duty in Vietnam had profound effects, both negative and positive. He developed the strength and resilience to persist in the face of adversity when confronted by difficult circumstances. Insights learned from his military experience reshaped his perspective on courage and moral strength. The most important lesson he learned related to choices and responses. While individuals may not always make wise choices, they can learn and mature mentally and spiritually. Following his military service, Ben returned to college as a more focused student. He completed his B.A. in Sociology, earned a Master’s Degree, and went on to a successful human resources career in manufacturing, higher education, and healthcare. Ben effectively led organizational change and coached individuals to overcome difficult circumstances and rebound as more robust and healthier people. His leadership strength, courageous resilience, and acquired wisdom made him an inspiring role model for hundreds of employees facing workplace challenges. Retired and living on a farm, Ben continues in his commitment to education and making positive changes. He pursues publishing the 13 Moons over Vietnam series and a follow-up series on lifelong consequences to fulfill a promise made in 1970 while serving in the Vietnam War.