13 Moons over Vietnam, 7th Moon ~ Heartache by Ben Thieu Long, published by Outskirts Press

13 Moons over Vietnam, 7th Moon ~ Heartache

by Ben Thieu Long

13 Moons over Vietnam, 7th Moon ~ Heartache

by Ben Thieu Long

Published Apr 22, 2022
185 Pages
Genre: FICTION / War & Military

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Book Details

The cauldron of war swirls ominously with feelings of lovesickness, numbness, outbursts of anger, fearful anxiety, reckless behavior, violent rages, and self-loathing. When contradictory emotions collide, it’s no surprise that a person, at that exact moment, imagines they are going crazy. And when these conditions continually alternate between light and darkness, that person senses their life is entirely out of control. Life seems to be descending into a death spiral for the individual battling to remain stable during such fluctuating circumstances. Ben Thieu Long (pseudonym) faced numerous temptations and ethical dilemmas, and his responses undermined his confidence that he genuinely was committed to his values. Ben was unprepared for the stark reality that morally devout individuals could falter when enticed by temptations. As a result, his responses had profound effects, both in the moment and for his entire life. Thirteen Moons over Vietnam is a thirteen-volume series describing a military policeman's moral and emotional struggles while serving in the Vietnam War. Although this is one soldier's story, 13 Moons illustrates a pattern countless veterans face across generations after encountering the ethical ambiguities in war.

Randy asked, “How’s it going?” “R & R’s in two weeks. I try to write home – when I’m in the right mood.” “Why wouldn’t you write every day?” "Writing agitates my emotions, and thinking about being lonely is depressing. I distract myself by focusing on duty. I'm better off ignoring my feelings," Ben explained. "How can that work?" "It’s tough! I try to shut away my emotions, but sometimes they explode in my face.” “How do you deal with that?” “It's a struggle every day. I can't control my emotions unless I put a tourniquet on them. But, it's better to feel nothing than to drown in loneliness." “That’s depressing,” Randy declared. "Depression is a price either way. I have to pick my poison, and I prefer living a sterile life than suffering chronic heartache." "That's a downer." "Hell, life can change. Vietnam has already changed me; I'm not the same guy Sue married a year ago. Who planned for that?”

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.