Published: May 05, 2011
Words: 3,509 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781458050908

Short description

A short story about life as a soldier in Vietnam. This is the fourth installment in the series of Vietnam short stories entitled "LRRP Rangers Vietnam". The first three short stories were set in the mountains and jungles of Vietnam's central highlands, but "Chasing After Wind" takes place on the Ranger company grounds in the base camp of An Khe.

Extended description

A short story about life as a soldier in Vietnam.

This is the fourth installment in the series of Vietnam short stories entitled "LRRP Rangers Vietnam". The first three short stories were set in the mountains and jungles of Vietnam's central highlands, but "Chasing After Wind" takes place on the Ranger company grounds in the base camp of An Khe. Yet, this installment is no less bold, dark, and intense (the words of a reviewer) than the earlier stories that recounted missions in the field.

The title is borrowed from the Old Testament, and the short story begins with this epigraph: (Read more) A short story about life as a soldier in Vietnam.

This is the fourth installment in the series of Vietnam short stories entitled "LRRP Rangers Vietnam". The first three short stories were set in the mountains and jungles of Vietnam's central highlands, but "Chasing After Wind" takes place on the Ranger company grounds in the base camp of An Khe. Yet, this installment is no less bold, dark, and intense (the words of a reviewer) than the earlier stories that recounted missions in the field.

The title is borrowed from the Old Testament, and the short story begins with this epigraph:

"No one has power over the wind to restrain the wind, or power over the day of death; there is no discharge from the battle ... all is vanity and a chasing after wind."

Ecclesiastes 8:8 & 1:14

"Chasing After Wind" considers twists of fate in the context of a barracks poker game, the uncontrollable wind, and a malevolent joker in the deck.

The author refers to the series as "autobiographical fiction". Each installment is based on a true incident but the stories are told with literary embellishment. During the author's tour of duty, he was twice awarded a bronze star for valor in combat.

Volumes I, II, III have been published and may be purchased here. The opening installment is entitled "Eleven Bravo" and tells the story of a newbie grunt infantryman on a torturous twenty-three day hump through the jungle. "Here Comes Charlie" is the second installment of the series and begins with a helicopter insertion into remote territory and ends with a LRRP team encounter with NVA. "Cat Quiet" is the third installment. With striped face paint and tiger fatigues, four LRRPs creep through the jungle. Cat quiet stealth is their only ally, but with a pair of surprises.
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Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages. For more information, see the Support FAQ.

Tags

vietnam, viet nam, central highlands, lrrp, lrp, army ranger, an khe

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Reviews

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Review by: Mimi Barrison on June 09, 2011 :
I received this novella as part of a LibraryThing member giveaway and I really found it both interesting to read and insightful.

I didn't know anything about the author, R.W. Holmen, before reading this Vietnam vignette, but I could tell from his bold figurative language and intense description, that this was written based on personal experience. The poker game metaphor really stresses the sometimes ironic nature of war, leaving us with the ongoing question, "Who is the enemy, really?" Very thought provoking and I look forward to reading the other installments of "LRRP Rangers Vietnam."

Thank you, Mr. Holmen, for giving me the opportunity to review your story...and with Memorial Day just around the corner, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your service to our country!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

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