John Messer

Guardians of the Eagle John Messer

This is a true story about a young boy who grew up on a tenant farm in rural Arkansas. Having no hope of obtaining a higher education, he joins the Navy. As you read, youll share the cultural shock he experienced from the rigors of military life upon entering bootcamp. Youll feel his pain when he learns that hell be going aboard ship instead of to a technical school. Youll revel with him when he finally discovers his niche as a Navy Hospital Corpsman. Youll learn to love, as he did, the Navy Nurse who eventually became his wife. The joy at the birth of his first two children turns bittersweet when he finds himself discharged from the Navy and unemployed. The decision to re-enter the Navy, after learning his wife was pregnant with their third child, is gut wrenching. Youll experience his frustration with the outbreak of the Vietnam War. In a very short time, he finds himself attached to the Marine Corps serving in an infantry battalion. Youll come to know what its like to be an ordinary man in combat as he describes his struggles to stay alive and remain sane.