SAMUEL K. BEAMON

Bill Hart - Civilian Patriot Rider

Review date: 05/31/2009

Mr. Beamon, I just finished your book. I read 7/8ths of it at one sitting. It took some extra time to finish because I caught walking pneumonia and was out for the count for a few days.   Since the first time I met you, on the street by your home, you impressed me. You instantly wanted to take me to your post. You complemented me on my bike's paint and theme. Your excuse was you "don't need much prodding to have a drink" but I know now it was much more than that.   Your book is very compelling and places the reader in the head of Crew Chief Beamon, some times on board next to him. Reading the book made me feel like I was in Vietnam with you but only like remembering a dream. I could almost smell the JP-4 and hear the rotor wash as you were narrating your experience. The part about the General as door gunner and almost crashing because of pilot error. Your sounding off at that pilot and the "discussion" afterword made it all too personal.   You and I had a little discussion about the race factor at the post. I made a smart ass remark, "about only thing I have to do is be white and die". After reading the last part of your book I realize I was out of line with it. I have said that a number of times to others because an old black man would say that to me often when I was a teen. I thought it was a strange thing for him to say back then. I never knew the depth of the statement until I read your book. You gave a perspective to me that I never had before. I thank you for that.