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A Passion for Blue

by Michael L. Ketcham

194 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #01-0283; ISBN 1-55212-881-4; US$23.00, C$23.00, EUR15.71, £11.87

A true story of the author's life while a member of the U.S. Navy from March '71 to January '75.

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About the book      About the author      Introduction      Catalogue info

About the Book A Complete true story of the author's life and adventures while serving in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam and on extended deployments overseas. These are tales of fear and loneliness, humor and love. These experiences transformed Ketcham from a boy into a man.

About the Author Born in Galesburg, Illinois on August 6, 1950 to parents John & Charlene Ketcham. After graduating from West Aurora High School in 1968, Michael attended Carl Sandburg College and upon graduation enlisted in the United States Navy in March 1971. Upon completion of basic & advanced training, the author was assigned to the U. S. Naval Communications Station in Cam Ranh Bay Vietnam. He was reassigned to the Naval Advisory Group in Saigon and worked for the Director of Supply. Earning several decorations, the author returned stateside in May of 1972 and was assigned to the troop transport USS Chilton. Shortly thereafter the ship was decommissioned and Ketcham was reassigned to the fleet oiler USS Canisteo. Following his discharge in Jan 1975, the author attended Northern Illiniois Univerisity as an art major. After becoming bored with school, he began his employment with Metropolitan Life Insurance. Marriage in May 1977 to Joan Maas produced one son, Michael Anthony who is now a Senior at Illinois Wesleyan University as a Theatre major. The author is now employed at Allstate Life Insurance and in his spare time he enjoys model railroading, collecting and magic. He is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Society of American Magicians. ---------------------------------- Reviews of A Passion for Blue "Your book was a great read. Your writing style paints word pictures for the reader and one feels they are there experiencing the sights, sounds and smells with you. The book flows from one experience to the next. The revelation of your emotional and psychological experiences touch the readers heart." Jim and Judi Keltner July, 2002 I received a copy of your book for Father's Day. I enjoyed reading it. I could not put it down. You are a great writer and it brought back many memories for me. I to love our Country, Flag and loved wearing those Blues. I have two sons, one in the Navy and the other off to college in the fall. I don't know where 30 years went. I remember you and other shipmates like it was yesterday. Thank you for sharing your story. HT3 Brian E. Bethune R-Div Can - Do July, 2004 ----------------------------------

Introduction

"This is a first hand detailed accounting of my life and experiences while serving in the US Navy from March 1971 to January 1975. Every experience from Boot Camp through discharge is covered. Share with me my loneliness and fear in Vietnam and on extended deployments to the Mediterranean Sea. Witness tales of conquest and conflict covering a four-year span of devoted service. The descriptions and events portrayed in this book happened to the best of my knowledge. Some names and events have been changed or altered for personal reasons. This is mandatory reading for anyone who ever experienced life in the US Navy or knows someone who has."

Catalogue Information