A Passion for Blue

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.