Download PDF of this full issue: v55n1.pdf (47.2 MB)

The Amazing Adventures of Captain Embers

By Phil Marshall (reviewer)

The Amazing Adventures of Captain Embers & Chief Zogleman Whop! Whop! Whop!
by Ken Embers
(self-published, 2023)

Ken Ember's first self-published book gives us one more look at a pilot's past, present, and future. Of course, his time as a Gun Platoon Leader, some memorable missions in the past, and other amazing adventures (misadventures?) in the 61st Assault Helicopter Company are documented. But (then) Captain Embers also documents his magnanimous (my word) efforts towards the Vietnamese people today. With several trips back to Vietnam in the present, he discusses his efforts, along with other Veterans, to build Libraries in Vietnam and especially his efforts to teach English as a second language to Vietnamese children.

It was not a long read, and I had no trouble finishing the book in just a few sittings; Ken kept my interest, which was a key requirement for judging a book. I especially enjoyed Ken's humor and keen insight into how the "system" worked in Vietnam. For example, "Promotion came fast in Vietnam. Just stay alive!" And then there is the photo caption, "A very hairy, scary mission!" More than once, my wife caught me laughing out loud at some of Ken's humor.

The Amazing Adventures… is not so much about "War Stories" as it is a book about what we can do for the Vietnamese people now. He is still very much involved in the present and what we can do for the survivors and their families of that terrible time. As for the future? Ken ain't done yet! Via Zoom, he still teaches English to Vietnamese students. So nice to know that even in our 70s and 80s, we are still trying to do something good for the people of Vietnam.

Phil Marshall is a life member and was president of the VHPA in 1994. He flew dustoff in 1969 in Northern I Corps and he is also a life member of American Huey 369. He has authored over 25 books to include 19 books documenting the rescue missions that we all flew in Vietnam.