Mark listened to the "wop-wop" of the helicopter's blades. He had lived on a farm before marriage and joining the Air Force.

How had he come this far, from a boot heel cotton farm to the rice paddies of Viet Nam? He could never think of himself as brave or fearless as he watched Charlie's movement, there in the deep forest. He was reconnaissance and he was scared.

Th e enemy was getting closer and he had seen movement out in the fi eld and thought he heard the sound of a baby's cry. As the helicopter's sound became stronger he saw the child dart from the thatched hut, an adult on its heels and he knew enemy eyes were focused on the movement, too.

Th ere was no other way to run, but from the enemy straight toward Mark with shots pelting the ground and the churn of air from the helicopter coming in for him. How was he to know saving the lives of mother and child would become only a memory of a war that had taken him from a good job, a new wife and a son to be born while he was away, to return home to a bleak future, void of promise? Th ere was no hero's welcome, when he returned.

He would never understand those who spat at him, while calling him and his buddies, "baby killers. " His country had called and he had answered.

Now as he struggles to gain control of his life, the old relationship suff ered as a boy with his father simmers. When illness strikes, neither he nor his father are prepared for the ravage it will take with Mark's life.

But Mark's faith becomes the Savior he shares with those he meets. Few have not met Mark Buchannan.

PROMISES We all remember growing up, the chores we were given, the holiday activities with family and the more serious times; Graduation, fi nding the right person, marriage and for Mark service to his country. Come along, as Mark leaves behind, family, employment and church to serve his country.

Promises takes you on the battlefi eld with Mark in the rice paddies of VietNam where the people try to press out a living in a war torn land, even where the helicopters land and the enemy is vigilant. Feel the pressure as a baby toddles out into the open when there's incoming fi re.

Understand Mark's frustration as mother and child's wounds are treated but not with dignity from their own country men. When his time ends, return home with Mark to fi nd no heroes welcome, no employment and the bitter dregs of life changing where he lives.

All he can do is rely on his faith to carry him through. Promises was edited by a retired colonel in the Air Force.

About the AuthorBetty Lowrey draws from an educational background that dealt with literature and the love of words and life. She began writing fi rst person articles of interest for a newspaper and branched into hosting a weekly column that featured area writers and poets.

She studied with the late author and illustrator David Melton and has been published in numerous magazines and newspapers. While writing is an important outlet, she is also an artist, a life group leader, and has an interest in an area agricultural endeavor.

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