ONE MONTH, 20 DAYS, AND A WAKE-UP

One Month, 20 Days, and a Wake-Up follows a young man’s account of his four years serving in the Air Force. This novel follows him and his best friend as they volunteer to cross-train into the elite career field of Pararescue. They spend 14 months of grueling training where only the best and those with the desire to push themselves to the limit, successfully succeed in becoming a PJ.

When he graduates and proudly wears the burgundy beret and Pararescue Flash, he knows it is only a matter of weeks; he will be assigned to a Pararescue flight crew in Vietnam. The book follows his 13 months in Vietnam where he quickly learns the horror of war and how he must adapt to not only keep his sanity, also return alive. His story contains several of the rescue missions he and his PJ brothers complete where not all of the rescued are returned alive. When he faces personal bereavement, he must reach deep to restore his integrity, and keep his oath, “These things I do, that others may live.”

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REVIEWS:

Margaret May Damen:

“This is a compelling narrative of one man’s courage and sacrifice for his country. It is also a modern-day version of the hero’s journey and transformation from conflict to resolution. The author’s clarity of writing style and rich choice of words brings to life a haunting war drama of tension and turmoil. A must read for a generation of boomers who grew up in the Viet Nam era.”

Margaret May CFP®, CLU, ChFC, CAP® is a charismatic speaker, author, and dynamic seminar leader.  She is a co-author of Women, Wealth & Giving: The Virtuous Legacy of the Boom Generation, (John Wiley & Sons, 2010) and a frequent and popular national keynote speaker and consultant. Her forthcoming book Your Legacy: Live It, Love It, Leave It! Is scheduled for 2017 publication.

David Benson:

“Top notch book!!! The title tells you what it’s about, and the story inside is quite revealing. Any high schooler or older adult will love this especially if you’re into history. It’s inspiring especially during these savagely negative political times, not to mention influential Americans who are taking a stand AGAINST the freedoms SO many before have sacrificed for us to have. For the price, for the quality, and for those who especially were in the military or come from a military family, you gotta get this book! Enjoy!”

John Podlaski:

I thoroughly enjoyed Chuck Jackson’s new story, “One Month, 20 Days, and a Wake-up – One man’s story of what it meant to be a PJ”. The Navy has their Seals, Army, Green Beret’s, and the Air Force, Pararescue Jumpers (PJ). One thing to note is that they are all the best of the best and good at what they do.

In this story, readers follow the protagonist and his best friend as they go through basic training and then into Special Forces training to become PJ’s. The training is extremely difficult and those who graduate have a special skill – one that was greatly in need in the Vietnam War.
The friend is first to leave the country and later followed by the protagonist. Once there, he finds that the two of them will be separated during their tours.

The author’s recounting of the training and many rescue operations shared in the book makes readers thankful that people exist who are not daunted by the task at hand. In most instances, the PJ leaves the helicopter alone to seek out the missing pilots or crews of the downed aircraft. One story, in particular, left me breathless, where the jumper and missing pilot are left on the ground after enemy fire causes their transportation to vacate the area. To avoid spoiling the story, I will leave it there.

Other missions tell the story of rescues where those on the ground did not survive and the mission became one of recovery instead. I’ve got a great respect for these men and their special skills. As a result, I feel comfortable knowing that soldiers like those portrayed in this story are keeping me safe.

Highly recommended for those wanting to learn more about what these special people have to go through to earn the burgundy beret and flash…and then, marvel at what it takes to stand between us citizens and those who want to harm us. Great job Mr. Jackson!

John Podlaski, author
“Cherries – A Vietnam War Novel” and “When Can I Stop Running?”

Patricia Davis:

“This book was recommended to me by a long time friend who is a long time friend of the author and I’m glad she did! I found the book to portray the genuine challenges of those trying to make their way in the world with decisions that define an individual’s future. The story was realistic and honest and I very much enjoyed the read. I thank the author for his service. My father is among his Vietnam Veteran peers.”

William Bride:

“Dedicated servicemen who put their life on the line deserve to be recognized. We don’t often hear about these rescuers.”

Steve Laskin:

“This story was gripping and honestly told; revealing and heartfelt. I enjoyed it immensely.”

WHAT DID I DO?

What Did I Do? is Chuck Jackson’s true recollection of the abuse he received from both his parents. It is a story where he spent years struggling to please them without succeeding. It is a story where they told him he was irredeemable and unworthy of being their son. When he saw love and happiness in other families, he wondered why not his.

Chuck came out of the darkness to expound on the stigma attached to child abuse. He admitted to the effects of shame, anger, guilt, and depression that he and so many experiences. He tells the story of survival where he felt invisible. Follow him where he sought a warm touch and a kind word of praise. Follow his desperation for love from anyone. Follow Chuck’s story and help answer his question, what did I do?

Click here or on the image of the book to purchase from Amazon.com

“Justice will not be served
until those who are unaffected
are as outraged as those who are.”
—dotcomwomen.com

Reviews:

Andrew Joyce:

“Wow! What a read … and what a story. This book is so well written, it reads more like a novel. It’s a page turner alright. The story is hard to take only because of the abuse described. Mister Jackson has had one remarkable life. From the horrible home situation to his resilience, to his trumpet playing, to his time in Vietnam (which I wish he had gone into more detail on), to his coming to grips with all the shit he had to take over the years. Well played, Mister Jackson.”

Andrew Joyce is an award-winning author of six books. Joyce now lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he is busy working on his next book.

Joe Kolb:

“A wonderfully written true story of the cruelty, physically and emotionally, that a parent can inflict on a child. Everyone with children, or thinking of having children, should read and realize that every one of your actions has consequences. Every child living in an abusive relationship should read, if for no other reason, then to know that are people who love you and are willing to help you once you allow yourself to break your vow of silence. A true story of survival and the strength of the human spirit at the hand of treachery. I highly recommend to one and all. One Month, 20 Days, and a Wake-Up”

Bernadette Inclan:

“I had just finished watching the movie My Old Lady, starring Maggie Smith, Kirsten Scott Thomas, and Kevin Kline. It is a poignant story about reconciling one’s childhood; a mixture of neglect and child abuse. The mail had delivered Chuck’s memoir that same day. The movie was emotional, so I was in the frame of mind to read What Did I Do? This is actually a story about a hero. As I read the content, all I could think about was how enduring a person is Chuck Jackson. He could have made his life the story of a victim. Instead, this is one of strength and character in spite of history. This manuscript is a testament to one’s ability to make the choices that provide the most positive outcomes, no matter the struggle. Thank you for sharing this powerful story.”

Michael Phelps:

“This is a true story of childhood abuse by parents who for whatever reason, made this boy’s childhood a living hell. It is also a story of a boy’s decision to survive and put it all behind him and make a life for himself, and to succeed in life. What struck me is his father was a senior Non-commissioned Officer in the United States Air Force for over twenty years. A dedicated man in the service to his country.

Chuck Jackson has written his life’s story and it should be read by parents who are guilty of abusing their children, and most important, by kids who are victims of abuse. His life and his survival remind me of Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s and David Janssen, the star of “The Fugitive”, whose mother placed him in a boy’s home for three years, where he was subjected to bullies. This is a very good read.”

Michael Phelps is the Writer, not the Olympic Champion; is the Co-Author of “DAVID JANSSEN-MY FUGITIVE” the Biography of the award-winning late actor, written with the actor’s first wife, Ellie.

Also by Micael, “The Execution of Justice”.