Sallisaw Author Will Be at Fort Smith Library

Sallisaw author Marc Cullison will be signing copies of his new book, "The Other Vietnam War: A Helicopter Pilot's Life in Vietnam," from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Ave.

Cullison said the book "is holding its own" on amazon.com among the top 10 books about Vietnam.

The book tells the story of the pilot's introduction to a new country, a backward culture, the perils of a combat zone and the effects on a young lieutenant fresh out of flight school.  It focuses on the internal battle each soldier fought to make sense of where he was, why he was there and if he was good enough.

Copies of the book will be available at the event, which is Authors in the Afternoon. Cullison's first book, "Where's the Ivy," relates his experience as a science professor and draws readers into the bewildering world of academia. Both of his books are available at Amazon.

Cullison is a baby boomer who grew up in an era when education was everything and duty to country was  a responsibility. After receiving a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve Corps of Engineers. During his four-year tour of duty, he served as a helicopter pilot with the 129th Assault Helicopter Co. in II Corps, Vietnam.

He is a retired college math and science instructor from Connors State College in Warner and Muskogee. He and his wife live in a self-built log house near Sallisaw.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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