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Feedback from readers of Thunder in the Night
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Having spent much of the 70s counseling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in veterans, Kopp’s book disquietingly returned me to memories of those days and feelings of fear, anger, frustration and hopeless inadequacy; some of these feelings shared by client and counselor alike.
Thunder in the Night reminds us that we, as a society, cannot afford to repeat the mistakes that led to such widespread emotional turmoil. Today I counsel the children of those vets, many struggling through a quagmire of drug, alcohol and physical abuse and I can’t help but think these generations are related in ways that are poignantly illuminated in this book.
Peggy Amidon - M.ED Counseling Psychology, Temple University
Executive Director R.I.SK Seminars Inc.
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Ray, I have read your book and wanted to tell you how impressed I am . You give a very honest account. I like your writing style and am absolutely amazed at the fine details that you remember. You shared very clearly in your book when you had to shut down in order to protect yourself and maintain what was required of you. I also was fascinated by the detailed account of the tactical maneuvers in that bay. Hey - I now also know what a cruiser is - at least I think I do.
I can not imagine what it must have been like to be in Vietnam at the ripe old age of twenty. Let alone finding the courage to share your experience years later. I have great respect for your accomplishments. I also gained a much better understanding about that war.
Interestingly enough PBS had a program last night about the Vietnam War. I also wanted to let you know that this is the first book that I read all the way through that discusses war. I usually break down (don't ask me why) and then can not finish.
Hugs,
Brigitte Sullivan - MSSA, LSW
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Dear Ray,
Just finished reading your book. Congratulations on capturing and expressing the pressures caused by the constant high tempo of operations almost always under the gun. This is an important addition to naval history.
Best regards, Bob Leverone
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Robert Leverone, Captain, USN (retired) was the Executive Officer of the USS Newport News (CA-148) during the period my book was written about. Captain Leverone is the senior-most, (living), member of the naval officer staff present for that deployment.
Captain Leverone now lives in Vero Beach, FL.
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Ray --
I finished reading your book for the first time (I know that I'll be reading it many more times) a few weeks ago and am somewhat delinquent in following through with my intention to congratulate you on a very impressive piece of work and to thank you for documenting what is both an important piece of history and what remains a very important part of so many personal lives.
I served on Newport News as a Fire Control Technician (FTG2) from 1966-69 and had responsibility for the Main Battery plotting rooms, fire control computers and radars for both of the first two Westpac cruises. Because my responsibilities there were a little different than yours, my perspectives on the experience differ from yours in some respects -- but, taken as a whole, I saw myself in your 2nd person "Ray" on almost every page of your writing. This, most especially, as regards "Ray's" innermost feelings both during his Vietnam experience and after he returned to a less than receptive homeland.
You've made an important contribution to all your shipmates and I can't thank you enough for the gift you've given us all.
Forever Your Shipmate,
Bill Firman
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---------- Forwarded Message ----------
Hi Ray,
Just finished reading your book; "Thunder in the Night". Enjoyed it very much. Thanks for the nice comments. I borrowed the book from Kristie Abretski. She had purchased the book with the hopes of reading something about her father, Paul (Ski)Abretski, who served aboard the Newport News when we did. He was the ship's repair officer - later damage control officer. She didn't realize the book was written from a radioman's perspective. Regardless; she enjoyed the book. Her father died several years ago.
I left the "News" in December 1974 and went to the Fleet Training Center in Charleston, SC, where I retired in June 1975 as a Lieutenant Commander after 28 years. Enjoyed them all; especially my tour on the Newport News. Had a good bunch of RM's working for me.
Ray, I go through Cape May at least twice a year on my way to Atlantic City (money wasting time), by virture of using the Cape May ferry. Don't know how far you live from the ferry landing, but maybe we could meet there on one of my trips and engage in a
little "Newport News" conversation.
Even though I read your book, I would like a copy for my library.I placed my order just a few minutes ago on your website.
Sincerely,
Joal C. Stroud
4404 St Mark Rd
Virginia Beach, VA
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Lt.Cmdr. Joal C. Stroud was the communications officer of the USS Newport News during our 1972 deployment to Vietnam.
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I have just became widowed by one of your readers, William E. Carter. he served 2, 1-year terms in Viet Nam and was a 21 year retired veteran or the US Navy. He read your book and loved every word of it. He praised your work and wanted more of it. I must tell you these words because he wanted to and died before he got the chance. He was military through and through. Anyone that wrote about it and praised it, he appaulded them. In his memory, I ask you to continue the good work.
Judy Carter for
William E. Carter ret.US Navy
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