Finding Salvation In Public Service

Former State Sen. Mike Blackbird has written a book about his brother, Jerry, also a state senator, who emerged bitter from war toward politicians who sent young men into the Vietnam War meat grinder. Mike emails Huckleberries a press release for his book, “One Flaming Hour.” It begins: “In One Flaming Hour , former Idaho State Senator Mike Blackbird has written of how his brother Jerry came out of a heroic military career bitter and depressed, and then found perspective and purpose in a renewed life of public service. During the peak of the Vietnam War Jerry flew more than 1400 medivac helicopter missions.  He sent home a searing set of letters describing the horrors of war, the failing leadership, and the politics surrounding exaggerated body counts. His heroics resulted in numerous medals and honors but masked a growing doubt about the war and its purpose. More here.

• About ‘A Flaming Hour’ /Carlson Chronicles
• Mike Kennedy mini-review for Ridenbaugh Press

Question: I had the pleasure of knowing Mike Blackbird during his tenure as a state senator. But I never knew his brother. Did you?