Last Plane out of Saigon is not just a chronicle of the misery and insanity of war; it is a warning by someone who really cares about his family, his friends and the larger community."
-Pat Brown, Vietnam Era Participant
Richard tries to make sense of an environment where survival not idealism was the only thing that mattered. John provides excellent context to events from “the world” outside of Vietnam and offers critical commentary of published views on the Vietnam experience.
...it is a powerful tribute to the 58,286 American lives lost and the countless others impacted. It asks what lessons we have learned that we can apply today, especially to address the needs of our returning war veterans."
-Tony Alvarado, USAF Capt. (JAG), 1972-1976: Interim Chair and Instructor, Marketing & Entrepreneurship Department for St. Edwards University.
"fantastic book!"
- Terry Tottenham: founder Texas Legal Clinics for Veterans, Vietnam era veteran, former President of the State Bar of Texas.
His book is more significant not only because it tells a story that needs to be told, but because he also explores the politics surrounding the war in Vietnam including government decisions, the families waiting at home, the college protesters and the experience of returning home."
-Randy Borzilleri, Vietnam vet and fellow 3rd Field Hospital soldier.
... it does evoke deep feelings and memories in me, and for that reason I congratulate Richard Pena and John Hagan on a powerful and incisive remembrance of a time and place and war that isn't really past."
- Michael J. Malley, Vietnam Veteran
If there is one major take away from the book it is that all veterans who returned from Vietnam were indelibly changed on an emotional level, and that we must avoid needlessly sending future generations into conflicts which have potential to cause similar emotional harm unless it is absolutely necessary...
This is an informative and important work which should be read by all Americans."
- Ken Atchity of Writer’s Lifeline Analysis
I had the chance yesterday to read your book while I took the train from Budapest to Prague. It sure brought back to me the feeling of the times. Well said -- then and now ! “
-Phillip O’Neill : partner in International Law firm of Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP, and Vietnam era participant.
It’s so timely , especially as things are heating up… "
-Eileen Gallagher, Assistant Director for Governance, Liaison and Legal Affairs, American Bar Foundation
Thank you for taking the time to put your recollections into print. People need to know what it was like.”
-Fred Day, Vietnam Veteran
... it is so well-written, I feel as if I'm right back in that Vietnam era. What a wonderful project to unfold after all these years!”
-Rebecca Bootzin, Vietnam era participant
Very thoughtful and analytical. Savor history. Pena has integrity that spans the Globe!"
-Sam Boyd, Vietnam Veteran
I couldn't put this book down! I was completely caught up in the story... should be a required reading for all Americans both adults and teens."
-Leslie Neilan
…compact and compelling book.”
-Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman
Important new book."
-Fellows News, American Bar Foundation-June 2014