Once a Soldier
Once a Soldier by J. Tomas Rivera, published by Trafford Publishing in 2006, presents a compelling narrative that explores the life of Antonio Berrios, a Hispanic American youth from a middle-class Puerto Rican family. The story begins with Tony’s love for Lisa Allende, which leads to a series of tragic events, including her pregnancy and subsequent complications that result in both her death and that of their unborn child. In his grief, Tony joins the military during the Vietnam War, where he undergoes basic training and is deployed to Europe, setting the stage for a transformative journey.
Throughout the book, readers will find a detailed account of Tony’s experiences, including his complex relationship with Master Sgt. Paul Landis, who becomes both a mentor and a significant figure in Tony’s life. The narrative delves into themes of self-discovery and the challenges faced by individuals in the military during a time when issues of sexual orientation were not openly discussed. The story also highlights Tony’s struggles with identity and love, particularly in the context of his relationship with his Commanding Officer, 1st Lt. Douglas Heaton, against the backdrop of military life and societal expectations. This edition spans 524 pages and is presented in English.
Official synopsis Publisher
The true story which unfolds in Once a Soldier is as timely and gripping as today’s headlines. Antonio Berrios a Hispanic American youth from a middle class Puerto Rican family falls in love with the daughter of a friend of the family visiting Puerto Rico from Spain. Arturo Allende’s visit to Puerto Rico was both a business and personal venture which eventually took its toll in Tony’s life. Tony is 18 when he and Lisa Allende meet during his birthday party, fall in love, and marry each other despite her mother’s stern objections. She becomes pregnant, has an abortion, and both she and the unborn child die of complications from the procedure, driving him temporarily mentally unstable. Throughout his time of mourning and desperation he joins the military during the Vietnamese War, goes through basic training and is shipped to Europe serving with the Army of Occupation where his life takes a complete turn of events. Sexually violated and later befriended by his platoon sergeant while on basic training, Master Sgt. Paul Landis becomes his friend and mentor, guiding him through his military training as well as introducing him to a world he knew little about. This occurrence takes place at a time when “don’t ask don’t tell” was not a factor in the military. Through intense pleading for forgiveness by his violator, Tony is guided through several months of basic training as well as sexual orientations until he begins to discover his inner self and who he really is. His relationship with Sgt. Landis becomes deeply involved, intense and step by step through Sgt. Landis’ gentle guidance he falls into a web of self discovery. Serving overseas Tony Allende is shot and seriously wounded in an outbreak of violence during a Communist May Day demonstration while on temporary Military Police duty in Trieste, Italy. Because of his injuries, the need for a blood transfusion almost costs him his life; his Commanding Officer, 1st Lt. Douglas Heaton donates his own blood. Working with Lt. Heaton, his Commanding Officer ” married, father of two children ” Tony falls in love with him. Their relationship and experiences working and living together and the insecurities in the private life of his Commanding Officer makes the basis for the unusual startling true story.
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