ANDY ADKINS
US Navy Veteran... City Firefighter... Engineer... Consultant... Author
"Life is a journey, one step followed by another..."
NOW AVAILABLE!
I'm pleased to announce that my new book, The 'Nam "AC-48", is published and available on Amazon. It's a tribute to the 48 servicemen from Alachua County, Florida who died in the line of service during the Vietnam War.
Much has been written about the Vietnam War, but The 'Nam "AC-48" is unique. This is a personal look ... beyond the numbers. I didn't want to stop at the 58,266 names on the Vietnam Memorial Wall or even the 1,567 still listed as Missing in Action.
I wanted to present a more personal side - the individual.
Forty-eight young men with ties to Alachua County, Florida lost their lives in Vietnam. This book is about them. These men volunteered or were drafted - it makes no difference. They answered the call from their Country. To them, it was the patriotic thing.
"God, Family, Country."
Patriotism has been described as love and duty to your Country. But as you read some of these stories, you will understand it is also the love and duty to their comrades ... members of their unit.
Please take time to think of these young men, not just as another number or name as part of the KIA or MIA; don't think of them as just the cost of war.
These young men - sons, brothers, fathers, and husbands - were real people with real lives that were cut far too short. They will never know what we are able to enjoy, in part because of their ultimate sacrifice. Thank them and thank you for taking the time to read this book.
For more information, click HERE.
Also available in audio
My latest blog post: 11/10/2026 #227 - Veterans Day 2026
Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11.
I've always tried to honor Veterans Day, even as a kid. My dad fought in WWII, and he took time for remembrance and taught me the importance and respect for veterans. I felt I needed to, too. After I served in the Navy, it was equally important ... but as I've grown older, it means more to me each year.
Several years ago, I began attending an annual get together of veterans at a local cemetery. Both Vietnam veterans and Vietnam-era veterans (like me) gather for a quiet ceremony to honor several high school classmates who were killed in the Vietnam War. It's a somber experience, but an important tradition to continue to remember our fallen comrades.
I've been extremely fortunate to have not only a Navy background (me) but also an Army background. My dad, A.Z. Adkins, Jr., served with the 80th Infantry Division in Europe during WWII. My father-in-law, Dr. Rufus K. Broadaway, served with the 82nd Airborne Division in Europe during WWII. I've written several blogs about them both.
I also know many of you have fathers and grandfathers (and now, sons and daughters) who serve. All are true veterans.
Books written by Andy Adkins
80th Division (WWII) Books edited by Andy Adkins
