The Twins Platoon

On August 9-13th, 2006 USMC Combat Helicopers Assoicaton (Popasmoke) held its reunion at the Fort Worth convention center in Fort Worth/Dallas, Texas. There were more than 2,000 members in attendance. At the request of the Association member HMM 362 a book signing was held for the “Ugly Angles”, whose gallant and historic actions are written about in the book. Twins Platoon member, Joe Siedler was also on hand to sign books. (Photos provided by Papasmoke & USMC PIO Photographers)

I’m sorry I have taken so long to finish your book. I was in the middle of several 3 part trilogies this spring and didn’t get past the opening pages of your book until last week. I can’t tell you how moved I was by your stories. It was hard for me to read and more graphic than I had ever imagined it would be. It was compelling and disturbing and very worth reading. I have insights now into the war you experienced that those of us who were home in the USA the whole time never could have imagined; even though we saw gruesome video every night on the 6:00 news! Thank you for bringing it all to the surface again for us. I pray that there is an appreciation for the sacrifice and suffering of our troupes now that was not common at the time. I must tell you I had no idea of the isolation and shame and loneliness that so many experienced upon their return. I could barely see the pages of the last few chapters through the tears that flooded my eyes while trying to read. So moved was I and angry at the insensitivity of our culture. And the beauty of the story as you finally began connecting people from the twins platoon with others and family members of soldiers who were killed was overpowering. Read the rest of this entry »

On July 22, 2006 there was a book signing at Barnes & Noble book store in Blaine, MN. Seven members of the Twins Platoon were on hand and signed books. At the request of the store manager, members were also asked to sign a suppy of books for future sale.

The July 12-16th, 2006, members of the of 2nd Battalion 4th Marines Association (Magnificent Bastards) honored their supporting Marine Aviation units at their reunion. Brg. General William Weise (Ret), who contributed to the forward to the book invited all members of the Twins Platoon. The agenda included a book signing held by the Marine Corps. book store at Quantico. For many members of 2/4 this book represents a significant period in their life that will never be forgotten.

On July 2, 2006 the Minnesota Twins organization honored the Twins Platoon during a pre-game ceremony for their Armed Services Appreciation day. The day held many special moments (including a standing ovalition from some 47,000 fans) for each member of the Twins Platoon as well as their families, friends and communities. This was the largest gathering of the Twins Platoon members since their original ceremony June 28, 1967. We would like to thank the Minnesota Twins Baseball Organization for their continued support of our Armed Services. Click on photo for more pictures.

The book siging at Abundant Life Church on May 20, 2006 was the third book signing that resulted in over 100 books being sold and autographed by members of the Twins Platoon. Inspired by the book Twins Platoon, Pastor Kevin Haseltine wrote and delivered a powerful sermon “Freedom is not Free”.

At the book signing on April 22, 2006 the Anoka County Historical Society presented the Twins Platoon and the vistors with a special cake. The A.C.H.S. has an award winning Vietnam exhibit which inclues a copy of the ink drawing “Anguish” by Twins Platoon member Bruce Sommer. The original drawing was aquired by the National Vietnam Veterans art Museum, Chicago, IL. “The Vietnam Experience” published by the A.C.H.S. has two pages devoted to “The Twins Platoon.” which is an honor. Click on photo for more pictures.

On April 19, 2006 a record crowd turned out to meet the Twins Platoon and hear what the author had to say. The store quickly sold out of books. Employees of Zenith Press came to the rescue providing an additional 100 books, which came within a few books of also being sold out. It was a history making event for many.  Click on picture to see more.

The first book signing took place on March 18, 2006 at Morgan and Company in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Twelve members of the Twins Platoon (see picture) were on hand to sign books from 1:00 to 4:00. Hundreds of people turned out for this event, shocking Twins Platoon member Larry Buske, who had said to his wife enroute, “I wonder what we are going to do for three hours?”. For three hours people thanked the Twins Platoon members for their military service and requested their autographs making the event a memory to charish. Click on the picture for more recent book signing photos.

Meet Christy Sauro, have him sign your book, and discuss The Twins Platoon Saturday, March 18, at Morgan & Company, 25 North Lake Street, Forest Lake. Sauro will be there 1 to 4 p.m.
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