January 1968-John Powers opens a letter no young man wants to see: "Greetings from the United States Army." Overnight, he's ripped from civilian life and thrown into the chaos of basic training, the scorching deserts of Texas, and eventually, the sweltering warzone of Vietnam. From dodging rattlesnakes at Fort Bliss to gripping an M60 as a helicopter door gunner over enemy territory, Powers delivers an unflinching, heart-pounding account of life as a soldier. You'll march beside him through sleepless nights, sudden mortar attacks, and surreal moments of beauty in a land torn apart by war. Equal parts gritty, honest, and unexpectedly funny, From Citizen to Soldier to Hippie to Patriot isn't about politics-it's about people. It's about fear and courage, brotherhood and loss, and the way war leaves its mark long after the last shot is fired. Perfect for readers of military history, Vietnam War memoirs, and personal accounts of service and sacrifice.