When Called to Serve

About the Book

WHEN CALLED TO SERVE is the story of the visceral tensions of anger and violence set within the complexities of the ’60s Cold War era. A distinguished three-generation military family struggles with the agonizing patriotic, moral, and spiritual dilemmas of the Vietnam War. The politicians and military leaders claimed it was crucial to honor our commitments around the world, whereas the protesters challenged the “system,” arguing that authority was corrupt and immoral. The narrative exposes the tensions between the principled notions of service, dedication, and loyalty set against the injustices of discrimination, economic inequality, and government secrecy, plus the suppression of human rights. The protagonist, Richard O’Brian, is a navy chaplain who fights to keep his family together with an alternative worldview that acknowledges the situation is an argument without end. What does one do when called to serve? What is America’s responsibility around the globe? Should we always defend freedom, as President Kennedy said, by “paying any price” or by simply helping other countries help themselves, realizing they must solve their own problems? Tracing the root causes of the Vietnam War, the story posits how the failure to understand the other, how the lack of trust created by deceitful communications affect families as well as organizations—and nations.

About the Author

John Horan-Kates has more than fifty years of experience in leadership roles in business, government, and nonprofit organizations. He was the founding president of the Vail Valley Foundation in the early ’80s working directly with former president Gerald R. Ford to establish several international events and programs. Later, he founded the Vail Leadership Institute, offering programs for emerging community leaders. In 1994, John was named Vail Valley Citizen of the Year. He earned an undergraduate business degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, was an honors graduate from the U.S. Naval Officer Candidate School, and received the Navy Commendation Medal for service in Vietnam aboard the USS Jennings County. He holds a certificate as a professional leadership coach from the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara and is a graduate of the Living School at the Center for Action & Contemplation. His most recent book is a memoir titled A Journey toward Surrender.