We had the pleasure of interviewing Johnny (JW) Jones, Author of Mayday: A Saga of the Big Mothers.
Johnny W Jones, listed on his squadron’s flight logs as JW Jones, spent his early years in Coldwater, Kansas, Liberal Kansas, and Burkburnett, Texas. He dropped out of high school at the age of 17 and entered the US Navy. Jones would serve two deployments with HS-6 in Vietnam prior to being transferred to HC-7, the Sea Devils, in 1968. After his discharge, he worked a variety of jobs prior to graduating from Midwestern State University with a BA in history. He is now retired and resides in Ellis County, Texas, where he pursues his new profession of a full-time grandfather.
Here are the excerpts from the interview.
Hi Johnny, Great to have you with us today! Please share with our readers about yourself.
Hi, I am a retired history teacher and coach. I had the high honor of serving with Helicopter AntiSubmarine Squadron 6 during the Vietnam conflict. We were tasked with rescuing downed airmen behind the lines to return them to their families and home.
What inspired you to write the book Mayday: A Saga of the Big Mothers?
In writing Mayday, A Saga of the Big Mothers, I wanted to acquaint the readers with the human side of the equation, not just in a mission sense but in the realities of humanity.
Please tell us more about your book Mayday: A Saga of the Big Mothers.
Mayday discusses the struggle to recover downed airmen from a brave and determined foe intent on preventing success. It discusses the limitations of an anti-submarine unit thrust into a different role due to the changing reality of Southeast Asia. Most of all, it talks of men, average men, asked to do extraordinary feats and perform them well.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
The most challenging item for me was to step up and write. I am 75 and watch the men in my squadron slowly pass from age to infirmity. I wanted to tell their story while I still could.
Any message for our readers?
When you read this, remember these were very ordinary men, the same men you would see in a cafe, shopping, or a park with family, and they performed so well when asked to go up and beyond.
So tell us, how can people find out more about you?
I live in Ennis, Texas, and am the cranky old man enjoying watching squirrels, flowers, and all living things. You can find my book on Barnes & Noble.
Thank you so much, Johnny, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
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