"As you can well imagine, since recording Tie a Yellow Ribbon in 1973 and from the first time I sang it live to the POWs from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, TX -- to this very moment entertaining the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, I have read many books on veterans and the military. Lucky Enough is a must read.
Eddie Beesley not only puts you there but makes you feel proud to be an American." -- Tony Orlando, Entertainer
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"Marines don’t cry, but sometimes their eyes sweat."
ISBN: 0-9663276-7-5
Review in Oklahoman -- January 15, 2006
Feature article in Edmond Life & Leisure -- December 29, 2005
New book quoting "Lucky Enough"
Feature article in Edmond Life & Leisure -- December 15, 2005
Interview in Edmond Sun -- October 27, 2005
"Ed Beesley glimpsed hell on August 31, 1965 near Chu Lai in Vietnam -- but his story is about other things -- achievement, courage, responsibility, grief, guilt -- and most especially love. This book touches the soul as few others do." -- Joyce Faulkner, author of "In the Shadow of Suribachi"
"Outstanding account of his Viet Nam experience. How it affected his life and how he has positively dealt with it." -- Sgt Grit, Don Whitton
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"Lucky Enough is a concise, personal description of the
courage, initiative and mental stamina which enables an
individual to overcome the most serious of adversities. "Lucky
Enough" should be read by every American and become an important
part of the mosaic which makes our country great." --
Henry Bellmon, Former Governor and US
Senator and World War II Marine |
Then things began heating up in Vietnam. Delta Company waded ashore at Chu Lai in May 1965. It wasn't long before the confusing politics of Southeast Asia began to impact the young men who served there. Ready, willing and able to triumph over the enemy, Delta Company spent their days on patrol and their nights on guard duty wondering why they were not being allowed to fight and win. Their first losses were accidents. They were assigned to protect the Chu Lai Airstrip during Operation Starlite in August.
Then, on August 31, 1965, Delta Company went on patrol in force. Corporal Eddie Beesley's life changed that day.
"Lucky Enough" is the story of a remarkable man who spent a lifetime living despite wounds that might have destroyed a less determined person. Grim though his launch into adulthood at the tender age of nineteen was, Eddie reflects on the blessings he enjoyed -- a loving wife, children and grandchildren, friends and a business. His journey to middle age was a joyous one -- and yet, there was something he had to do -- an old debt to a man who died beside a hedgerow in Vietnam many years ago.
"Lucky Enough is the compelling story of a 17 year old boy whose life is forever sculpted by the Vietnam War. But more than that, it is a story of courage, perseverance and hope. Spellbinding." --
Linda Cavanaugh, Anchor/Reporter, KFOR-TV
"You won’t be able to set this book down. Ed Beesley reveals his innermost thoughts as he deals with some of the toughest battles life has to dish out. A young man driven to join what he thought at the time was the pinnacle of achievement – becoming a United States Marine. Little did he know that this decision would end up presenting life challenges that most of us can never fathom. Ed’s feelings as he steps on a land mine that will cost him his legs, kill the Marines around him, and change his life forever grip the reader by the throat and don’t let go. How does it feel to return home and be reviled by Americans who did not believe in the Vietnam war? How hard is it to deal with the loss of your legs? How does it feel to be haunted by the feelings that your actions resulted in the death of your platoon commander who had just become a proud father to a beautiful baby girl? Ed opens his emotions to us as he details how he dealt with these deeply emotional trials, as well as the comfort he received from meeting his beautiful and caring wife, Connie, and finally coming to terms with the family of his platoon commander. His visit to the Wall eventually provided Ed a chance to come to terms with himself and the others around him. His success in life and his determination to serve others is revealed in his thoughts as he finally sits silently in front of the Wall. This is an incredibly touching collection of a Marine’s life memories. It leaves you thinking about your own.” -- Phil Hughes Colonel USMC (Ret)
“Eddie has written a story that needs to be told over and over, of service, sacrifice and overcoming faith. In this day of proper welcome for troops returning home from the battlefields of Iraq, most have forgotten the shameful actions of citizens toward honorable warriors. Eddie does not dwell on that aspect, just like he does not dwell on many of the fringe issues of the 1960’s and 70’s, he just goes right to the heart of the story, his heart. There are thousands of very successful Vietnam veterans in our communities today who’s story is encapsulated in the story Eddie blesses our eyes to read. Take the time to read, reflect, shed a tear, and give thanks for those willing to sacrifice for our freedom and way of life.” -- Gary L. Lumpkin, Colonel USMCR (Ret) Vietnam Feb.69-Oct.70.
"When I first met Ed and Connie Beesley, I was humbled in their presence but could not explain why, until I read Ed’s book 'Lucky Enough.'
"Lucky Enough is not a war story, but a LIFE story that is still going on. It’s a story filled with Love, Commitment, Dedication, Sorrow, Pain, Excitement, Disappointment, Fear, Responsibility, Patriotism, Courage, Bravery, Fortitude, and Duty.
Eddie certainly did not choose the hand that was dealt on that day in August, 1965. Connie did make a choice after they met in the Navy hospital, They are playing it to the best of their ability, and it looks like they are winning.
I feel Lucky Enough to be a part of their life." -- Len Zaborowski, Army Security Agency, Korea, 1955-1956
| "I literally read 'Lucky Enough' from cover to cover in one sitting. Eddie Beesley will stir your emotions from the beginning to what is now the ending. He mentions that in his childhood he learned that some of his ancestors were Native American that survived "The Trail of Tears". As you finish and start to put the book down you realize that his grandchildren will one day learn that their ancestors survived TWO Trails of Tears. Well told Eddie." -- George Nigh, Former Governor of Oklahoma, Former President of the University of Central Oklahoma and Former Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class (US Navy 1945-46) |
NOTE: Eddie Beesley has been spending time with wounded warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan around the country. He spends time with them delivering messages of hope and support. He gives them copies of Lucky Enough and shows them first hand that even with grievous injuries it is possible to have a full and happy life. He's able to do this through donations to Lucky Enough INC, a non-profit organization set up for this purpose. To help Eddie in this work, send your tax-deductible contribution to Eddie Beesley, PO Box 605, Edmond, OK 73083-0605 or contact Connie at ebeesley@sbcglobal.net for more information. Our young people need our support as they return and make the transition back to civilian life.
Important Links
Contact Connie Beesley to book a speaking engagement with Mr. Beesley.
Buy autographed copies "Lucky Enough" for $12.95 plus $2.95 for postage and handling. Send check made out to "Eddie Beesley" for $15.90 to Eddie Beesley, PO Box 605, Edmond, OK 73083-0605. Please indicate how you would like your book signed.
Or buy through Paypal below.
The CD is $15.00 plus $2.95 postage.
Make out check to "Eddie Beesley" for $17.95 and send to "Eddie Beesley, PO Box 605, Edmond, OK 73083-0605."
Or buy through Paypal:
Alone or in combination with a copy of the book, these coins make great collector's items.
Lucky Enough Challenge Coins are $6.95 apiece plus $2.95 for shipping and handling. Make check out to "Eddie Beesley" for $9.90. Send to Eddie Beesley, PO Box 605, Edmond, OK 73083-0605.
Or buy through Paypal:
Lucky Enough autographed book and a Lucky Enough Challenge Coin Package is $18.90 plus $2.95 for postage and handling. Send check made out to "Eddie Beesley" for $21.85 to Eddie Beesley, PO Box 605, Edmond, OK 73083-0605. Please indicate how you would like your book signed.
You can also buy through Paypal:
Book Reviews
Eddie was honored during the 2007 Branson Veterans Week. During a variety of events, he represented those who were wounded defending our country.
