Vicksburg resident and author Richard “Gene” Dukes has recently published “The Forgotten Son” with Newman Springs Publishing.

Dukes, a Vicksburg transplant by way of Myrtle Beach, is a veteran of the United States Army Reserve, which he said played a large role in the writing of his book. “The Forgotten Son” takes place during the Vietnam War and follows the struggles of a soldier who is drafted into the military following his graduation from LSU.

Dukes served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1963 to 1969.

“This was a time during Vietnam era,” he said of his service. “Most of the basic training part of the story is true, except (the character) was stationed at Fort Jackson, S.C. and not Fort Hood, Texas. Part of the Vietnam fighting is based on stories from other vets.” 

Dukes said he is excited about the possibility of publishing a sequel to “The Forgotten Son,” tentatively titled “Jonathan’s Story.”

“It begins where ‘The Forgotten Son’ ended,” he said.

“The Forgotten Son” is available for purchase now on social media, Amazon, iTunes, and in select book stores.