Virginia Author Helps Vietnam Veteran Share His Story

David Raber’s Navy veteran memoir from his service in Vietnam came alive with the help of Virginia author Anne-Wallis Droter, in “From Variety Show to Vietnam.”

As the nation marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, local Richmond author Anne-Wallis Droter has partnered with Navy veteran David Raber to bring a powerful new memoir to life. “From Variety Show to Vietnam” traces Raber’s unlikely journey from carefree college stage performer to officer commanding patrol boats in the Mekong Delta, weaving together his personal letters and memories into a story filled with duty, sacrifice, and enduring love.

The project began when Raber, now retired in South Dakota, reached out to Droter, a Virginia-based writer. Raber liked the idea of telling his story, and his family wanted to make sure they captured it from his perspective so that they – and future generations – could hold it in their hands. Droter, whose passion is helping older generations record their life stories, was the perfect partner.

“Working with Dave was inspiring. I got to witness first-hand the personal sacrifices he made for our country,” Droter said. “I love helping people preserve their stories. Our elders possess a goldmine of wisdom that shouldn’t be lost.”

For Raber, the process was both cathartic and deeply meaningful. He shared memories of life as a college student performing in variety shows, never imagining that within a few short years he would be navigating the dangerous waters of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta on a patrol boat. Luckily, Raber’s wife saved dozens of the letters he wrote to her in 1967 and 1968 as the couple eagerly awaited the birth of their first child. These letters, overflowing with both fear and hope, form the backbone of the memoir.

“A.W. made it easy to share my memories,” Raber said. “I always knew my story was in capable hands. I’m grateful she helped capture my experiences in such a personal way.”

The Mighty Voices of 1969, by David L. Robbins

The book doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of combat, including Raber’s experiences during the infamous Tet Offensive. Yet at its heart, it is a story about a young man torn between duty to country and devotion to his family, and how his love for both helped him survive his year at war.

For Droter, helping Raber craft his memoir was more than documenting history; it was about creating connection and legacy. As the founder of Wordsmith, LLC, she has devoted her career to capturing the voices of those who might otherwise go unheard, transforming memories into narratives that can be passed down through generations.

“My mission is to keep voices like his alive,” she said.

The release of “From Variety Show to Vietnam” is especially timely as communities nationwide reflect on the Vietnam War’s legacy and honor the men and women who served. Available now on Amazon, the book arrives just in time for Veterans Day 2025, offering readers a deeply personal look at one veteran’s journey and reminding us of the human stories behind historical events.

Droter welcomes opportunities to collaborate with seniors who wish to preserve their own memoirs. As Raber’s story demonstrates, every life holds lessons worth recording.