Based on the author's flight logs and memories, this book recounts four tours of military duty in Vietnam and how tactics and the war effort changed each time. The routine and risk of daily airlift operations and the various base destinations are outlined in chronological order, colored with personal anecdotes. Cargo included everything from elephants to dancing girls, and accidents and errors were all part of the mission. The author describes the work as a "history-based, humorous, satirical, and bitter recount of a major national wasted effort," with commentary on the country's attitudes, costs and the lingering social impact of the war. The book includes personal photographs.