John E. Howard's book The Deacon and the Shield was reviewed by The Veteran, a website that is run by the Vietnam Veterans of America. In the review, the reviewer discussed horrific events, including the Lai Massacre. The review also shared the story of the book. The Deacon and the Shield is a book that focuses on Eddie Riffle, who is a vet in Vietnam, dealing with the repercussions of war. At times he is a calm and loving father, and at other times he is wracked with nightmares and visions of horror. He often used prayer to get through his time during service and was called the 'Deacon' by his comrades. John E. Howard is a war veteran and by profession, an accountant for General Motors. He is a religious man and an ordained deacon in the Christain church. He grew up in Ohio but currently lives in Florida with his wife and kids.