Los Lunas NM-April 28,2023 Butch Maki, a former top aide in Santa Fe during Bill Richardson’s service in Congress is out with his first novel, and the book, Bikini Beach, based on his experiences fighting in Vietnam, is already getting attention nationally and in the state.  

A short story from a chapter in Bikini Beach took first place honors at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival competition in St. Louis sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and American Legion Auxiliary. Maki, 75, submitted an excerpted story from his book’s chapter, “From a Chicken to an Eagle” and the 1,000-word submission was the winning entry in the “Short, Short Story” creative writing category. Each year, some 2,000 veterans enter submissions in art, music, drama, dance and creative writing competitions. Maki traveled to St. Louis and was presented with his award on April 14, 2023. 

“I was excited when some friends of mine at the Albuquerque VA suggested I submit a chapter  from my novel for this competition,” Maki said. “As a first-time novelist I had no expectations of  winning, and can’t even begin to explain the joy, amazement and true honor I feel for being the  festival’s top short story writer.” 

Maki’s book is based on actual events he personally experienced or that he witnessed during his one-year tour of duty in Vietnam that was cut a few weeks short in 1968 after he was shot and medevacked home. Maki shares his experiences via a character, Sergeant Donald ‘Mack’  

Makinen, a Huey helicopter crew chief whose war time grit, common sense, bravery, and humor enables him to survive.  

Maki’s novel also caught the attention of the Military Writers Society as it will include an excerpted story from the chapter, “From a Chicken to an Eagle” in its 2023 edition of its annual Anthology of short stories. In this cited chapter, Maki’s character’s helicopter is shot down in enemy territory and Maki colorfully describes how Sgt. Makinen and his crew are rescued by a most unlikely hero.  

Albuquerque based Southwest Writers will include a different chapter from Maki’s novel in its military anthology due out this summer. The chapter, “Bob’s Last Flight” is a heart-wrenching  story about Sgt. Makinen’s best friend, and Mack’s futile efforts to save him.  

“I have long known Butch Maki as a funny storyteller who possesses not only a great wit, but a true and deep-seated love for this country,” said Tom Horan, retired Colonel and former flight Platoon leader in Vietnam. “He has long won my respect as a battle-tested veteran; now he’s an 

award-winning novelist who successfully captures a soldier’s experience with just the right mix  of humor, color and truth.” 

Maki’s life reads like a typical American story with many turns. From a decorated war veteran,  turned blue-collar worker, turned political organizer, turned entrepreneur, and now an author.  

Maki retired several years ago and lives in Los Lunas with his wife. He took up writing as a  hobby and with his first novel, Bikini Beach, now available on Amazon, he’s already mapping  out plans for a second book.