In 1964 when Rick Smith was a junior in high school, there were no U.S. combat troops in Vietnam.  But in August of 1964, an attack by the North Vietnamese on an American destroyer prompted Congress to pass the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution authorizing President Johnson to "take all necessary measures to repel armed attacks."  Rick Smith was thinking about colleges at the time; serving in the U.S. Army was not on his life's radar.  In 1969 when Rick was a junior in college, over 500,000 combat troops were in Vietnam.  Then, in 1970, college deferments were discontinued and a lottery draft was conducted to induct needed recruits into the U.S. Army.  Rick was a winner in the draft lottery of 1970 and his life suddenly went a totally different direction than he had planned or wanted.  Such was the fate for many who served in the Vietnam War, and in other wars before it.  Rick's story takes you along for the ride as a draftee in 1970 and '71, including nine months in Long Binh, Vietnam.  His respectful, humorous, heartfelt stories as a rear echelon support soldier (REMF) provide an insightful understanding about a Vietnam brotherhood that includes all who served.  Hotel Long Binh is an introspective story about soldier brotherhood and about the girl Rick left behind (who waited for him).