Flashlight in the Ocean

A gripping account of survival, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit, where every choice could mean the difference between triumph and heartbreak.
With each step forward, Brian carried the light of his past—both the burdens and the gifts—illuminating a path toward an uncertain, yet hopeful, future.

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About the Author

BRIAN THUAN LUU is the author of Flashlight in the Ocean, a powerful memoir of resilience, survival, and hope. Born to a traditional Chinese family in Vinh Long, Vietnam, Brian’s early years were shaped by love and hardship. At age two, his family relocated to Saigon, where he spent his childhood—until history intervened.

After the Fall of Saigon, at just thirteen years old, Brian made the harrowing decision to leave Vietnam alone on a wooden boat. His perilous journey left him stranded on a coral reef for ten days, waiting for the tide to rise. Under the full moon, his fate changed, and he finally reached safety. Reunited with his siblings in a refugee camp in the Philippines, he faced an uncertain future. But hope arrived in the form of a sponsorship from a Jewish synagogue in Long Island, New York, opening the door to a new life in America. Adjusting to his new home was not without challenges. Brian struggled with a new language and culture but remained determined to succeed.

In December 1998, Brian met Jennifer at a Sheraton Hotel in Flushing event. Six months later, they were married. Kind, caring, and beloved by his family, Jennifer became his partner in life and business. She encouraged him to join World Financial Group, a company dedicated to helping families secure their financial futures and empowering individuals to become entrepreneurs. Together, they built a thriving career that granted them financial freedom, the ability to travel the world, and a peaceful home on the waterfront in Long Island. Brian also pursued his passion for music and entertainment, founding Brian Luu’s Corp., a premier MC/DJ and event production company specializing in professional sound, dynamic lighting, and unforgettable experiences.

Looking back on his incredible journey—from escaping Vietnam as a boy to building a life filled with love, success, and purpose—Brian is filled with gratitude. He dreams of turning his story into a movie, inspiring others to persevere, no matter the odds. Flashlight in the Ocean is his testament to the power of faith, determination, and the unwavering belief that every challenge is a step toward something greater.

A Letter to Vietnam Veterans

Dear Vietnam Veterans,

My name is Brian Thuan Luu, and I am writing to you not just as an author but as someone whose life was forever changed by the sacrifice and service of American soldiers in Vietnam.

I was just a child when Saigon fell on April 30, 1975. In the chaos that followed, I made the harrowing decision to flee my homeland, eventually finding myself stranded on a coral reef for ten days without water alongside over 300 desperate souls. By the grace of God, I made it to a refugee camp in the Philippines, where I spent more than a year before finding my way to America—the land of freedom, opportunity, and hope.

I owe my life, my liberty, and my ability to build a future in this great country to the brave men and women who served in Vietnam. Many of you sacrificed more than the world will ever know—facing dangers, hardship, and a war that history has often misunderstood. But I want you to know this: Your service was not in vain. Because of you, people like me were given a second chance. Because of you, I stand today as a grateful American, living the freedom you fought to preserve.

I recently wrote my memoir, Flashlight in the Ocean, to share my story of survival and hope. But more importantly, I wrote it to honor those—like you—who shaped that story. I would love the opportunity to personally thank you, hear your stories, and share my own as a testament to the lasting impact of your service.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to freedom. You are not forgotten, and you are deeply appreciated.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Brian Thuan Luu
Author of Flashlight in the Ocean
Email: BrianLuu@Flashlightintheocean.com