A Boy Becomes a Man in Nam: Understanding the Cause of P.T.S.D.

Not since the War Between the States has our country been more divided. The mere mention of the name Vietnam created animosity and regrettable encounters. As a testimony to the resilience of the American people, healing has begun. Professional speakers who use their Vietnam experience in their presentations have their peers approach them afterwards and apologize for the treatment the returning veterans received. This book is intended as another dose of balm to further the healing. For Vietnam combat veterans, this is a voice to tell others of their experience without having to revisit it. For Vietnam veterans who did not see combat, this is an attempt to let you know why those who saw the worst in mankind – and occasionally in themselves – think and act as they do. For the Vietnam-era veterans who did not serve in Nam, congratulations. Most of those who have wish they had been that fortunate. Feel no regret or remorse. We did our best to avoid going in-country. We would not take a million dollars for what we learned but you could not pay us a million dollars to go through it again. Thank you for your service. For the draft-dodgers and war protesters, I apologize for my attitude towards you for many years. Neither of us was right; and neither of us was wrong. We were both caught up in an unwise military action that was poorly executed. For all others, this book is one man’s story or, perhaps, one boy’s story. Its intent is to help all of us take war more seriously. It may help you better understand the current returning veterans – their thoughts and their actions. Jesus said there would always be wars and rumors of wars. That means there will always be soldiers and veterans.