LIVES ON HOLD Volume 2: Life After Vietnam

The author describes, through personal experience what life can be like for any family who ever lost a loved one while still in their youth and living at home, or off to war. This episode in the author's life brings to light interesting coincidences to contemplate. Are these "coincidences" part of the Lord's plan, or were they just that, coincidences? For world history, the Vietnam War ended in 1975, but not necessarily for the American Vietnam Veteran during the 45+ years since returning to a "not so welcome home" (friends and family excluded). The author seeks out and interviews many members of his "temporary family" from the battlefield, and is surprised to learn nearly all are still suffering similar effects from that time. The members were part of an infantry company and suffer yet to effects of death losses, horrific sights of maimed bodies, killing and dying, and being deemed "baby killers" by many on the home front. To the author's surprise and joy, he learns many of his battlefield brothers are also his Christian brothers and they share a double brotherhood. Many returning Vietnam Veterans were often welcomed home by being spat upon, taunted, and degraded by people of his own nation. Through organized reunions, the brotherhood served to support one another in dealing with those negatives. In the last decade, after the tragedy of 9-11, public opinion of their veterans who loyally reported when called to an unpopular war has swayed to now one of growing appreciation .