Must read for Nam Vets and their families
599375
Having spent a tour as an intelligence officer in Vietnam the same time and in the same area as Isham's protagonist, Clint, I can attest to the fact that his descriptions, insights into the futile attempt to "pacify" the Mekong Delta, and personal difficulties, are spot on. This story brought me back into that war. It was as if I had entered some kind of time machine. I could smell the rice patties, taste the dust and inhale the diesel fumes of Vietnam. This is a great read -- a love story, as well as a personal trip into war. You'll love it. David DeHart, Author and playwright.
1017149
This is a great book, I also say this with prejudice. I have two reasons the first is that Joe Hooper is my great uncle on my mothers side. Though he died before my time I grew up hearing about him when I was a kid. I knew he was in the Army and in Nam but I never really thought much more of it until I read this book. The second reason is I have spent 17 years in the Army reserves and have been achieved the rank of SFC then after commissioning CPT I even spent time in the 104th like he did. I was a SSG when I first read the book and was blown away to discover his exsperiances during the war, and the hardship he endured afterwords. Joe was a true leader, one who lead from the front. Tragically PTSD and alcoholism took its toll on Joe after the war. This is a great read for a greater insight into the life of an extraordinary soldier of the Vietnam Era. To all the Vets out there from Vietnam thank you, your sacrifices will be remembered.
2110899
This is a very useful book, both for soldiers and their families. It is well written, very readable, and informative. I wish we'd had this when our son went to Iraq, back in 2004. He's heading to Afghanistan next year. I bought a copy for him and his wife. I bought an extra copy so that I can read it again while he's deployed. I highly recommend it for anyone in a military family.
867463
Just finished reading "Devotion".  What the Marines went through in Korea!  I am a former Marine and Viet Nam Combat Veteran. I have also bought and read "A Higher Call" about a year ago. Viet Nam Vets and Korean Vets have a lot in common. I encourage all many fellow vets to read Devotion. A truly great book!
3645840
Most riveting stories of the reality of being in Vietnam - One could never imagine unless you were there.  I salute all the men in Post 8195 and all their fellow soldiers for all your sacrifices for us to continue to have our freedom.  Blessings to all your families as well for all that they sacrificed.  So glad you are finally receiving the help you deserve & need for the PTSD you have suffered with for so long.  Blessings to you all.  Namaste,!!!
2865050
Outstanding book, short, to the point and packed with useful information.  I've been struggling for years within the VA system simply because I've forgotten what I sent, and what the VA sent me.  The VA language is wordy and over bearing.  Frankly the VA system is a mess, and not user friendly.

This book puts most relevant issues into prospective, and in English, which is easy to comprehend and understand. Had I read this book  seven years ago when I started the VA benifits process I would have been though the system and successfully receiving the benifits I earned after serving two tours in the USN.

The author and his WIFE have hit a grand slam with this book.  All Veterans should have a copy of this book to guide them through the VA maze.

Thank you Robert for caring enough to put your knowledge on Paper, for us vets.

Dirk Williams
2165646
To say that this book has heart is an understatement. Nineteen veterans who served in Vietnam between 1965 and 1972 poured their personal stories on the page to tell those of us who never experienced the Vietnam War what its been like to fight it for more than 40 years  first in Nam and then at home. One cannot read this book without being touched by the veterans unforgettable tales of devastation and facing unspeakable horrors that few ever experience. Their thoughts, emotions, and insights are laid bare for all of us to read.

Because of the bitter divisiveness and controversy of the war (not a conflict) and the trauma inflicted on those who survived Vietnam and returned home to a frigid reception, their stories too long were untold. No longer. These authors unvarnished and frank narratives pull no punches in the faces of the faint of heart, the easily offended, or those who treated the Vietnam veterans with contempt.

Regardless of ones view of the Vietnam War, these accounts are critical to understanding what really happened and how those involved were affected. One must remember and learn from a war that many wanted to forget so that the past is never repeated. These soldiers stories help preserve the legacy of the war, from the Band of Brothers to the Agent Orange and anti-war protests. Whether one agrees with what has been written is not as important as reading the book to understand the fall out of a conflict in Vietnam and at home that, in some ways, is still being fought by those who remain.

The book is written from the unique perspectives of veterans who served in different branches of the U.S. Military across South Vietnam at the height of the war.  If you're the child or descendant of a Vietnam veteran and want to know but are afraid to ask why they won't or cant talk about the war, read this book. It may be the closest youll get to talking about Vietnam with your own parent or grandparent.

As the son of a Vietnam veteran, I am proud of these veterans for having the courage to share stories that they have held inside for decades. I give this book five (5) stars and highly recommend it to active military, veterans, their families, and anyone interested in the learning more about the Vietnam War.
1348000
I read this book about 9 months ago before I went on deployment. I'm glad I did too because i learned a lot of good lessons about what being behind enemy lines could involve and how nasty people really can be. Absolutely a recommended read for anyone interested in military or what the military has to go through.
1447220
This book is well worth the long time it takes to read.  The research tellls in detail how media hype has created the false stereotype of Vietnam veterans as troubled, drug addicted lost souls, while statistics actually show that the vast majority of Vietnam veterans honorably served our country and continue to be productive members of society.  The authors shine the spotlight on and names names of those who either tarnish the repututation of the Vietnam veterans or try to profit by falsely claiming to have served. Everyone should read this book.  We bought a second copy to loan out.
2078033
Respectful, engaging, and informative - a must read for anyone who cares about anyone who has performed military service. Heaney, neither a veteran nor a member of a military family, tells how unexpected changes in her own established life lead her to a job in a pilot counseling program for Iraqi war vets and their families. Thrown in with little to no guidance or precedence for such a program, she taps into a deep well of empathy and a gift for improvisation that help her connect with trauma survivors, not as an 'expert' but as a fellow human who understands how it is when you no longer fit the life you had. In the process, she helps the reader appreciate some of the hidden costs of war and the courage demanded of those who come back. As a former V.A. chaplain, I wish I'd had this book when I was doing CPE training. It breaks your heart, it makes you smile, it makes you think.
4233664
This is a wonderful book! A gripping personal account of the authors service to our country in Vietnam, as a young marine, as well as stories from other soldiers of the Twins Platoon. I couldn't put the book down when I started reading.

  I am a Vietnam era veteran, though I did not serve in Vietnam. I had tears in my eyes in many parts of this book. It still angers me to think there was no welcome home for these brave soldiers after the unimaginable things they endured, and their tremendous personal sacrifice.

  I think this book should be required reading in all high school history classes. No one should forget how much our veterans have given, they paid a very dear price for our freedom.

  Christy, Thank You for your service, and Thank You for this book!!!
690110
A friend suggested this book to me since i have a close family member who has served two tours in Afghanistan.  The book is very candid about the military/political issues that affect the boots on the ground.  That was hard to read, but I had to laugh about the baby wipes.  I've lost count how many packages of baby wipes I've shipped to Afghanistan.  And beef jerky-all flavors.  Luis has done a wonderful job describing his life during his deployments, and after his retirement.  I learned a great deal about PTSD and TBI.  He gives you relief by alternating chapters with Tuesday's antics.  His work continues, helping service members and veterans, families and others with disabilities.  This book affected me, and I immediately purchased more copies for my family, including my service member.
2373240
This is one of the best books I've read on military reintegration post-deployment. Both Dr. Cantrell and Mr. Dean have a wonderful way of discussing delicate and controversial material in a helpful and supportive way. This book became my bible during all my fiance's returns from Iraq, and is a book I'd highly recommend to anyone looking to learn about supporting our returning veterans.
2702394
My dad was given this book by the VA. I ordered my-it came directly from the authors, signed in the inside.
This is a book worth reading even if you are not, have never been in the military. Reading this laid it all out there. It made my life make "sense".  I try to look at people and their situations through humble eyes now. Their journey is their own. I am grateful to have this book and have a better understanding of what my dad is feeling and going through.
3052458
One of the best books on Viet Nam that I have read.  The first person account from a young and inexperienced helicopter pilot was captivating and the book was hard to put down.  The author's ability to capture his fears and concerns while vividly describing the missions he flew is unsurpassed.  I especially enjoyed the author's perception of his fellow warriors and his ability to bring every thing together.  I felt like I was there.  A great read!
2233009
In my opinion this book is a must have for todays military families facing the deployments they are facing.  There are many stories to help you realize that you are not alone, how others have dealt with the uncertainty of deployment and reunion.  It is also filled with tips and links to help you along your journey.

Reading this book will not only help you to understand what todays families face it also gives encouragement in knowing that not only are others facing the same things you are but that you can do this just as many other families have done in the past and will continue to do in the future.
3310534
My dad served in Viet nam, I had a very hard time relating with him and understanding his many moods over the years.  This book has been so very helpful to me in mending the relationship I have with my dad.  I now understand why sometimes he is moody and hard to reach.  It breaks my heart that so many years later, even with help from the VA, my dad still suffers from post traumatic stress disorder.  My dad was a medic and even though Mr. McCourt's book is not a gory, bloody, story I still get the impression that my dad saw horrors that still visit him today.  Thank you so much for sharing your story.  There are many of us who do not know how to relate to our loved ones and they won't talk about.