THE VIETNAM ERA...HAVE WE FORGOTTEN?

Much of our focus today is on the war on terrorism in the Middle East. Emails circulate about the war heroes of today, and the media is piping about the controversy of whether the Bush Administration made a mistake, or if the Obama idea of withdrawing troops from the Middle East is wise, etc.

As a teenager, I was a volunteer at the Vet Center in Tampa. It was a counseling center that was run by the VA Hospital. There were many Vietnam Era Veterans who came in there and told me horror stories about their experiences. There was one guy that was always tripping out over the ceiling fan, which was giving him flashbacks of helicopter blades. Most of their clients had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is explained here:

http://maketheconnection.net/conditions/ptsd?gclid=CO6h4aj8jLwCFZRr7AodizwAkw

All of the clients were struggling to survive. I remember one in particular that had an old Volkswagen that had so many holes in the gas tank that the poor guy had to get gas every few miles. It seemed funny then, but in hindsight, I can see how sad his plight really was. My dad's cousin was over there also and had to drag 55 gallon drums of gasoline into fields and light them on fire. He freaked out, and they sent him home.

I don't pretend to truly know, not even for a minute, what horrors veterans of any era have survived (or NOT survived), but I do feel that we should honor all who have fought for our freedom, not just those who are currently over there. There are also many families of military personnel who were killed in Vietnam, or just plain disappeared, that were never able to get closure. The pain they must feel should haunt us all. It seems they are all but forgotten in today's society.

I do know that they still have the "Moving Wall," and information about this wall can be found at http://www.themovingwall.org/ I think that men like John McCain, who were tortured and survived to tell about it should be given the utmost respect. He nearly gave his life for his country. He was lucky to survive.

Carol Jose, an author in Florida, helped write a book by Evelyn Grubb, entitled "You Are Not Forgotten," and this is the story of a woman whose husband was shot down and captured alive in January, 1966. You can find more about this book at http://www.yanfbook.com/

It was a very interesting book, hard to put down. It had a forward by Henry Kissinger. It seems that this Evelyn Grubb had fought for the families of the prisoners of war and those missing in action, never giving up. The book is an eye opener, and Carol Jose is available for interview, according to the website. This is a section I am publishing with their permission:

You Are Not Forgotten - A Family’s Quest for Truth and the Founding of the National League of Families of POW/MIA

By Evelyn Grubb and Carol Jose • Foreword by Henry Kissinger
• WINNER - 2009 Indie Book Award for History

A true story of enduring love and tragic loss, set in a deep and moving time of war and extreme socio-political upheaval. An inspiring account of individuals, citizens, celebrities and politicians, whose lives cross, each demanding accounting for, and humane treatment of, our POWs and MIAs. They never give up...together they create history.
“You Are Not Forgotten" relates in amazing detail the history of the National League of Families, a story that has needed telling. I’m grateful that now it has been told.”
—Phyllis Galanti, Chairman, National League of Families of American POW/MIA, 1972/1973
“Newk” Grubb, an American fighter pilot is shot down on a reconnaissance mission early in the war, photographed apparently in good shape when captured by the North Vietnamese, then vanishing into silence. Evie, Newk’s wife and mother of their four young children, along with other remarkable POW/MIA wives and mothers, display the true backbone of this country: the triumph of American spirit and perseverance over incredible adversity. Together they take on the world, stand up to every level of military command from Sergeant to Admiral, the American political establishment, foreign leaders and diplomats, and even the U.N. The sheer heart-wrenching determination of Evie Grubb and the wives and families of POW MIA's leads to dramatic changes in the treatment of military families by the authorities, the media, and the American public. “You Are Not Forgotten” is told by co-author Carol Jose through Evie’s eyes, from her heart.
“...would make John F. Kennedy proud — this is a real life “profile in courage” by a remarkable woman who never gave up even though her nation did.”
—Don Shepperd, Maj. Gen., USAF(ret), CNN Military Analyst
“You Are Not Forgotten” details the founding of The National League of Families of POW/MIA, it's journey to worldwide prominence. The League's symbol becomes the black and white U.S. POW/MIA flag. You’ll learn about that flag, how and why it was created. You will meet American heroes and heroines: Medal of Honor Navy pilot Vice-Admiral James Stockdale, Joe McCain, brother of Navy POW, John McCain, Henry Kissinger, H. Ross Perot, George H.W. Bush, Sybil Stockdale, Mary Hoff, Helen Brunstrom, Iris Powers, Joan Vinson, Phyllis Galanti — extraordinary Americans who together created history...each of them is a true American hero and now they, and so many other's will never be forgotten.
“What a moving testimony to the POW/MIA families. I found myself overcome with emotion, still today the Vietnam War evokes such strong feelings. Please know that reading “You Are Not Forgotten” touched me deeply and renewed my support for the POW/MIA issue still relevant today.”
—A. Klompus, Jacksonville, FL

It is so important that we not forget the past in our rush to meet the future. There are so many who have fallen, who have fought, and who have cried in our country's historical wars. Lest we forget, let us cry out, "YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!"