Nam Vet: Making Peace with Your Past

by Chuck Dean

Book Overview

Although the Vietnam War officially ended in 1975, it still rages in the lives of thousands of Veterans and their families. Why do so many veterans suffer from flashbacks, depression, fits of rage,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0880703814
• ISBN13: 9780880703819
• Release Date: June 1990
• Publisher: Multnomah Books
• Length: 154 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.2" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Destined to become a classic

This is one of the finest books written for Vietnam veterans and their families, and I've read many. As a former wife of a Vietnam vet, I know too well the emotional devastation that was visited on those of us who were ill prepared for the return of our loved ones, suffering from psychic war wounds. This book spells out what PTSD is, in clear, understandable language. How I wish I'd had this book years ago, but I am eternally grateful for Chuck Dean's courage and insight into this subject. He is helping so many of us find a way to put our trauma in perspective, and find meaning in our experience. Thank you, Chuck, for writing this book!!

A must-read

I am a social worker with the Dept of Veterans Affairs and work closely with many Vietnam vets. This book put their experience in perspective for me. My father is also a Vietnam Vet and I have urged him to read this book. I have read many books on treating PTSD and about the Vietnam War, but this, by far, is the finest book I own regarding both of those topics.

Denial, Acceptance, then Understanding

My wife told me for years that I had problems. It wasn't until I read Chuck's book that I realized how right she was. It is only after we have accepted the fact of PTSD in our lives that we can begin to deal with it. Without this little book I would probably still be in denial. Every vet needs to read this book. I have given a number away and everyone who has read it has benefited greatly. Give a copy to a friend, but get one and read it for yourself first. It will help anyone who reads it, especially family members who have been mystified by the change that took place in their vet.

"It's NOT too late!"

If you are reading this review, I'll bet you are in your 50's or you have a loved one who is, and you are trying to find some peace from scars that were dug in over 30 years ago. As Vietnam veterans age, and as our secondary casualties (called wives and children) become searching adults, Nam Vet is a MUST READ! Chuck Dean has taken his painful search for peace and shared with the rest of us a mirror into our own troubles. I have carried the burden of being a scary husband and father, and at last I can see I am not alone! I can see the roots of my distrust for "the system," my resistance to authority figures, my hair trigger temper, and rages over stupid things like computer freezes goes back to Vietnam. Nam Vet has helped reinforce for me that only through accepting forgiveness and God's grace can we put down the ruck sack our minds have been trying to carry all these years. It is NOT too late to read this book and start or continue your healing! WELCOME HOME!

Still kickin' , after all these years

I first met Chuck in Escanaba, Michigan in (1989?)when he was there giving a lecture at a church. I was very impressed with what he said, and the fact that he was very open and honest. I purchased his book at that time and took it home and read it in one sitting. I then returned to listen to him speak the next night and told him afterwards (jokingly) that I was going to sue him for plagiarism, since he had told my story. I felt that I could relate to most of what he had said. I felt that he was talking for me (about me). To make a long story short, I was strongly considering suicide at the time and had been for many years, but felt that I could not at that time because of other commitments. As soon as these commitments had been fulfilled, I was going to do "IT", no doubt about it. The reason that I didn't , , , Chuck Dean and his book "Nam Vet" which gave me a new relationship with Jesus, NO DOUBT IN MY MIND. That is why I am "Still kickin' , after all these years." Yours in Christ, Barney.