WHEN WE CAME HOME
Submitted by: Jack McCabe
Category: Books
Interwoven with the author's own experiences and reflections on the Vietnam War are the personal narratives from Vietnam veterans on how their lives, emotions and health were impacted by the war and by how they were treated when they came home. Many of those who served in the Vietnam War are still dealing with its effects. In this important book, for which more than 150 Vietnam veterans were interviewed, a strong light is shone on the lingering legacy of the war. These Vietnam veterans describe not the war itself, but how their lives were changed by it and by the reception afforded them when they came home. Some volunteered, others were drafted. Some saw combat, others dealt with its aftermath. A great many struggled to reclaim their places in civilian life. The horrors and shock or war were compounded by the "welcome" home. Many Vietnam veterans received hostile receptions from their own people and the organizations that should have provided support. Those that came home from Vietnam had to move on as best they could, on their own terms. Here are their stories.
When We Came Home is available from Amazon.com.
About the author:
Jack McCabe was born and raised in Chicago. He joined the Army in 1969, two days after his 18th birthday. He was sent to Vietnam less than a year later, in October 1970. He extended for a second tour and finally came home for good at the end of May 1972, finishing his three-year enlistment at Fort Huachuca, Ariz. Upon his return from Vietnam, Jack pursued his education using the GI Bill, receiving an associate degree in electronics engineering from DeVry Institute. Later, he continued his education by attending night school, and received his bachelor’s degree in business and management from Northeastern Illinois University in 1981 at the age of 30. Jack owned his own business for 20 years and sold real estate for 20 more, before retiring to North Carolina, where he became a certified Peer Support Specialist with a veteran designation. He now works as a volunteer, helping veterans with PTSD, financial challenges, family issues, homelessness, substance abuse and benefits for veterans. He is always looking for more stories of "coming home." jmccabe51@gmail.com