Tony Seahorn is a highly decorated combat leader who also had the courage to talk honestly about combat, PTSD and the effect of both on his life since his service in Vietnam.

I was in Grad School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in the early ‘80s, courtesy of the US Army, when PTSD became a subject of concern for society, medical researchers and the media. Since I was in the right place for current medical academic research and had a vested interest in the subject, I read a great deal of what was being published at the time.

One article that helped to put the subject in front of America was the Dec. 14th, 1981 Newsweek Magazine special issue. The cover article was titled “What Vietnam Did to Us: A Combat Unit Relives the War and the Decade Since”. It was especially interesting to me because that unit was Charlie Co., 2/28th Inf. “Black Lions”. A book of the same name was published also. Many of these guys were clearly still having a great deal of trouble adjusting to life after the war zone and it was just the tip of the iceberg. Although I was happily married, with a successful career as an Army Nurse Corps officer, I could identify. When my wife and I announced our engagement in 1971, two of my best friends, who knew me well before I went to Vietnam, took her aside and suggested that she might want to wait a bit longer because they weren’t sure that “. . . Dave’s back to normal yet”. When she told me I just laughed, because they had seen me through some really rough times after my tour in Vietnam. Fortunately, she married me anyway.

There has been a great deal of change and somewhat greater acceptance of PTSD since those early days when it was unofficially called “Vietnam Syndrome”, as if we needed one more thing to feel inadequate about. Now it’s understood by professionals that any traumatic event, not just combat service, can trigger this response, but combat service increases the odds through the increased number of opportunities. Although resources are not nearly enough, there is more help out there than ever. The VA and local Vet Centers can be very helpful in counseling veterans. PTSD is a non-discriminating disabler – it doesn’t matter what your age, gender, marriage or educational status is. It also doesn’t matter where you saw service. Veterans from WWII and Korea are finally getting help, along with Vietnam and Gulf War vets, many of whom have had multiple deployments.

If you are a veteran who needs help – get it, no matter how young or old you are. Service officers from veteran's organizations can and will help to put you in touch with resources. Whether or not you are currently getting help, I strongly suggest that you read this book and give it to your loved ones to read. It won’t create a miracle, but it can help to increase understanding and help with the healing process. I’m proud to have a signed copy, and my wife has read it.

Contact Tony and Janet Seahorn: http://www.tearsofawarrior.com/



Book Review: Barnes & Noble
Returning war veterans may face a multitude of physical and mental challenges. Veterans' families are often unprepared to deal with a family member who may experience pain, nightmares, feelings of detachment, irritability, trouble concentrating, and sleeplessness. These are some of the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Experts estimate that between 25% and 30% of Vietnam veterans who fought in combat have symptoms of PTSD and the experiences associated with combat. It's been recently estimated that 30% of combat soldiers returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan are experiencing similar trauma.

"Tears of a Warrior: A Family's Story of Combat and Living with PTSD" is a patriotic book written about soldiers who are called to duty in service of their country. It is a story of courage, valor, and life-long sacrifice. Long after the cries of battle have ended, many warriors return home to face a multitude of physical and mental challenges. Author Tony Seahorn writes from his experience as a young army officer in Vietnam who served with the Black Lions of the First Infantry Division, which fought in some of the bloodiest battles of the war. He was wounded in action and continues to recover from the physical and emotional scars of combat.

Tony returned to Wyoming from the war decorated for heroism. Some of his most honored medals include two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, Air Medal for Valor in flight, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross, and a Presidential Unit Citation. He has experienced the trauma of combat. His experience is painful. His story is real.

Janet Seahorn, Tony's wife and co-author, writes from both the perspective of a wife who has lived for thirty years with a veteran with PTSD, and as a professional in human development and neuroscience. Dr. Seahorn's research has focused on the effects PTSD has on the brain, body, and spirit.

"Tears of a Warrior" was written to educate families and veterans about the symptoms of PTSD and to offer strategies for living with the disorder. The book includes over 50 photos integrated into the text which provide the reader with a visual picture of the sequence of events as the storyline moves from the realities of combat, to returning home, to the ultimate impact on family and friends. Families and society in general will better understand the long-term effects of combat. Veterans from all wars, regardless of service branch, will benefit by the authors' experiences and their message of hope.

"If we send them, then we must mend them."