Biên Hòa, Việt Nam - The mark a war leaves on a person is indelible.
Mr. Curtis, a resident of the town I grew up in was truly loved by his family but was observed and often made fun of by school kids for his unusual demeanor.
Mr. Curtis a WWII veteran with obvious motor skill and other disabilities, a result of his service, is a lingering reminder to me of the toll war can take for those who live through it.
My father, also a WW II combat veteran, would have flashbacks and dreams.
I recall one morning when he was roused, along with everyone else in the house, by the sound of county road graters working on Co Rd G where we lived.
He arose from bed murmuring "Panzers, Panzers, where is my rifle...." He recovered fairly quickly from the episode, but it was telling of a trigger that caused it.
We talked about it later and I asked him how he could stop a German Panzer Tank with his rifle.
He answered saying that he wasn't worried about the tanks, he said he was thinking about the infantry that would come with them.
For continuing war and Viet Nam veterans, the issue of P.S.T.D. and suicide is facing great scrutiny in the news, which shows there are percentages significantly higher than normal.
Agent Orange related deaths continue for Viet Nam veterans. The stress of physical and mental effects on veterans remains a problem. -
Before the army and Bien Hoa at college and studying German Expressionism in art history in a vain attempt to understand aspects of war, I found several artists who attracted my attention.
Max Beckmann, Otto Dix, and Franz Marc, all veterans of WWI, who painted veterans and with the eyes of a veteran. I recommend them.
For me, the effect of my experience spiraled to sadness and depression. I was floundering.
Within months of my discharge I had to be admitted to the VA Hospital in Minneapolis, but luck was with me. Some don't have it.
The VA was excellent. My family and friend support was life saving. My life long friend Jerry McCarthy, a Marine Viet Nam veteran, and a real Drill Sargent, would hold my hand every day.
My friends Kay Churchill and Linda Lewis did their very best. And an old WWII Navy veteran Walter Waters, never gave up on me. - 1970