I have learned that even after the wound has healed the scar will remain. For over twenty five years I never thought about my tour. Once I finally came out of the shell there were still things which I won't talk about. My father and uncles are still like that and they were in WW II. These same people will talk to total stranger rather then the ones they served with because they aren't threated by the stranger where we might help them remember something that they just don't want to be reminded of.

I always thought I got out of there pretty much untouched. Had some rough times but always was able to bounce back. Some of my buddies from high school and other that I served with weren't that luck. All we can do is offer support. They are the ones who decide to accept it or not. I am thankful that we have this place to talk and needle each other and not feel threated with each other. Just being able to talk to some of the old gang has put some of the ghost to rest and made me feel better about that period in my life. Have a safe holiday everybody and raise a toast or just stop and remember the ones we had to leave behind.