Bill,
We can not thank you enough, for the very moving presentation that you gave here. The vets and non-vets that were able to attend, are thankful. I hope that everyone, either those who have served and even those that haven’t, take the time to read this book. I personally am glad that I did.
God bless you. For God and Country. Kellie J. Mounce
Bill, I really enjoyed your presentation tonight, and would highly recommend it to all of my friends and family. I am going to purchase your book tomorrow night at the Avon Lake signing for my son in law, who is in the Air Force……I would like him to see if that book can be sold in the BX in Albuquerque, if not around all of the States. You have a calling, my friend, so all the years of pain, anguish, suffering were not in vain-look at all the good you can share with all the returning war vets, and for all who suffer from PTSD. Sean has much to be proud of, and I am proud to be called a friend and classmate of yours. May God Bless you for all your good deeds!
Mr. Wenger,
Your presentation yesterday in Avon Lake was inspiring, touching, emotionally enlightening, and informational. It is an honor to know you and meet those who have paved the way for our freedom, with that, I thank you (and ALL veterans)! The sacrifices, life challenges, and “bunkers” that you have both dealt with and lived behind have led you to where you are today and assist in your ability to touch the lives of others who live with similar issues or lack the awareness of help for the pain that lies within. As a non-veteran, but proud American, you touched my life and made a difference in my mind so that I may continue to achieve my personal goal of helping others who suffer from similar ailments. After hearing your presentation I thought, if only every veteran could hear this message and I pray that someday most of them will. May God Bless you, keep you safe, and give you the continued strength to share your story…you are an inspiration and a true hero. Thank you for serving and thank you for sharing.
Bill,
I attended your first two book signings in Vermilion and Avon Lake. I must admit that I’m very impressed with your knowledge and passion for the PTSD movement. You really hit the long ball buddy!!
The thought of 18 American vets taking their lives per day is astounding and should not be tolerated!
Not when help is available at the VA through counseling.I use the VA system myself and find that it is a first class organization.
Everybody that was lucky enough to have met Pete was certainly devastated at the news of him being called home.We were in the same Home Room at Admiral King High School.He was certainly a cut above the rest!
I wanted to ask you a question during your open session, but backed out. So I’ll ask it now. Knowing what you know now back then, would you do it again??
Keep up the good work Bill!
Danny Truxell
Bill – Like Danny, hearing your presentation twice this weekend had a compounding effect on me. Listening harder the second time to those items you shared with us the first time only enhanced my personal desire to further support your efforts, whether through continued assistance provided to you directly, or through supporting my daughter in pursuit of her masters degree, which is largely targeted toward the treatment of PTSD. Your multi-media presentation was of a very high quality, and for someone like me, a USAF veteran of the Vietnam era, you made the “light come on” for me as to why we all did what we did back then. The experiences you and Tom “Blackheart” DuBroy experienced, and the tremendous sacrifices you both made then – and since – in no way compared to the very mild and peaceful four years I contributed. I am humbled by your service then and now. Your presentation is worthy of national attention!
One more thing you inadvertently made me realize was the fact that PTSD is not unique to combat vets, but to many others exposed to continuous trauma and tragedy, e.g., medical people in the ER would be a good example; loss of a child or other loved one. So many people need to hear your message to truly gain the traction necessary to SAVE people from a tragic natural reaction to very unnatural experiences.
As you have so unselfishly shared your 40 years of living with the PTSD demons, and finally getting the help you needed, we now all know the light at the end of the tunnel is real and we all have the opportunity to help others find their way out of that tunnel (or “Bunker”). Thanks so much!
Bill,
Great job Sunday at Amvets Post47 in Lorain,Ohio, your old stomping grounds! Your book is an inspiration to all and especially us fellow VN Vets, so I really appreciate your efforts and I am sure I speak for all from our post and all the other Veteran groups you visited during your trip up north. Thanks for getting the word out to all who might have a problem with PTSD or anyone who might know someone who is having problems now or in the future. This is extremely important as you well know. It was great seeing you, old friend, and once again I’m sure I speak for all when I say we’re very proud of you and not only for your efforts fighting back and now leading a very fruitful life, but also for all that you’re doing to get this message out countrywide! I am sure your son and your whole family are extremely proud of you!
Just a note to say Thank You for visiting AMVETS Post 47 yesterday. Your presentation was well received by everyone that attended and so many of our members told me that thay are sorry that they did not bring some of their family members to hear you and see the truly informative program. When I read the book it gave me an even greater appreciation for what so many service men and women have done to protect the freedoms that we are able to enjoy each and every day here in the United States of America! Thank you again.
Thank you for writing this book. I could not put it down, I read it at stop lights, lunch breaks, and before going to sleep. I was a teenager at the end of the war and was not so affected by it. Hearing your story gives me a better idea of what happened to two of my friends and how their lives were impacted. Thank you for your service and helping other veterans then and now.
Bill, I would like to thank you for writing this book, It was given to me by my sister in law, Felicia Jovais and I could really relate to it having grown up in a blue collar family in Phila. and having a father and many uncles who fought in WWII, Also numerous friends and classmates who served in Nam, My High School, Father Judge in Phila lost 27 one of the Highest in the Country. I served in RVN with the 101St Airbourne Div. In the Khe Sanh, Quang Tri area so I picture everything you spoke of, I also waited years before going to the VA, you know the macho thing, but I went in 2004 and they are a big help. So I hope other Vets read your book and they will realize that being in a war, your life is changed forever and there probaly won’t be a day that you won’t think about it. Thank you again, Dennis Devine
Bill, Your book was superb! I have shared it with another Nam vet who also wrote a book. He has a good friend with PTSD and he is going to share it with him when he finishes it. I was a little surprised that, in your analysis, your terrific sense of humor and timing wasn’t mentioned, either by you or the psychiatrist. You weren’t a clown but very funny and fun to be around.
I hope Sean enjoys the purpose in which you wrote your book. It is full of meaning…Your friend, Ivan Cottrell
Great job. No one can imagine the effect of what all the guys went through. The shock, the fear, the stress, hard to believe. You put it down well.I am proud to know who you are. mouse.
Bill, I just want you to know I enjoyed reading your book, it was hard putting it down. I laughed/cried at times and I just can’t believe everything you went through that you would re-enlist not once but twice. We were neighbors in the projects on Westview Ct. in Lorain. I lost my oldest brother Pfc.Jose Antonio Carrion in Vietnam Aug.7,1969 after 40 years I still miss him dearly…Happy you made it home and glad the VA was able to help you with PTSD. In Memory of those that didn’t make it home and Thank You to the One’s that did…Love Yolanda
I wish I knew about your book before I left Florida. I published a book about my tour and am working on a second book. The second is about PTSD and my life after Vietnam.
What I found interesting was how close we were during our tours. I went to Vietnam in November 1967 and was at Camp Evans, DMZ and other areas. I spent 1 1/2 years in Vietnam. My unit very well could have given you air support.
I cannot wait to get a copy of your book. I hope when I get it, I can read it. I have PTSD and have a hard time reading most books about Vietnam.
I never knew you spent time in Vietnam. We may have crossed paths there instead of just at Atex. I was in Vietnam from March 1968 through December 1969. I spent time in Dong Ha, the rockpile, etc. I worked some with the 3rd Marine division on the Q4 & Q10 radar sites. Never made it to Khe Sanh but did spend the rest of my time in the central highlands, Pleiku, Ben Het, Dak To, Firebases 39, 32, Woolybully, Khe Sanh lost a lot of conrades there. I have just been able to talk about my experiences in the last few years.
I just finished bills book and wrote him a thank you for sharing his story. He wrote back in a few hours, that just shows me the kind of man he is and that he cares. I’m a combat infantryman served in Iraq from 2003 to 2004. This book has given me more motivation to get the help I need , thanks again bill!
Posted by katie ulichney on September 19, 2010 at 10:37 pm
http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2010/09/19/news/mj3066160.txt
Posted by American Legion #103 on September 23, 2010 at 2:39 am
Bill,
We can not thank you enough, for the very moving presentation that you gave here. The vets and non-vets that were able to attend, are thankful. I hope that everyone, either those who have served and even those that haven’t, take the time to read this book. I personally am glad that I did.
God bless you. For God and Country. Kellie J. Mounce
Posted by Diane Zemanek on October 23, 2010 at 3:25 am
Bill, I really enjoyed your presentation tonight, and would highly recommend it to all of my friends and family. I am going to purchase your book tomorrow night at the Avon Lake signing for my son in law, who is in the Air Force……I would like him to see if that book can be sold in the BX in Albuquerque, if not around all of the States. You have a calling, my friend, so all the years of pain, anguish, suffering were not in vain-look at all the good you can share with all the returning war vets, and for all who suffer from PTSD. Sean has much to be proud of, and I am proud to be called a friend and classmate of yours. May God Bless you for all your good deeds!
Posted by Leigh Yingling on October 24, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Mr. Wenger,
Your presentation yesterday in Avon Lake was inspiring, touching, emotionally enlightening, and informational. It is an honor to know you and meet those who have paved the way for our freedom, with that, I thank you (and ALL veterans)! The sacrifices, life challenges, and “bunkers” that you have both dealt with and lived behind have led you to where you are today and assist in your ability to touch the lives of others who live with similar issues or lack the awareness of help for the pain that lies within. As a non-veteran, but proud American, you touched my life and made a difference in my mind so that I may continue to achieve my personal goal of helping others who suffer from similar ailments. After hearing your presentation I thought, if only every veteran could hear this message and I pray that someday most of them will. May God Bless you, keep you safe, and give you the continued strength to share your story…you are an inspiration and a true hero. Thank you for serving and thank you for sharing.
Posted by Dan Truxell on October 24, 2010 at 10:12 pm
Bill,
I attended your first two book signings in Vermilion and Avon Lake. I must admit that I’m very impressed with your knowledge and passion for the PTSD movement. You really hit the long ball buddy!!
The thought of 18 American vets taking their lives per day is astounding and should not be tolerated!
Not when help is available at the VA through counseling.I use the VA system myself and find that it is a first class organization.
Everybody that was lucky enough to have met Pete was certainly devastated at the news of him being called home.We were in the same Home Room at Admiral King High School.He was certainly a cut above the rest!
I wanted to ask you a question during your open session, but backed out. So I’ll ask it now. Knowing what you know now back then, would you do it again??
Keep up the good work Bill!
Danny Truxell
Posted by Gary Yingling on October 25, 2010 at 11:59 am
Bill – Like Danny, hearing your presentation twice this weekend had a compounding effect on me. Listening harder the second time to those items you shared with us the first time only enhanced my personal desire to further support your efforts, whether through continued assistance provided to you directly, or through supporting my daughter in pursuit of her masters degree, which is largely targeted toward the treatment of PTSD. Your multi-media presentation was of a very high quality, and for someone like me, a USAF veteran of the Vietnam era, you made the “light come on” for me as to why we all did what we did back then. The experiences you and Tom “Blackheart” DuBroy experienced, and the tremendous sacrifices you both made then – and since – in no way compared to the very mild and peaceful four years I contributed. I am humbled by your service then and now. Your presentation is worthy of national attention!
One more thing you inadvertently made me realize was the fact that PTSD is not unique to combat vets, but to many others exposed to continuous trauma and tragedy, e.g., medical people in the ER would be a good example; loss of a child or other loved one. So many people need to hear your message to truly gain the traction necessary to SAVE people from a tragic natural reaction to very unnatural experiences.
As you have so unselfishly shared your 40 years of living with the PTSD demons, and finally getting the help you needed, we now all know the light at the end of the tunnel is real and we all have the opportunity to help others find their way out of that tunnel (or “Bunker”). Thanks so much!
Posted by Rich Paffumi on October 25, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Bill,
Great job Sunday at Amvets Post47 in Lorain,Ohio, your old stomping grounds! Your book is an inspiration to all and especially us fellow VN Vets, so I really appreciate your efforts and I am sure I speak for all from our post and all the other Veteran groups you visited during your trip up north. Thanks for getting the word out to all who might have a problem with PTSD or anyone who might know someone who is having problems now or in the future. This is extremely important as you well know. It was great seeing you, old friend, and once again I’m sure I speak for all when I say we’re very proud of you and not only for your efforts fighting back and now leading a very fruitful life, but also for all that you’re doing to get this message out countrywide! I am sure your son and your whole family are extremely proud of you!
Keep up the good work, Bill!!
Posted by John A. Rich on October 25, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Bill:
Just a note to say Thank You for visiting AMVETS Post 47 yesterday. Your presentation was well received by everyone that attended and so many of our members told me that thay are sorry that they did not bring some of their family members to hear you and see the truly informative program. When I read the book it gave me an even greater appreciation for what so many service men and women have done to protect the freedoms that we are able to enjoy each and every day here in the United States of America! Thank you again.
John A. Rich
Posted by Linda Jensen on November 4, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Thank you for writing this book. I could not put it down, I read it at stop lights, lunch breaks, and before going to sleep. I was a teenager at the end of the war and was not so affected by it. Hearing your story gives me a better idea of what happened to two of my friends and how their lives were impacted. Thank you for your service and helping other veterans then and now.
Posted by Dennis Devine on December 17, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Bill, I would like to thank you for writing this book, It was given to me by my sister in law, Felicia Jovais and I could really relate to it having grown up in a blue collar family in Phila. and having a father and many uncles who fought in WWII, Also numerous friends and classmates who served in Nam, My High School, Father Judge in Phila lost 27 one of the Highest in the Country. I served in RVN with the 101St Airbourne Div. In the Khe Sanh, Quang Tri area so I picture everything you spoke of, I also waited years before going to the VA, you know the macho thing, but I went in 2004 and they are a big help. So I hope other Vets read your book and they will realize that being in a war, your life is changed forever and there probaly won’t be a day that you won’t think about it. Thank you again, Dennis Devine
Posted by Ivan Cottrell on December 21, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Bill, Your book was superb! I have shared it with another Nam vet who also wrote a book. He has a good friend with PTSD and he is going to share it with him when he finishes it. I was a little surprised that, in your analysis, your terrific sense of humor and timing wasn’t mentioned, either by you or the psychiatrist. You weren’t a clown but very funny and fun to be around.
I hope Sean enjoys the purpose in which you wrote your book. It is full of meaning…Your friend, Ivan Cottrell
Posted by Dave Macur on January 4, 2011 at 3:43 pm
Great job. No one can imagine the effect of what all the guys went through. The shock, the fear, the stress, hard to believe. You put it down well.I am proud to know who you are. mouse.
Posted by Yolanda Carrion Bustamante on January 25, 2011 at 1:51 am
Bill, I just want you to know I enjoyed reading your book, it was hard putting it down. I laughed/cried at times and I just can’t believe everything you went through that you would re-enlist not once but twice. We were neighbors in the projects on Westview Ct. in Lorain. I lost my oldest brother Pfc.Jose Antonio Carrion in Vietnam Aug.7,1969 after 40 years I still miss him dearly…Happy you made it home and glad the VA was able to help you with PTSD. In Memory of those that didn’t make it home and Thank You to the One’s that did…Love Yolanda
Posted by Russ Warriner on February 23, 2011 at 3:11 am
Bill,
I wish I knew about your book before I left Florida. I published a book about my tour and am working on a second book. The second is about PTSD and my life after Vietnam.
What I found interesting was how close we were during our tours. I went to Vietnam in November 1967 and was at Camp Evans, DMZ and other areas. I spent 1 1/2 years in Vietnam. My unit very well could have given you air support.
I cannot wait to get a copy of your book. I hope when I get it, I can read it. I have PTSD and have a hard time reading most books about Vietnam.
Posted by Bill Wenger on June 3, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Latest news report from Memorial Day 2011 http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/memorial-day-service-highlights-traditions-and–a-deeper-understanding-of-ultimate-sacrifice-?CMP=201105_emailshare
Posted by Lyn on June 17, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Great presentation to go along with the book. Now, we would like to read about your life today. How do you continue the journey??
Posted by Kourdt Howell on September 1, 2011 at 3:23 am
I never knew you spent time in Vietnam. We may have crossed paths there instead of just at Atex. I was in Vietnam from March 1968 through December 1969. I spent time in Dong Ha, the rockpile, etc. I worked some with the 3rd Marine division on the Q4 & Q10 radar sites. Never made it to Khe Sanh but did spend the rest of my time in the central highlands, Pleiku, Ben Het, Dak To, Firebases 39, 32, Woolybully, Khe Sanh lost a lot of conrades there. I have just been able to talk about my experiences in the last few years.
Posted by abunkermentality on September 1, 2011 at 11:23 am
Small world Kourdt. I never knew you were in Nam either. Welcome home my friend!!! I trust you have been doing well.
Posted by Mike Stiteler. on February 19, 2012 at 11:37 pm
I just finished bills book and wrote him a thank you for sharing his story. He wrote back in a few hours, that just shows me the kind of man he is and that he cares. I’m a combat infantryman served in Iraq from 2003 to 2004. This book has given me more motivation to get the help I need , thanks again bill!