Soldier finds way to heal

"The lady sitting to your right now ..." begins Lloyd A. King, "she will tell you it hasn't been easy living with me. It's been very hard. She's had to deal with my little ways: Not being able to put my back to a window. Blinds closed at night. Lights out. Not wanting to be in crowds ...

"And that's 38 years later."

[...]

King, 62, served in Vietnam from April 1968 until April 1969. As King puts it, "It was hell" - a trying experience that, nearly four decades later, has left him with physical and emotional scars. King's memories resurfaced just months ago when he published From 'Nam With Love [Link added -- BF], a collection of poetic narratives and illustrations chronicling his experiences in the Vietnam conflict. He will be formally releasing the book to the public Saturday.

"In a way, (releasing the book) was a form of healing and therapy - it was a relief. But it brought back so much," he says.

Each of the book's 61 narratives describes an incident King experienced firsthand. The corresponding date precedes the entries, which King says were composed within 24 hours of each experience.

"Those memories, the experiences, the tragic things that I saw ..."

King's voice begins to shake.

[Read the whole thing.]

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Lloyd A. King has accepted our invitation to join the Old War Dogs pack. Lloyd's very busy right now with the launch of his new book and will begin posting when he's able. Welcome home, Lloyd. Thank you.

*** 2006.09.15.02:10

For your convenience I've added an Amazon.com ad for Lloyd's new book to our sidebar.

Contributed by Bill Faith on September 15, 2006 at 12:54 AM in Bill Faith, Lloyd A. King, The American Warrior | Permalink

Comments

Posted by: 1st Cav

Lloyd, nor only looking forward to your booksigning, but also your superb talent on Old War Dogs.

Posted by: 1st Cav | Sep 15, 2006 9:31:26 AM

Posted by: Rurik

Great to have you with us Lloyd. Welcome to the hunting pack.

Posted by: Rurik | Sep 15, 2006 11:28:51 AM

Posted by: The Gray Dog

Welcome aboard Lloyd! Your addition to the pack will certainly move us closer to being an irresistable force.

Posted by: The Gray Dog | Sep 15, 2006 1:00:40 PM

Posted by: Jim Bartimus

The war didn't end when they said "Time Out", it just changed locations.
We look forward to your contributions Lloyd and are proud to have you stand with us.
Welcome home.....

Posted by: Jim Bartimus | Sep 16, 2006 8:29:03 PM