The War Within
February 2026 | Getting Through Tough Times | Our Personal Stories

The War Within

After an emotional, gut-wrenching tour in Vietnam, he came home with a Bronze Star—and a drinking problem

I never expected to be drafted into the military. It was September of 1969. I had recently left a religious order where I had been preparing to become a Christian brother. I had spent years trying to find a life of purpose, but it wasn’t the right path for me. That’s when Uncle Sam called.

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