Review: Former Sgt. Christopher Gaynor

You might expect that an autobiographical book by a Viet Nam combat veteran would be filled with hair raising war stories.  Well, Michael Orban's memoir does give us his account of some pretty hairy experiences, but they are included only so much as they offer us a glimpse into the troubled mind of a young soldier and give us some insight into the root of his later battles with PTSD.  He tells us right up front in his introduction that ‘I don't have a particular interest in that war(Viet Nam), nor its history, battles, strategies or politics, all of these are for others' . What interests the author, and should interest all readers, is how extreme trauma affects combat soldiers and, by association, their families and the wider communities they come home to. 

So, while the underlying subject of his book is PTSD, it is far from a depressing litany of suffering.  While he pulls no punches in describing his decades of alcohol abuse, dysfunction in almost every endeavor and heartbreakingly failed relationships, the journey described is one of joyful discovery and ultimate peace at the deepest level. 

The true heart of Orban's account, and what gives this book much of its beauty, is his moving and often magical remembrance of his years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the former French colony of Gabon in West Central Africa.  He captures for us the ‘music' of the place; the marvelously wise and loving people, the majestic wildlife and the remarkable life lessons.  It is a genuine pleasure to read.

While he was truly happy and fulfilled in Africa, the dark corners of his mind and soul still harbored his demons.  The final chapters give one of the best accounts available of the emerging awareness of PTSD in the medical community and how this awareness has led to understanding and treatment for veterans of all wars.  I don't think there is any one of us combat veterans who won't recognize some of himself in these pages. 

By sharing his life with us Michael Orban has given us a gift.  I invite all my combat veteran friends to read this wonderful book.  We learn, we heal and we live by sharing our stories.  Thank you brother Michael.

Fmr Sgt. Christopher Gaynor
Republic of Viet Nam class of ‘68