Lost Survivor

Women Serving in Combat zones

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 03:49:00 +0000

I have had several very interesting conversations with women in the National Guard that have been deployed to Iraq. Not just once, but two or three times. They had read my book “Lost Survivor” and identified with the main character’s emotional experiences when he returned home from combat in Vietnam. The theme of the book is “what you give up to survive in combat is what you need live when you return home.” Surviving combat force you to thrown away the important things in your life. It is a well recognized fact that a man that experiences combat and has killed another human being becomes a different man. This is why men that have had to kill to survive combat have a more difficult time coming home and returning to the life they had before they left.

In my conversations with these women, all had served overseas in a combat zone and were experiencing problems returning to the life they had before they left. I understood their feelings of lost trying to fit in back home, but talking to them made me more aware of the changing nature of soldiers that serve in the military. There is a lot of talk about how technology is changing the nature of warfare. War is death and destruction to human beings no matter how it happens.

In today’s Nation Guard, women are soldiers, deployed overseas and serving in combat zones. In the Iraq war, like Vietnam, traditional front lines are virtually obliterated. Women are sent to fill lethal combat roles more routinely than in any conflict in U.S. history, the nation may be just beginning to see and feel the effects of such service.
Unlike previous conflicts, where women rarely were pulling the triggers or running the weaponry that left enemies dead on the battlefield, they routinely are doing so in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thousands of women, like the male veterans of so many wars before, are returning home emotionally damaged by what they have seen and done. These female troops appear more prone to post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, than their male counterparts. They, like their male counterparts, are being constantly mortared and ambushed by a guerrilla insurgency. They are watching fellow troops go home grievously wounded or dead in numbers not seen since the war in Vietnam. Women have been shown to be at higher risk than men of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after traumatic events. It has been stated that 8 percent to 10 percent of active-duty and retired military women suffer from PTSD. Yet the women who most need counseling to help them deal with what they witnessed in Iraq and Afghanistan--like their male counterparts--are the most unlikely to seek it.

There is greater understand of the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and what is needed to treat it. Yet, a Defense Department study of combat troops returning from Iraq found that soldiers and Marines deeply suffering from PTSD and readjustment problems were not likely to seek help because of the stigma such an act might carry. In the study, 1 in 6 veterans acknowledged symptoms of severe depression and PTSD, but 6 in 10 of the same veterans feared their commanders and fellow troops would treat them differently and lose confidence in them if they sought treatment for their problems.

I have noticed during book signing for “Lost Survivor” more women buying the book than men. They are trying to understand what happen to their love ones that changed them so much from who they were before they left home. Men who return from combat do not talk to the women in their lives. Now think about a woman return from combat, who can she talk to? Not the women or men in her life unless they have had common experiences as she. Most people around her don’t. Who does she reach out to? Men who return from combat will tell their wives they are going out to have a drink with the boys and it is accepted as normal. A woman who has served with men in a combat zone will prefer to have a drink with them, many times, than the girls. However, her husband may find it difficult to understand her saying she wants to go out for a drink with the boys.

And then there are expected roles of women, especially if they have kids, no matter where they have been or done. They are expected to come back home and resume being the wife or mother that never left.

Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial Twentieth Anniversary (May 2, 3,4, 2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Mon, 26 May 2008 00:49:00 +0000

In recognition of the enormous debt all Americans owes to former Prisoners Of War who gave up their freedom in the service of their country during the Vietnam War, the Illinois Vietnam Veteran Vigil Committee honored 24 Ex-POW's that served over 100years of imprisonment from around the country. The weekend event was kicked off Friday with an honors dinner.

Jerry Lambert, a Vietnam Veteran, who is the News Anchor on Springfield’s local ABC television station, was the guest speaker. His emotional speech about what Vietnam Veterans faced returning home and the trials that POWs had to endure brought forth feelings from many of us that translated his words into a shared experience. He received a standing ovation.

I was honored as Master of Ceremonies for the dinner and to introduce some great people that care about and honor veterans like Jim Mathes, Chairman of the Vigil Committee, whose idea it was to honor the POWs. JP Brown III, National Commander of AMVETS and other members of the Illinois AMVETS organization. Gary Sigler, a Former POW who coordinated getting the POWs here and putting on the dinner introduced Ted Gostas a Former POW and famed artist that shared poems and prints of his famous paintings. During the weekend I had the opportunity to spend time with the POWs, hear some of their stories of survival, and share emotional moments of remembrances. It reminded me of one of the greatest fear I had in Vietnam, being captured and taken prisoner. In my recon team we had a whispered agreement not let the enemy capture us alive. None of us believed we would survive to be taken to North Vietnam.

The thought of going to sleep every night for years knowing you will wake to torture and pain in the morning seemed to me worst than death. Yet, here I was in a room full of men that survived that ordeal. Men who were humble and took nothing for granted. What strength it took to survive the constant fear, the physical and mental torture, the loneliness and doubt. How do you keep yourself intact being an enemy prisoner in the middle of enemy lands? Only when you are faced with the reality of it do you discover how to survive it.

When I got home after spending the weekend with them my neighbor asked me how did the events go? I told him that there was nothing I could see in my life to whine about after spending time with the Ex-POW’s.

20th Anniversary of the Vietnam Vigil and the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:00:00 +0000

Twenty years ago I was one of the early members of a small group of Vietnam Veterans that had a fire inside to do something in Illinois for the remembrance of Vietnam Veterans. At that time I was Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans and had coordinated the state of Illinois participation in the National Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. It inspired two Illinois Vietnam War veterans, Richard Stahl and Mike Ferguson to have an Illinois memorial honoring the state’s Vietnam War causalities. It was when I met Mike that the fire was ignited in me. The Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Committee was created to raise the $1.25 million needed to construct the Memorial. No one knew how to raise that much money, especially with a goal to raise it from private rather government sources.

My wife and I left on a trip to see America, for almost two years we traveled the country. But before I left I got Governor Thompson involved in the effort to build the Memorial. His presence and belief in the need for the Memorial was a driving force to acquire the funds. The Memorial was dedicated on May 7, 1988 as a permanent state memorial under the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

Inscribed on the five walls representing the five branches of services are the names of those who died or are still missing. An eternal flame burns atop the Memorial. The inscription on the outer walls reads: To Those Who Died Honor and Eternal Rest, To those Still in Bondage Remembrance and Hope, and To Those Who Returned Gratitude and Peace.

The Veterans Memorial Vigil, Inc. holds an Annual 24-hour Vigil and Remembrance ceremony that honors those who died, who are still unaccounted for, and those who honorably served their country.

This 20 year remembrance event welcomes Vietnam Veterans home and thanks them for their service to the country. The official ceremony starts at 11:00 a.m. on May 3rd with speakers, laying of Wreaths, passing of the torch, and ending with a P.O.W ceremony. Sunday May 4th the ceremony continues with the final watch of the 24 hour Vigil and closing at 1:00 p.m. with a rifle salute, taps and flag-raising.

If you are in Illinois on these days join the many that will be showing their gratitude for those who served their country in Vietnam, welcoming them home and giving thanks for their service.

My day on a National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 04:05:00 +0000

April 18, 2008 I took a plane ride. Not the usual commercial flight from point A to point B. It was on a National Guard KC-135 a Stratotanker, whose principal mission is air refueling. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as well as aircraft of allied nations. It is a big plane, based on the same basic design for the commercial 707 passenger plane.

I was honored to be one of the community members invited to participate in this experience, a Diversity Orientation Flight put on by the Air National Guard’s 183rd Fighter Wing. We attended a morning presentation led by Colonel Michael Meyer, Commander of the Fighter Wing, about the 183rd roles and missions in the Air National Guard. After the morning presentation and a brief tour we boarded a KC-135 from the 126th Air Refueling Wing to observe F-16 Fighting Falcons refueling in the air.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a highly maneuverable, single pilot, compact, multi-role fighter aircraft used in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. Seeing one take off, get a few feet off the ground, hit its afterburner and disappear into the sky is an amazing sight. We had the chance to see the cockpit and walk around some parked F-16s. It is an electronic marvel. Electrical wires relay commands, replacing the usual cables and linkage controls. A side stick controller is used instead of the conventional center-mounted stick. Hand pressure on the side stick controller sends electrical signals to actuators of flight control surfaces such as ailerons and rudder. It is a tight fit for pilots. It was clear to me that a seven foot person could not fit in the cockpit. Also, it took a lot of skill to listen to the radio, watch the various instruments in front of you and fly the plane.

The KC-135 four turbofans, mounted under 35-degree swept wings made a smooth take off and climbing to it operational altitude quickly. The KC-135 is equipped with a flying boom for fuel transfer. The boom operator lies on his stomach peering out of small windows operating the boom with small joy sticks. I shared the view, lying next to the boom operator. All I can say is what a ride, what a view watching the F-16 come up to the boom. The jets come up to about 10 feet to the underbelly of the KC-135 and boom is extended, connecting to the jet and the fuel transfer begins. The KC-135 pilots maintain a speed of about 535 miles per hour during the refueling.

Back on the ground we had a chance to fly in an F-16 simulator where you could crash a couple of times and walk away to try again. The whole day was a great and different experience and I thank the Air National Guard’s 183rd Fighter Wing for it. Though I am an old Vietnam Veteran, I felt a common bond with these young military men and women who are now serving their country.

Aerial refueling flight

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 04:08:00 +0000

The Illinois National Guard has invited me on board a KC-135 Stratotanker while it refuels a F-16 Fighting Falcon. WOW. It promises to be an exciting mission and I am look forward to it.

As I read the orientation flight guidance sheet a few things caught my attention. Everyone receives a pre-flight briefing in order to fly on a military aircraft. When I was in the military I was on a lot of different planes, never had a pre-flight briefing. In order to experience a refueling, they say you will be lying on your stomach in the rear of the aircraft. The only time I laid down in an aircraft was on Choppers taking fire in Vietnam. The aircraft is very loud and they will provide earplugs. I found it interesting the under the section "What to leave behind" was the statement: Firearms are not permitted on Federal military installations or on military aircraft. I have found that when you see an statement like that it probably means someone tried to bring a gun on board. Wonder what they were thinking?

Under "Sickness/injury section" head cold or sinus problems could result in serious head injuries during pressurization of the aircraft (this is not a commercial aircraft designed for passenger comfort). I have never been on commercial plane that refueled another plane, fair is fair.

Under the section "Operation of equipment" in bold capital letters: YOU ARE PROHIBITED FROM OPERATING ANY MILITARY EQUIPMENT ON BOARD THE AIRCRAFT. Wonder why they had to state that so forcibly? I had visions of someone saying they always wanted to fly a really big plane or push the buttons to lower the fuel boom to refuel a F-16, even though they never had a flying lesson or plane refueling training. I am glad they will not let us because I know I would not have any idea of what to do. I only know for sure you can't stay in the sky forever and how you get back on the ground is very important.

Not everyone gets the chance to be apart of such an event I am looking forward to it and will share my experiences with you when I get back on the ground.

Peoria Illinois Book Signing

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:59:00 +0000

Peoria Heights, IL—Two authors, two wars, two perspectives. I Know You Like A Book presents two historical fiction authors for its next Local Author book signing event on Saturday, April 19th at 2:00 p.m. Brooks Carver of Canton and Thomas Jones of Springfield both explore the effects of war on the American soldier.

Carver’s first book, “The Angels’ Share” is set in the reconstruction period after the Civil War. The story follows Jack Grady, his son, and two other veterans as they make an epic journey across the war-torn South. The novel won the Bronze Medal for historical fiction in the ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year competition in 2004. Carver’s second novel, “Give My Love to Ivy Rose” tells the story of the grandchildren of “The Angels’ Share” hero. Both books will be available at the book signing.

Jones took his experiences as a Marine in the Vietnam War and crafted his novel, “Lost Survivor: The Novel of a Black Soldier’s Journey to Vietnam and Back”. The premise of the story is that one of the hardest lessons for a soldier is to realize that past experiences are not valid during combat, and what is lost, in order to survive, is what is needed to live. Tom and Lost Survivor have been featured by Illinois State Library Authors Book Fair and his book placed in the Illinois Authors Collection at the IL State Library, Gwendolyn Brooks Building

An articulate and engaging speaker, Tom shares his particular war experiences of the survival journey required by the return to civilian life plus anecdotes garnered from his work as a counselor to other veterans and their families. For Street-Wise, Newspaper of Chicago, he wrote a requested article entitled, “What does America owe its veterans?”

I Know You Like A Book, 4707 Prospect Road, Peoria Heights, IL hosts Local Author Book Signing Event, Saturday, April 19th, 2:00 to 6:00 pm. Mary Beth Nebel, Owner (309) 685-2665.

National Guard/African American History Month 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:23:00 +0000

I was invited to be a keynote guest speaker for the National Guard activities during African American History Month at the Joint Force Headquarters at Camp Lincoln in Springfield Illinois. Major General Enyart, The Adjutant General for both the Illinois Army and Air National Guard, introduced me. Following are some thoughts I shared with that group.

Most of us are raised by families of mothers/ fathers, grandmothers/grandfather, uncles and aunts that look the same. We are taught to think and believe in what they do. It is the only world we know when we were children.

But you grow up, leave home and go out into the “world”, especially if you join the military. Then you find the world is a diverse place filled with people that have different cultural, color and beliefs. In the military, you learn to exist within that diversity.

Each one of you has your own reason why you join the National Guard. Many of you join because of the education benefits, extra money, and to serve your country. It used to be you stayed home except for a few weeks of the year. That has changed. Times are different as the world is different.

In the military you live and work in a diverse world and when you go into combat, there is a great possibility you will engage an enemy who does not look you, believe in what you do, nor think the same as you. Who live and fight by different rules.

The person serving with you may not look like you, be from a different culture, or have different personal beliefs than you. Yet, everyone wears the same uniform, trained together, go into battle with the same hopes and fears, these different people will lay their lives on the line with and for you.

Diversity at home and abroad is the way of our world today. Now does that mean you will like all this difference? No, because most of us did not grow up to like differences. It is something we discover when we find our own mind.

Our differences make this country great. It gives us the ability to drawn upon a bigger pool of skills and talents. What is great about diversity is that we can be different and have common purposes.

Veterans’ Day

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:36:00 +0000

Why do we have a Veterans’ Day?

November 11 is officially veterans’ day. It started in November 1919 when President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, based on the end of WWI “the war to end all wars”.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday - - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans."

The Uniforms Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to insure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Veterans’ Day is a time for Americans to remember the commitment of men and women that served their country. To honor those that served and sacrifice for the common good. This is the day Americans collectively express the country’s appreciation for their veterans.

America is the country she is today because of her veterans. Every family has military veterans and any member of a family can be one. They are the men and women in our lives that gave us life and help us live it, like our fathers, brothers, sisters and mothers. Some are war heroes who faced unbelievable challenges to survive. Some sacrificed all for their country. So, on Veterans’ Day let us not let the jangle of our daily routines over shadow what we owe our veterans for their service. Let us not forget that Veterans’ Day is a day that honors people we love.

Wounds of War

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 14:47:00 +0000

As I have traveled doing book signings, radio and TV interviews, speaking engagements I am amazed how people have open up to tell their stories of survival, returning home and the adjustments of finding a life. All veterans of previous wars have faced these challenges and now the children and grandchildren of those veterans are walking those well worn roads. Every war is the same. Every war is different depending on how you look at it. A reflection of the confusing nature of combat in war. There are the common threads of war, death and destruction, men and women becoming veterans. How these things happen makes the difference.

Every veteran who has survived combat has a physically, mentally, or emotionally wound covered by a scar. All physical wounds carry lingering mental and emotional memories of what caused the wound. The bright flash of an explosion from touching a doll turns a momentary memory of home into months and years of pain. In the Iraq war, the kinds of wounds reflect the military’s attempt to save lives. Body armor has increased survivability, yet at the same time increased disabilities and head injuries. Which means more loss of limbs and head injuries that translates into more complex therapies that take more recovery time.

These types of wounds put a greater burden on the family because only certain medical facilities can handle the greater demand of medical care needed. Wounds, which take long recovery times, that has to take place in special medical facilities. Was the VA set up to response to such a demand? Where families have to travel long distances many times to see and be with their love ones adds another dimension that should be considered during the recovery time?

I know families that are experiencing the pain of seeing their love ones struggle with these types of injuries. Watching the blinking of eyes that signals a giant leap of accomplishment and a smile brings remembrances of normal.

Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial Vigil - 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Tue, 08 May 2007 04:33:00 +0000

This weekend I attended the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial Vigil in Springfield, Illinois. This was the 19th year for the vigil. The closing ceremony included a remembrance cermony for Wesley A. Stiverson whose name recently was added to the black marble wall. It brought home to me the reality how the effects of the Vietnam War still lingers in our lives.

I was one of the original Vietnam veterans that started the movement to build the Illinois memorial. During the vigil I had a chance to see and hug most of the other veterans who were apart of that small group. Men who I have not seen for over twenty years. Yet the glow in my heart was just as warm as the excitement in my chest when we were together many years ago with a fire in our bellies this was something that should be done. An idea must start somewhere, it is usually within one mind. It was out of Mike Ferguson's mind that the idea for a Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial was conceived. In fact during those early years only the idea was clear. We didn't know where it should be built, what it should look like, and most important how to get it built. The hearts were true, but the lack of knowledge of how to do it was vast.

At that time I was Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, a member of Governor Thompson cabinet. I took the idea to the Governor. He loved the idea and threw his support behind building the memorial. Of course, when the Governor's office gets involved things happen, people and money show up. Different ideas show up. The simple brother love that inspired the original idea becomes a project that draws government and politics. The idea becomes more than just a thought, it becomes an expression of the people. The original small band of believers provided the idea and spirit that are captured in stone. I am glad my name is not on the memorial, proud and honored to be part of the spirit that energized the creation of it.

America does not need made up heroes.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 14:09:00 +0000

America is full of real heroes. She does not need to make them up. There are many different types of heroes. There are those that do a heroic act in war, during disasters, and responding to circumstances of accidents. Then there are those unsung heroes who meet the challenges of daily living in an unforgiving world for their children, for their future and hopes. The media does not make heroes. The media shows the actions of ordinary people reacting to extraordinary situations that create heroes.

In Vietnam during combat daily heroic acts kept most men alive. Someone who charged the enemy without regard to their personal danger, threw their bodies on a grenade to protect their fellow soldiers, or exposed themselves to enemy fire to drag a wounded man to safety. Acts done with no thought of being a hero but because something someone had to do at that moment to save lives. Someone who was willing to give up their life so others men could live. No thoughts of the consequence just the act that needed to be done. I was a corpsman with a Marine long range recon unit. When a man was wounded my only thought was to get to him as soon as possible no matter what was happening around me. Part of it was my training to respond, it was my job. Facing death continuously was not part of the job description. Yet, when a man yelled “Doc, I’m hit” without thinking I ran or crawled to him. I was scared, though fear screamed in my mind I didn’t hesitant. The need to help overrode the fear. There were times I didn’t know how I survived. No matter how often it happened, I was ready to do it again. To some these actions would be considered heroic acts, or just crazy, to me and men I served with it was my job.

Mother’s and fathers are heroes. They face a world everyday they have no control over to feed, clothe, and protect their children from harm. Some days it seems impossible but they make it to the next day to meet new challenges. They strive to give tomorrows to their children. The personal sacrifices, the pain, the suffering they endure quietly most of the time. For most it is their love and job.

America is who she is today because of her heroes. Some we know about, most we don’t. After most heroic acts, heroes look forward to a normal life. There is no hero’s life style. The heroic act happens at a time and place, one of many events that happen in a life.

Survivors are the true Cost of War

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 17:07:00 +0000

Why do we only understand the reasons for war, but not the total cost of war? Our thoughts are usually focused on the lives, the money, the resources costs of being in the war. Once in a while a single event will distract and the aftermath cost of the war grabs attention. Care of the veterans. Wars create veterans. If we are engaged in war the survivors will be veterans. I want to make sure it is clear what I am saying. Veterans are our love ones who survived.

Marine Corps League

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 11:02:00 +0000

Last year I was the speaker at the Marine Corps League's dinner celebrating the 231st birthday of the Marine Corps in Quincy, Illinois. It was sort of a homecoming, sixty-two years ago I was born in Quincy. I was embraced as a native son, even after I told them my mother took me away from there when I was 6 months old. I had several radio and TV interviews earlier during the day and the turn out was great. I talked about my background, the book "Lost Survivor" and similarities/differences between the Vietnam War and the war in Iraq.

Two years ago the Marine Corps League changed their membership rules so that Corpsmen were able to join. In my remarks, I told them as a Corpsman in Vietnam the Marines always wanted me around, so I was glad to see back home they wanted Corpsmen to be with them. I joined the Springfield Chapter. I was proud to serve with the Marines. I consider it a honor that Corpsmen are the only outside group Marines allow to be among them.

A great weekend lasted a week

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 04:08:00 +0000

My wife and I drove up to LaPorte IN last Saturday for a friend's winter party. The party was the next day. We checked in to the Blue Heron Inn on Pine Lake planning to leave Tuesday. The Inn was a comfortable, friendly place with great food and interesting people in the bar.

At the party on Wedesday we rode in a horse-drawn sleigh, watched people cross-country ski, and enjoyed a big outdoor bonfire. Mostly we relaxed in front of the fireplace, drinking hot mulled wine simmering on an old potbelly stove outside entertained by a D.J. spinning old but familiar tunes.

Then that night the snow started falling, falling, and falling. It stopped at 10 inches. We weren't going anywhere Tuesday. In fact, we didn't going anywhere until three days later. When we weren't snowed in there, the city we lived in was buried in 12 inches of snow. We finally got home late Friday afternoon. Our weekend lasted a week.

It was okay. We were not stuck in a snow bank. We were not cold. Our room had a scenic lake view, even though the blowing snow blended the lake with land and we couldn't tell the difference. The room had a spa tub and fireplace since it was our 20th wedding anniversity it was not a bad way to rough it.

Iraq/Vietnam: Some thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 15:24:00 +0000

These thoughts are from a combat Vietnam Veteran. There are some similarities between Vietnam and Iraq. In the jungle of Vietnam there was no clear battle front line, nor is there a clear battle line in Iraq. You don't know who the enemy is until you are attacked. The most important question in both wars,what is a win? What is America's expectation of a winning a war? America's involvement in Korea and Vietnam spilt those countries into two nations. We fought to compromise. In the World Wars there was clarity, there was a battle front and the claiming of territory was a win. In Iraq we now have to accept that just getting out is a win? We know that premature mission accomplished is not winning a war. America needs a clear statement of why and what is a win when going to war.

Getting back into the swing of things

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 18:45:00 +0000

I have not posted for awhile on the blog. Illinois elections, holidays (Christmas & New Years) and finishing a manuscript that I had to get editor this week has demanded a lot of time. I work for Illinois state government, so the elections results would have a great impact on my future. Happy to say, my boss got re-elected. There will more on the new manuscript in the coming weeks.

It was a very busy November. I had book signings and speaking engagments throughout the state. I was one of the featured authors in the Illinois State Library annual Illinois Author book fair. A great honor. Had the chance to spend time with other Illinois authors such as Scott Turow (Ordinary Heroes), James B. Stewart (The Call to Duty:Leadership in times of Terror and the Heart of a Soldier) and Kaylie Jones, James Jones daughter, showing of the film A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries.

I was a speaker at the Quincy, IL Marine Corps League birthday dinner and the Springfield, IL Marine Corps League Ball. In fact I joined the league, 2 years ago the Marine Corps League open up their membership to FMF corpsmen who served with the Marines. A small number of corpsmen are able to join.

I will be sharing more through this blog about issues such as the same and difference between Vietnam and the Iraq war. What is happening with our Vietnam veterans and those who are serving our country today.

New Grandson

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 18:04:00 +0000

What a great Thanksgiving. Spend the time with Mom Mack, my ex-mother-in-law, who I respect and love. She is 96 years old and to me a delight to be around. I had the chance to hold my grandson who was born in August of this year. He is a quiet baby, at least when I was around him. Sweet smile, bright eyes and a head full of hair. I figured the hair was my contribution. I loved hold his small body, feeling him breath, watching his eyes follow movement, and feeling his life in my arms. Oh, my daughter had send many, many pictures of him. We teased her, telling her that when two days go by and we don't receive a picture of him, we think something wrong with her. My first time seeing him in the flesh. Indeed, it was a time of thanks during this Thanksgiving.

I also had a chance to spend time with Preston Jackson, an old friend and great artist. His sculptures is on display around the world. His time and words infused me with renewed energy towards my own works.

2006 Illinois Authors Book Fair - Illinois State Library

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 04:58:00 +0000

What a great birthday weekend. It started Friday, November 17th my 62nd birthday. I was honored as one of Illinois' emerging writers at the Illinois Authors Book Fair at the State Library in Springfield. I had a chance to meet and talk with James B. Stewart, Pulitizer Winner and author of "Den of Thieves, Disney Wars and Heart of a Soldier" We were both born in Quincy Illinois. That evening Scott Turow spoke about his book "Ordinary Heroes" and the next day, Saturday, had a chance to talk to him.

On Saturday, I had two author signing periods, sold a few books, had interesting conversations with people, and did a hour presentation on Lost Survivor. The session received very good comments.

Later that evening I spoke at the Marine Corps Ball. The Marine Corps League two years ago changed their rules so that Hospital Corpsmen with FMF training and served with the Marines could join. I told them that when I was serving with the Marines in Vietnam they always wanted me to be with them, so I was happy to see the rule change and I would be joining the group. Even old Marines look good in their dress uniforms.

My Birthday is today

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 10:03:00 +0000

Happy Birthday to me or as I like to say Happy New Year. In my mind years do not count until you have a begin of life. Sixty-two years ago my life awareness begin in the small town of Quincy Illinois. A river town on the Mississippi river. A small beginning full of possibilities. At least when I look back now that is what I think. Possibilities for a black baby born back then was not thought of in those terms. My mother left Quincy when I was six months old, not searching for possibilities but to leave a life of a young black girl with a baby and no husband. A life of dim views filled with shame. A life she did not want her son to live. She didn't know what she would have to face leaving the small town and family she knew, but she knew what she wanted to leave.

I am a state brat. Born in Quincy Illinois, raised in Peoria, Illinois by my grandmother until I was in the sixth grade then my mother came and took me to Chicago. Growing up my life was one of newness, in many different places with different thinking people. It gave texture to my life, many different colors and a belief in possibilities. It gave my mind the openness to accept differences as a normal state of life.

So on my 62nd birthday I look back and thank my mother for her strenght to be different, to be bold, leave what she knew and venture out into the world to give her son possibilities.

Quincy and Jacksonville, Illinois

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 02:00:00 +0000

November 9, 2006 Quincy Illinois

Started the day off with an interview on WTAD radio 930 AM on the Mary Griffth's show. She was a good interviewer, had read the book twice and had some great questions. Left there and did an interview at CBS KHQA TV. Then had a book signing at American Legion Post 37. I thank Jerry Stoddard the Commander for his help in setting it up and letting the Post members know about the event. Many of the members who came to the Post that night had either seen the TV or heard the radio interview. Some of the members had brought their sons or daughters which added to the event. Carol, my wife, and I enjoyed our converstaions and interaction with the members.

November 10, 2006 Quincy Illinois

Carol and I were invited to join the Marine Corps League's 231st Birthday Celebration of the Marine Corps. It was an invitation only dinner. I was their speaker. It was a special moment for me since I served with the 3rd Marine Recon Company in Vietnam. I told them that I have always felt safe in a room of Marines. I shared my background (I was born 62 years ago at St. Mary's Hospital in Quincy), and my military service during and after Vietnam. In fact I learned that two years ago the Marine Corps league changed their rules so that Corpsman that attended FMF and served with the Marines could join the League. A special and small group I am honored to be able to join.

November 14, 2006 Jacksonville Illinois

I did a book signing and reading at the Due Gatti Cafe in Jacksonville. The Due Gatti is a friendly, neat coffee house in downtown Jacksonville. Brian and Lisa the owners did a great job of getting the work out about the event and we met some interesting people. It was sort of a Springfield artist evening. Job Conger, a talented and dedicated poet attended, David Pitchford poet and the publisher of Lost Survivor and his wife Siobhan were there. Siobhan wrote a poem after reading the book called "To Survivor in Your World" which she read. It was a very enjoyable time shared with interesting people.

November Activities

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 15:56:00 +0000

NOVEMBER BOOK SIGNINGS AND APPEARANCES

Thursday, November 9, 2006, Vietnam Veteran, Thomas R. Jones will be interviewed on WTAD Radio 930 AM on the Mary Griffith's Show in Quincy, Illinois at 9:30 a.m. CST. At 4:30 p.m. on that day he will be signing copies of his book at American Legion Post 37, 1168 Eighth Street, Quincy: Jerry Stoddard, Commander.

Friday, November 10th, Mr. Jones is invited to speak at the Marine Corp League's 231st Birthday Celebration of the Marine Corps with a dinner to be held at American Legion Post 37. (Invitation only)

Mr. Jones will also conduct a book signing and reading at Due Gatti Café, 27 South Central Park Plaza in Jacksonville, Illinois on Tuesday November 14th from 7:00 to 10 p.m.

Lost Survivor is a part of the Illinois State Library Illinois Author's Collection and Tom will speak and sign books at the Illinois Author's Book Fair November 18th at the Gwendolyn Brooks IL State Library, 2nd & Capital Streets in Springfield.

In October, Mr. Jones spoke to the Illinois Library Association's Author's Luncheon at Navy Pier and the Illinois Woman's Press Association Book Fair held at the Chicago Cultural Center. He was also recently featured on News Channel 20 ABC-WICS TV and Radio Stations WFMB AM 1450 and WMAY AM 970.

For more information or to book Thomas R. Jones for speaking engagements on Lost Survivor please call, visit our website www.lostsurvivor.com or email us at lostsurvivor@i publication. com.

Lost Survivor is published by Pitch-Black LLC, nationally distributed to major book retailers by Independent Publisher's Group of Chicago. It is available at local and national retail bookstores, www.Amazon.coni and www.barnes&noble.corn

What does America Owe People Who Fight for their Country?

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 15:49:00 +0000

That is the name of the article I wrote for the "Streetwise newspaper" in Chicago for Veterans' Day. It was from the perspective of a Vietnam veteran. Following is the article.

WHAT DOES AMERICA OWE PEOPLE WHO FIGHT FOR THEIR COUNTRY? FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A VIETNAM VETERAN

Thomas R. Jones

I am a Vietnam Veteran. I am a survivor. I made it home. Vietnam veterans’ families, their friends, and even the government that sent us to war, did not know what to do with us when we came back home. So we took our medals and our memories, and retreated into ourselves. We didn’t talk, and we didn’t join groups nor were we asked to join. We were heroes lost in our own country. Some said we were psychologically devastated, bitter, homeless, drug-addicted people. There was no public or institutional support for us. Our veterans’ benefits were dramatically less than those enjoyed by veterans in previous wars, like World War II.

Vietnam veterans suffered from a variety of psychological problems and experienced life-adjustment troubles, such as marital problems and work difficulties. Their depression, anxiety, alcohol and violence contributed to these difficulties. Any one of these problems would overwhelm a person, but Vietnam veterans tended to have multiple problems simultaneously which produced posttraumatic stress disorder.

In previous wars combat veterans had shell shock or suffered from combat fatigue. For the Vietnam combat veteran it was more than just the combat, it was what happened after they came home. It took me a long time to be able to walk down the street at home and not search building roofs for snipers that could take a shot at me.

I served as Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affair from 1980 to 1987 and I know that during that time only a small number of Vietnam veterans actually sought treatment from mental health providers. I counseled many combat veterans. They talked to me because I had been in combat, I was a Corpsman (“Doc” to them), and had a Purple Heart for wounds I received in battle. In my book, “Lost Survivor”, I write about surviving the brutal and violent Vietnam War. Then realizing what you gave up to survive, you needed to live when you come home.

Now America is in another war. Many feel there are similarities to the Vietnam War. As in the jungles of Vietnam there are no front lines in the cities of Iraq and Afghanistan. It is difficult to know who the enemy is until after they attack. Women and children are used as weapons of war. The war is unpopular with a majority of Americans. And we are not sure what winning the war means.

Today we understand the soldiers are serving our country. They are not the target of people’s strong negative feelings about the war. I think there are several reasons. The Iraq war is being fought by a large number of National Guard units. Many young men and women are from the same community, attended the same high schools, played on sport teams together, went to the same churches, and participated with each other in community and social affairs. Their families know each other. Family and friends hold fundraisers to help their kids get body armor and helmets. Parades are held to welcome them home and community-wide funerals are held for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The young men and women joining the military to defend this country are the children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans who know the effects of war.

What does America owe people who fight for their country? All levels of government, federal, state, and local, should make sure veterans receive the maximum benefits promised. All veterans, their spouses and children (dependents) are owed the benefits of any and all services needed to assist them to regain the life they lost due to the veterans’ service to the country. Government should not disgrace them by instituting bureaucratic barriers that make it harder for them to receive their benefits. In spite of government’s watered down response to its veterans, amazingly, it has been reported that 91% of combat veterans would serve again, if called upon.

Everyone should realize that veterans have been fighting wars in countries whose cultures are very different than ours. They had to survive terrible, brutal, and violent events. To survive the pressure of “adapt or die,” change was forced on them.

War veterans need help to come home. Understand that there are reasons that cause them to be changed which many veterans may not be able to talk about. It takes time and patience. After experiencing combat violence, family, old and new friends, co-workers, strangers, business, medical providers, and especially our government, all play critical roles in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.

October Media Activities

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 02:05:00 +0000

October has been filled with swirls of activities.

Friday the 6th I was an invited guest to the American Library Association Author's Luncheon at their annual conference at Navy Pier in Chicago.

Monday the 9th, the local tv station (Channel 20) in Springfield, Illinois did a special segment on "Lost Survivor". During the show I learned that one of the local anchors, Jerry Lambert had served in Vietnam.

Tuesday the 10th, I was a guest on the Sam Madiona-Radio Talk Show. A woman called in who had bought the book at the local Barnes and Noble book store. She raved about the book, talked about how it helped her understand what her love one had went through and recommended that everyone buy the book. It was great. I wanted her name to take her on tour.

Wednesday the 11th I was a guest on the Pam Furr radio talk show in Springfield. We were in the radio's downtown studio on 5th street. It is in a room with a large window facing the street. People would pass, wave, make faces and give thumbs up. Very interactive.

Saturday the 21st I was one of the 30 accomplished Illinois Authors at the Illinois Woman's Press Association Book Fair at the Chicago Cultural Center.

The smells of war

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 00:53:00 +0000

Smells evoke memories out of the mind, bring forth visions and sounds of times past. Makes us smile, laugh, or cry as the memories raise from their deep hiding places within us. The smell of war never leaves your nose or your mind. It is not just the lingering smell of gunpowder or explosions. More than the stomach turning residue of spilled body fluids mixed with blood after a firefight. For Vietnam veterans something as simple as cooking rice can bring fear. The smell of decay or burning shit can cause your body to break out in an instant sweat. The smell of fear is the the most difficult, yours and other men around you, to forget. The memory covers your body like wet tissue flooding every cell of your body. Twisting your stomach into knots as you relive the reason for the fear.

Lost years

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas R. Jones) — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 14:13:00 +0000

I was talking to a Vietnam veteran about what he felt he had lost serving in Vietnam. Ten years. That one year he felt took ten years out of his life. That was how long he took to catch up to where his life was before he left home. Instead of his children going to school, he felt he should be seeing his grandchildren gong to school. It was more than the lost of the man, it was the lost of future possibilities. Ten years out of a life narrows the number of choices. Those years can not be replaced, they are lost forever. The other sad fact, he felt that very little in those ten years had meaning that last beyond them. He felt he was living in a fog during those times, swirling events pulling and pushing memories in and out of his head. That was the effect of surviving combat, defining who you were in your mind for years afterwards. Filling you with lingering doubts of what was real. Retaining the memories of what you had to endure to survive, delaying what you were living for.