Souled Out - A Memoir of War and Inner Peace

This wonderful author and military veteran, Michael S. Orban, gave an educational session at Milwaukee Area Technical College as a guest speaker on the subject of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He presented many examples of his life's journey from his recent book, which is entitled Souled Out: A Memoir of War and Inner Peace. During the speech, he integrated events from his book regarding his military service in America and Vietnam, his time in Africa, and his continuous struggle with PTSD.His presentation about his military service in Vietnam, his episode with PTSD, and the years he spent in Africa helping the people there and to assist with his healing process were quite touching. At the end of the session I obtained an autographed copy of his book. Once I started reading it, I just could not stop. Each day I completed several chapters. I like his descriptiveness of the settings in Africa, the richness of the land, the lively spirit of the people he lived with, and
how they helped him with his healing process by reconnecting with nature and its beauty.The characters described and the events he encountered in Vietnam, some of which he participated in voluntarily and others involuntarily were shocking, especially the firefights with the Vietcong in the jungle. The impact of the death, dying, and destruction from these devastating events have left him in a different state of consciousness. It's just amazing how much one person is able to take and survive during military service and from other traumatic life experiences in general.Having served in the military myself, and completed infantry training at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, which Michael has also done. I could easily identify with the events he discussed and followed his presentation which was quite gripping, especially how he was not trained to handle the psychological dilemma resulting for the death on the battlefield in his presence while wondering if he will be next. The book really hi
ghlights his dilemma of jungle warfare during which the close combat of weapons firing and explosions going off which appeal to the senses. Michael presents a compelling case on the issue of PTSD and its devastating impact on the lives of veterans resulting from such military combat operations.My heart goes out with sympathy to all of our veterans. Military service is not as glamorous a profession as the recruiters and the news media have portrayed it to be on occasions. There were times where they would give a theoretical picture; however, actual service on the ground is very practical and much different. Recently, the journalists embedded with military units in combat operations are giving vivid examples of the battlefield to America.Many veterans are still suffering from the trauma of war, such as Michael, and will for a long time to come. Hopefully, they will receive the proper type of medical care and treatment needed to overcome the scars of the battlefield which ha
ve caused them to experience recurring nightmares and dreams, being suspicious of people walking behind them as if they are still fighting in the jungles of Vietnam, and how to deal with the reflex action to certain noise such as a fire cracker and the back blast of a muffler, which reminds them of actual combat operations.Michael has certainly pulled the covers from over what is probably not being told to soldiers entering the military. If only they knew, some would probably have taken a different career route. However, others who prefer the military option and the adventures would still join. This book is truly educational. It highlights the agony of living with PTSD, and the clash of cultures veterans' battling with on a daily basis while crying out for help. Most of the time their voices may not be heard even by their spouses, significant others, friends, and even close family members. This is a great job Michael. I really enjoy reading the book, which should be read by
others to obtain an understanding of PTSD and its impact on military service members. Airborne All The Way!!!

View this post on my blog: http://www.yourgamebook.com/souled-out-a-memoir-of-war-and-inner-peace.html