The first year back from any war is probably the most critical year for a combat veteran. It was no different with the Vietnam War.

Successful assimilation back into civilian life usually depended on the amount of time an individual was in the military and what that individual experienced.

Some had few or no problems re-entering the life they once knew while many would suffer from wounds, the effects of Agent Orange/insecticides and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) never mind whatever personal issues they had.

1969 would be this author's critical year, as well as for many others, and would prove to be an eye-opening odyssey of transitioning "Back to the World."