Returning+Vietnam+Soldiers

Soldiers returning home from the Vietnam War had many problems to adapt to when they returned to the United States. Their problems included trouble finding jobs, PTSD, loss of friends and family, and disrespect of the American people. Veterans had a hard time fitting in to mainstream life after going through an extraordinary like Vietnam. There was no such thing as normal there, and as a result, it was hard to fit back in to America.

PTSD posted a major problem for returning Vietnam vets. After going through all war and gore, some soldiers could never return to living a normal life and were virtually driven insane. For more information, see PTSD.

Other problems for returning Vietnam vets include not being welcomed home, disrespected by civilians, and difficulties in findind jobs. For more information, see Post War Problems for Veterans.

One problem that really stood out to me was the amount of respect the Vietnam veterans received. I think that every single person that serves for the military in defense of our country and the people in it deserve more than respect. Instead, Vietnam vets were cussed at, spat upon, called names (baby killers was very common), and were disowned by their own family and friends. Instead of being welcomed home as heroes, they were disrespected and treated as if they were criminals.

Vietnam vets were later congratulated for their service, but much, much later. The fact that they were disrespected in itself is a crime. No soldier should have to worry about being ridiculed at home after serrving in any war. All soldiers deserve better. Many Vietnam vets, like these, lost their lives faithfully serving our country. And what respect did they get-- citizens booed the war and didn't provide any support or recognition of those serving. It's a shame that many American soldiers fighting in Vietnam did not live to see recognition for their service. Returning soldiers had to deal with both a great deal of criticism and economic hardships (trouble finding jobs, no money, etc.), as well as personal losses of family and friends.