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I am currently an educator of twelve years at the secondary level. Having been born in 1960, I obviously was not eligible for enlistment into the armed forces while the Vietnam conflict was taking place. I felt unworthy and a little humbled when including this unit in a U.S. history course. Who was I to educate our young people on the diverse opinions, stories, and experiences that our soldiers experienced during that time?! The textbooks and other materials certainly did not do justice to these people. I instead turned my class over to local Vietnam Veterans from various years, who served in various areas, who served in various branches of the armed services.I have spoke with those who suffer from many psycological and physical illnesses. This I did however, after a steady diet of self education on the subject dating back to French involvement in the 1800's, through the U.S. training of Vietminh soldiers in WWII to assist in our war against the Japanese, right on through our involvement in the 1950's, 60's, and 70's in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. If you really want to know what it was like, speak with those who were there. It takes time to win the confidence of many to open up. If the Vets feel you are sincere in your interest, they'll talk. The education I received was overwhelming. In the past five years I have researched this conflict in great detail. I have interviewed and spoke with well over 100 veterans who served in Vietnam. At first many were reluctant when word spread why I was contacting them. Now, they seek me. They are confident that those who go through this U.S. history course will receive a real respect for the service these men and women gave. I too have gained an huge degree of respect for the men and women who fought it the Vietnam war. My father fought in Korea. To this day, he will not talk about it. Through my education from him and these men and women I think I have an idea why some may be a little reluctant to open up to those who did not serve. God Bless all of you!