It is in the nature of our naiveté about war that we prepare for combat but rarely for its aftermath. Vietnam vet and historian Robert Doc Topmiller began this book while he was still struggling with his own PTSD but died before he could finish it. Completed by his friends, this book provides an engaging account of America's attitudes and treatment of its veterans, from the revolutionary war forward. Major chapters focus on the failures of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and its predecessors, to address the needs of vets exposed to radiation in post World War II military experiments, vets suffering from Gulf War illnesses, and vets exposed to Agent Orange during Vietnam. Particular attention is given to the persistent issues of trauma and suicide in soldiers and veterans. This volume documents strengths and shortcomings of military and VA responses to the needs of our servicemen and women and suggests ways that we can do better, including the avoidance of armed conflict. Rich in personal accounts of veterans, Doc's own story is compellingly woven into the narrative. -- Publisher Description

Foreword / George C. Herring -- "Help me, Doc" -- The VA's story -- Atomic veterans -- Agent Orange / Peter Berres -- Gulf War Syndrome -- War and the human psyche of America's veterans -- Veteran's suicides -- The VA today -- "Help us, Doc," to avoid the next war.