New book features stories from Western New York Vietnam Veterans
From Steve Sprague, proud Vietnam Veteran from Steuben County
“Vietnam: A Look Back” is now available for purchase. Authored by Robert E. Yott, the book brings to life the experiences and memories of 75 Vietnam veterans in their own words or the memories of those who were close to those who died in that war. All but a few of the stories are of veterans who were, and still are, Western New York natives.
“Vietnam veterans answered their country’s call to arms but, for the first time in America’s history, returned to a Nation that scorned their service,” Yott said. “Instead of a well-earned welcome, they found themselves icons of a government policy that bitterly divided the Nation.
“Often derided by protesters and unable to find work or acceptance from anyone but close family, many hid the uniforms and the scars of that war in silence. I consider myself both grateful and honored that so many of our neighbors choose to share their stories for this book,” he added.
Yott, now a resident of Steuben County, grew up in Wyoming County, NY, avidly following his father’s interest in military history. Two previous books focused on Civil War veterans. One of those books, titled, “The New York state Soldier’s Home,” is the definitive history of what is now known as the Bath VA Medical Center, one of the first such facilities created to serve Civil War veterans.
Driven by learning the painful story of a shopkeeper near his original hometown who endured both physical and mental suffering from the Vietnam War until his passing, Yott set out to personally interview Vietnam veterans and speak with family and friends of those who gave their lives there. The accounts are presented chronologically, interspersed with Yott’s narrative explaining military terms and the political and citizen reactions to the war in the timeline.
“This book is dedicated to those who placed America’s service ahead of their own. I hope it also convinces the reader to offer the ‘Thank you’ to those veterans who never heard it when it was so honorably earned,” Yott concluded.
Yott serves as a member of the color guard for veteran burials and ceremonies. He has dedicated proceeds from previous books to place benches and enhance life for veterans at the Bath VA Center. Net proceeds from this book will be used to help Vietnam veterans.
Yott’s book is now available on Amazon.com for $19.99 at the following link.
