Judy Guion commented on A Writer’s Journey ~ Come On, Write With Me
The War in Vietnam was happening as I was going to high school and college.
The only boy I dated seriously in high school joined the Navy and went to Vietnam and served as a Crew Chief on a helicopter. Fortunately, he came home.
My twin brother was drafted and ended up as a clerk in Da Nang. He also came home. My younger brother didn’t have to go because his brother was already there, or at least that’s what I understood.
When I was in college, many of my classmates were returning Vets who were going to college on the G.I. Bill. I knew some of them, dated a few, and learned first hand, in a few cases, how the whole experience messed with their heads.
Idea – What if your draft-dodger goes to college and sees the war through the eyes of those who have already been there? What if he decides to be a Conscientious Objector? Many young men took that route to avoid the war and some went to Canada just because they were afraid they would die.
Hi Judy,
Great minds think alike! I have actually been doing a lot of research on both sides of the Vietnam/anti-Vietnam issue, and have come to the conclusion that the draft dodger’s character will become a “conscientious objector”. I watched a documentary on netflix last night on Joan Baez (2009). It was really good, and it had actual footage of Joan and her now ex-husband, David, (who was head of the draft resistance) as they encouraged young men not to fight. I did not know that she was a Quaker and therefore a pacifist. The documentary was very informative and moving.
Thank you so much for sharing about your brothers and your friends who fought in Vietnam. I’m feeling very emotional about all these young men that I’m learning about. It was a very difficult experience that, as you said, messed with their heads. I haven’t talked with anyone yet who has positive memories of their time in Vietnam. I’ve written it all down, and I’m still interviewing. Once I have time to ponder on their stories I will publish more pages. I would love to hear about anything your brother or friends would like to share.
Blessings 
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