It was 1968. Teenager Artie Wiknik had a brand new Camaro, a good job in a factory, and a girl named Mary. The war in Vietnam seemed a million miles from his Connecticut home, but when his draft card arrived, that distance suddenly shrank.

While most memoirs tend to include details bolstering the author's heroics, "Nam-Sense, Surviving Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division," is a matter-of-fact account of a teenager sent to basic training and completing NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) training before being expected to lead men in combat under grim circumstances. Wiknik presents the perspective of a grunt; someone often at odds with his superiors.

As his title indicates, Wiknik's goal was to survive, not to become a decorated officer, nor to be a hero. His detailed descriptions bring the heat, the chill, the mud and the smells of war-torn Vietnam into the homes of his readers. His writing is straightforward, yet well crafted.

While at times he comes across more insolent teenager than soldier, that is part of the point. Wiknik freely admits he was not a model soldier. "I hated the idea of being drafted and sent to Vietnam. Serving there stole my youth and made me grow up rather quickly."


But he strove to serve in an honorable manner. In writing his story, Wiknik brings the message, that contrary to public perception, thousands of young men served in Vietnam without being on drugs, without killing women and children, and without taking pleasure in being part of the conflict. His story may have made his parents cringe at times, (his request via the Red Cross to wire him money for food and shelter while spending a week with a prostitute in Bangkok), but those details affirm the honesty of the book.

Sgt. Wiknik served honorably and courageously. His goal was not just self-preservation, but also the safety of the men under his command. That goal earned him the respect of his men and at times, the wrath of his superiors.

Wiknik now says, "I am actually very proud of my service because I did nothing to bring shame to my unit or to my family. Serving there stole my youth, but I think overall that I am a better person for the experience."

As Wiknik notes, boys went to Vietnam; men came home.

Recommendation: I became aware of this book after catching an extraordinary program on the History Channel: "Vietnam in HD." Several people who were directly impacted by the war were interviewed about their experiences. It was Wiknik's homecoming experience that gripped my heart. With a voice choking with emotion, he described the pride he felt coming into an airport with medals adorning his military uniform. As the whispers and nods in his direction became more and more obvious, Wiknik said all he could think of was how much he wanted to get out of that uniform. He describes the crowded airport area, with people standing and sitting on the floor. He also describes the empty seat to his right and the empty seat to his left.

"People would rather sit on the floor, then next to me," admitted Wiknik.

It was not news to me that the American public demonstrated against the Vietnam War, but it was a revelation the extent that returning soldiers were scorned. It is hard to understand how 20-year-olds who had been drafted were disrespected and vilified. It is a shame and a disgrace that people could not figure out to hate the war and love the soldier. As one bikini-clad young woman on the beach of Hawaii said to Sgt. Wiknik who was there for a desperately needed break from the war, "You're part of the war machine." I'd like to think that woman would be embarrassed by her actions if reminded of them today.

As a Memorial Day tribute, I recommend both "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien and "Nam-Sense" by Wiknik. Every veteran deserves respect and gratitude, but perhaps Vietnam veterans deserve an extra dose of kindness.

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Contact Kel Kanady at