TOPIC: How Operation Desert Storm, and the positive response of the public to this crisis, seemed to stimulate and heighten unresolved feelings for many Vietnam veterans. PURPOSE: To show that understanding the lived experiences of Vietnam veterans, at time when men and women returning from Operation Desert Storm were welcomed back by their country, would allow for the development of more effective treatment approaches in working with Vietnam veterans. METHODS: Personal interviews, during and immediately following Operation Desert Storm, with 12 men who served in Vietnam. FINDINGS: Themes identified and described by Vietnam veterans included repressed fear, shame, isolation and loneliness, disillusionment, permanence of memories, and acceptance. CONCLUSION: Further exploration and analysis of these themes is recommended.
TOPIC: How Operation Desert Storm, and the positive response of the public to this crisis, seemed to stimulate and heighten unresolved feelings for many Vietnam veterans. PURPOSE: To show that understanding the lived experiences of Vietnam veterans, at time when men and women returning from Operation Desert Storm were welcomed back by their country, would allow for the development of more effective treatment approaches in working with Vietnam veterans. METHODS: Personal interviews, during and immediately following Operation Desert Storm, with 12 men who served in Vietnam. FINDINGS: Themes identified and described by Vietnam veterans included repressed fear, shame, isolation and loneliness, disillusionment, permanence of memories, and acceptance. CONCLUSION: Further exploration and analysis of these themes is recommended.