Unveiling the Healing Power of “Once a Boy”: A Story of Resilience and Transformation Amidst War
[City, Month, Date, State] – The compelling narrative of war’s impact on the human psyche takes center stage in Paul Gardner’s riveting book, Once a Boy. In a world where veterans' experiences often remain untold, this poignant memoir sheds light on the emotional scars left by conflict and the power of creativity and support in the journey toward healing. Once a Boy delves deep into the life of a young enlistee thrust into the tumultuous landscape of the Vietnam War in 1967; through Gardner’s vivid prose, readers are invited to witness his journey through the chaos and survival challenges he faced, marked by fears, insecurities, and an unwavering resolve to stay alive. The book presents an unfiltered glimpse into the harsh realities of war and the unbreakable spirit of those who endured it.
What sets Once a Boy apart is its exploration of the role of art and creativity in healing war trauma. Gardner’s narrative resonates with the growing recognition that healing encompasses physical and emotional wounds. By sharing his experiences, the author highlights how creative expression can provide veterans with an avenue to give voice to the unspeakable, fostering catharsis and renewal.
Moreover, Gardner’s story intertwines with the evolution of veteran support. The book exemplifies the lessons of history, tracing the journey from focusing on physical recovery to a more holistic approach that includes mental health care, counseling, and community reintegration. Once a Boy stands as a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of creativity and support, it is an invitation to journey alongside Gardner as he confronts the trials of war and emerges with a renewed sense of purpose.
The book is available now, inviting readers to explore the echoes of war and the following healing journey.
About the Author
Paul Gardner hails from Western New York State. He was born in Sanborn, New York, and raised in North Tonawanda, Jamestown, and Henrietta (Rochester). After his discharge from the Army in 1969, Paul came home and then, in 1974, moved to Phoenix, Arizona, residing there for five years, followed by three years in Oregon. He retired from the automobile sales business after forty years and now enjoys gardening, woodworking, golf, and fly fishing. Exploring America is his passion. Charitable organizations have been the main focus of his life for over forty-five years. Once the Arizona State Director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and currently an active member of the HUGS Foundation in Rochester, keep him aligned with reality and the opportunity to give back. If you ever wanted to understand PTSD, then read the book! Over fifty thousand words of the memoir have been locked up in his brain’s file cabinet for over fifty years, waiting to escape. Paul hopes that after reading this memoir, you will have a greater understanding of what our country asked our boys to do. Contact email address: onceaboy83@gmail.com.
A personal experience well worth reading for those who experienced the Viet Nam War period
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2021
This is an excellent book with a very appropriate title. Those of us who were draft age during the Viet Nam war remember how this national experience forever changed a generation and the country. The war greatly divided the country. Some of us were fortunate enough to join the reserves but many, under the age of majority, were sent to Viet Nam. Once there, the innocence of childhood was lost and those who served were forever changed. Sadly the veterans of the war returned home not to a welcoming environment but one of hostility. The veterans were not treated as heroes who served there country but labeled by pejorative names like "baby killers," 'war criminals" and the like.
This book shares Paul Gardner's deeply personal experience. With the attitude of the invulnerability of youth, he not only served in Viet Nam but volunteered for front line duty in a UH-1. Having to mercy-kill a wounded North Vietnam soldier after being sent with a special forces butter-bar green 2d Lt., whose demeanor was less than brave or valiant, to search the dead enemy after a battle was an experience that will reside in Paul's memory for life. Those of us who got to know Paul better from this book are thankful he returned home and did not join the 55,000 who are now memorialized on the wall in Washington D.C.
This book is highly recommended to those who want to know more of the Viet Nam experience and how it affected 'once a boy" in life's journey. This is not a book to "enjoy" but is a book to help those who did not serve in Viet Nam with the personal experience of one who did. All should thank Paul Gardner for his service and sharing his personal experience.
This Book is Not a Downer!
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2023
I finished reading Mr. Gardner's book this past Christmas Eve. I was so moved by his memoir I wrote him on Christmas day to let him know what a great book he wrote. His book could easily become a classic. It actually reminded me of "All Quiet on the Western Front". I have read many books on Viet Nam and other wars, but none of them had moved me as Much as Paul's, "Once A Boy".
Intimate Combat Narrative
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2021
Personal insight into the daily routine of an enlisted, volunteer, helicopter door Gunner. Readers with no experience in the military should read this to better understand what we expect our young volunteer solders to do on our behalf.
Honest, compelling story telling only because the author shares the actual events in detail and reveals tthe emotional toll at the time and throughout his life.
Straight forward and simply written.
"Welcome home, brother"
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2023
You'll have to read Paul's memoir to understand the meaning of "Welcome home, brother". And your time will have been well spent to gain that understanding.
A Great Personal Account
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2023
Paul Gardner gives an easy to read personal account of his experiences, the reality of the unpopularity of the war in the USA, with understandable details about the encounters with the enemy even for those of us who never served. I'm sure that Vietnam Veterans will appreciate aspects of the details that I cannot imagine...but for anyone, Paul's memoirs will bring tears, smiles, and a better understanding of the service and sacrifice made by thousands of American boys and men. Maybe even more valuable to the American public is the final section of the book..."Welcome Home". If only the American public could have a mulligan on that one.........
An amazing book by an amazing man
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2022
I met Paul on a Facebook forum and he graciously sent me his book, this is an amazing book and I recommend it to anybody who is interested in Vietnam or a Vietnam vet themselves I only know Paul through Facebook but I am proud to say I know him and proud to say that I read his memoirs and he will forever be in my heart and I definitely consider him a friend.