Why Is Spirituality an Important Issue for Vietnam Combat Veterans?
Most American soldiers who fought in Vietnam believed at first that their cause was just. Some held firm in their belief while others became disillusioned. Some soldiers used their faith as a source of strength to help them endure their pain and suffering, while the faith of others was shattered when they came to believe that a loving God was not present to provide concern, protection, and divine assistance. Mahedy6, a combat chaplain who became a team leader in the Vietnam Veterans Outreach Program in 1979, counseled soldiers in the field and after the war. He found that many of the veterans seeking treatment had difficulty making sense of combat situations that did not fit with their moral or spiritual beliefs. Many of these veterans felt spiritually alienated, or isolated from their God. Soldiers adhering to monotheistic beliefs generally may have a greater struggle with spiritual isolation than pagan warriors. Shay compared Achilles of Troy with Vietnam combatants7. Achilles, who w
