“Surviving Vietnam” is a collaboration between Vietnam Veteran Dennis Nickell and his wife Diana. After surviving fourteen months in the jungles of Vietnam, Dennis came home to face a second struggle for survival against the demons of drugs, alcohol and violence. Diana was with him almost the entire time.
The American Psychiatric Association did not formally acknowledge PTSD as a diagnosable condition until 1980. Many Vietnam Veterans struggled to get answers and treatment. Dennis was briefly committed to the psyche ward but “broke himself out”.
Diana found herself swept into the dysfunctional relationship, one that she describes with a chuckle as “passionate”. It was not all horrible though. She shares some of the lighter moments such as when they eloped to Reno.
With help of his son, Dennis created the Surviving Vietnam YouTube channel to share his story. His videos garnered millions of views and received numerous comments from other Veterans and family members testifying to the fact that hearing his story helped them as well.
Diana says that their faith carried them through both good times and bad and much of their life was dedicated to helping others. Despite their stormy relationship she says “It’s hard to fight unconditional love.” It was that expression of unconditional love that finally brought their relationship to a healthy point three years before Dennis died. She committed to finish the book as a testament to her husband and in hopes that their experience will continue to help others.
Diana began writing poetry as part of her healing journey. Many of her poems are published on the Havok Journal and she shared a couple with our listeners.
Their story shows how, no matter the challenges, one CAN move from victim to victor.
TAKEAWAY: From Dennis “For all you men out there going through the change or for whatever reason feel the need to act out your youth again, I would just like to say, be patient with yourself and your wife and your kids and the Lord will help you work things out. He promises to do that.”