The story of a young man leaving home for the first time to experience life beyond the small conservative Midwest town in South Dakota. The narrative expresses the young man's thoughts and actions on the new experiences and people that cross his path during his time in the military in other countries and the Vietnam War. There are many tales of combat and soldiers' experiences by the author. These stories express strength and will power. Will power and faith walk hand and hand through injury and death as a show of strength in body and soul to live or die. The living helping the wounded and dying call on the same strengths of will power and faith to be able to help someone and comfort them during their painful ordeal. The book is honest and blunt about the issues. The author grew up in a small conservative Midwest town in South Dakota. After high school he decided to enter the army to get training in a field he could use after returning home. He also needed the educational benefits to attend college. In the army he had an eye opening experience. He met many different people from different parts of the US that did not have his same values. He also observed different people from different countries and their values. He made a point to share his values and learn from others their customs and values. This gave him an insight to how to act and react with the people around him. From this point on this learning experience guided him through his life experiences when interacting with other people. His conservative upbringing projected kindness, understanding and a tolerance of other people's differences.