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873 Comments
Thank you.
I did a radio interview on ABC radio. It will be aired on ANZAC day on the DRIVE program.
I did a radio interview on ABC radio. It will be aired on ANZAC day on the DRIVE program.
Sandie Lea says...
Dear Barry,
The Vietnam War came home with my father and lived in our house. We were the enemy.
It?s been 13 years since I first read your book, posted comments here (June 2006) and spoke with you.
My copy of your book is still being circulated amongst extended family and friends.
Thank you for giving others an insight into the difficulties for veterans resuming civilian life and the impact on their families.
I am so grateful to you.
Hope you have a good day tomorrow, Anzac Day. I?ll raise my glass to you.
Love
Sandie.
Reply
Sandie Lea
7:10 PM on April 23, 2019
Dear Barry,
The Vietnam War came home with my father and lived in our house. We were the enemy.
It?s been 13 years since I first read your book, posted comments here (June 2006) and spoke with you.
My copy of your book is still being circulated amongst extended family and friends.
Thank you for giving others an insight into the difficulties for veterans resuming civilian life and the impact on their families.
I am so grateful to you.
Hope you have a good day tomorrow, Anzac Day. I?ll raise my glass to you.
Love
Sandie.
The Vietnam War came home with my father and lived in our house. We were the enemy.
It?s been 13 years since I first read your book, posted comments here (June 2006) and spoke with you.
My copy of your book is still being circulated amongst extended family and friends.
Thank you for giving others an insight into the difficulties for veterans resuming civilian life and the impact on their families.
I am so grateful to you.
Hope you have a good day tomorrow, Anzac Day. I?ll raise my glass to you.
Love
Sandie.
Sure Geoff,
will send my number
Barry
will send my number
Barry
GEOFF HUTCHISON says...
Hey Barry,
Wondering if you could send me a contact number ahead of ANZAC Day - rather think I would like to have a yarn with you on the wireless. Be it live or pre-recorded.
Assuming of course that you would be keen!
Hope you are well.
Geoff Hutchison ABC Drive Perth.
Reply
GEOFF HUTCHISON
1:07 AM on April 18, 2019
Hey Barry,
Wondering if you could send me a contact number ahead of ANZAC Day - rather think I would like to have a yarn with you on the wireless. Be it live or pre-recorded.
Assuming of course that you would be keen!
Hope you are well.
Geoff Hutchison ABC Drive Perth.
Wondering if you could send me a contact number ahead of ANZAC Day - rather think I would like to have a yarn with you on the wireless. Be it live or pre-recorded.
Assuming of course that you would be keen!
Hope you are well.
Geoff Hutchison ABC Drive Perth.
Reply
Angela
6:06 AM on January 23, 2019
Hello Barry,
It was really nice to meet and talk to you today in Dymocks , Collins St.
Kind Regards,
Angela
It was really nice to meet and talk to you today in Dymocks , Collins St.
Kind Regards,
Angela
Reply
Richard Morgan
1:29 AM on December 31, 2018
Thanks Barry for a wonderful book,
I was a nasho and am a Vietnam vet, though I didn't have an experience such as yours.
You've given us a raw and moving account.
I particularly appreciated your observations on the immoral ransom conscription which existed at the time.
Best wishes for the future.
I was a nasho and am a Vietnam vet, though I didn't have an experience such as yours.
You've given us a raw and moving account.
I particularly appreciated your observations on the immoral ransom conscription which existed at the time.
Best wishes for the future.
Reply
Melvin Grevstad
10:28 PM on July 23, 2018
Dear Barry, I have just finished reading your book and would like to thank you so much for your writing such a powerful emotional book. I would like to mention that I was referred to your book by a cousin from Norway who is trying to get a better understanding of the emotional part of war that is not typically brought up in most books about warfare, you have certainly exceeded any previous work to date.
About my own experience as a USA Army infantry grunt in Vietnam I can certainly relate. After I completed high school I worked for a year as a carpenter until I was drafted in October 1966, had eight weeks basic training and then eight more weeks of advanced infantry training. Then I was sent to OCS and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant after only one year in the army and just 20 years old! This was not that unusual apparently because at the time lieutenants were in short supply! I spent the next year at a desk job in the states and at the age of 21 was sent to Vietnam to lead a platoon in combat. I somehow managed to survive the year get promoted to First Lieutenant and sent home and discharged from the army! After a few years of trying find myself I was also lucky enough to find a wonderful girl to marry and have three wonderful children. I was also able to go to college to become an Industrial Arts teacher. After thirty years I was also diagnosed with PTSD and understand your journey. Thank you again
About my own experience as a USA Army infantry grunt in Vietnam I can certainly relate. After I completed high school I worked for a year as a carpenter until I was drafted in October 1966, had eight weeks basic training and then eight more weeks of advanced infantry training. Then I was sent to OCS and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant after only one year in the army and just 20 years old! This was not that unusual apparently because at the time lieutenants were in short supply! I spent the next year at a desk job in the states and at the age of 21 was sent to Vietnam to lead a platoon in combat. I somehow managed to survive the year get promoted to First Lieutenant and sent home and discharged from the army! After a few years of trying find myself I was also lucky enough to find a wonderful girl to marry and have three wonderful children. I was also able to go to college to become an Industrial Arts teacher. After thirty years I was also diagnosed with PTSD and understand your journey. Thank you again
Reply
Peter Riedlinger
7:46 PM on June 22, 2018
Dear Mr H Jusr read. WDTM. I was conscripted and served with the RAE working with infantry, tracks and tanks. Thanks for the book. When you say how we had all the firepower and they had only themselves and yet they won really rang true with me. More people should make that point. For the record: service Number 1734049. Unit 2Tp 1st Field Sqd RAE. Tour of duty Nov 68 to Nov 69. All the best. Peter Riedlinger
Reply
Joe Hitch
7:08 AM on May 7, 2018
I have just read Tag so sad but so true. My Dad was in charge of an RHA gun team at Mons and survived the war. He was 45 before he married. Your book may tell us why. I also have books by Jill the Duchess of Hamilton, (First to Damascus) & (Gallipoli to Gaza) She was an Australian war correspondant in Vietnam. Many thanks for your book
Reply
Lois
4:41 PM on December 29, 2017
I have just finished reading your book which I borrowed from the local Library for my Vet husband. When he finished reading it I was told..I recommend you read this and it could help you understand what happened. It's taken me a while but I am so glad I did. Thanks for having the courage to tell it like it is. We have had some good conversation since. Thankyou.
Thanks, very kind.
Barry
Barry
Christine says...
Hi, I have just finished your book. Thank you for writing your story which is very moving & shows there are no winners in war. I wish I'd been more aware years ago & been able to show more compassion to people I knew who were Vietnam vets. Thank you for doing what was asked of you so long ago. You & others who go to war have my upmost respect. Cheers christine
Reply
Christine
1:25 AM on August 20, 2017
Hi, I have just finished your book. Thank you for writing your story which is very moving & shows there are no winners in war. I wish I'd been more aware years ago & been able to show more compassion to people I knew who were Vietnam vets. Thank you for doing what was asked of you so long ago. You & others who go to war have my upmost respect. Cheers christine
Thanks Carol, not coming up this year - you take care.
Barry
Barry
Carol Bookder says...
Just following your progress since my Jim met you in 2012 (passing away later that year) - been wanting to contact you but with no success until now. I'm glad to hear you are continuing to do what you do - and understand you are very busy. Just read your letter to the school inToowoomba.
Regards, Carol Booker
Reply
Carol Bookder
1:51 AM on April 2, 2017
Just following your progress since my Jim met you in 2012 (passing away later that year) - been wanting to contact you but with no success until now. I'm glad to hear you are continuing to do what you do - and understand you are very busy. Just read your letter to the school inToowoomba.
Regards, Carol Booker
Regards, Carol Booker
Reply
Jim Luby
12:45 PM on January 21, 2017
Dear Sir: I just finished reading "Well Done, Those Men" and wanted to let you know I found it to be one of the most powerful books I've ever read. The copy of the book I read is owned by a close friend of nearly 35 years (Greg A., 101st Airborne) and was signed by you in 2005. I never served in the military, but have gained at least a modicum of insight into the life of the grunt on account of my long years of friendship with Greg. Your book has given me a much greater appreciation for those suffering with PTSD. Great writing about a very difficult war and the struggles you and other soldiers have dealt with since. With great respect - Jim Luby
Reply
Garry Knight
11:20 PM on December 2, 2016
Thank you for "Well done those men." Amazing honesty. We are often our harshest critic.
Reply
Brenda Marmion
7:05 PM on October 19, 2016
Hi Barry I have just read your novel TAG. Having educated and trained horses for most of my life I could relate to Tag's handling of the horses. I was filled with sadness at the "real" parts of the story, of the treatment of the horses on the ship and later, of the treatment of the soldiers and nurses, or should I say lack of treatment. I found the book incredibly sad but a story that had to be told, albeit with fictitious characters. Thank you.
Thanks Andrew
Andrew De La Rue says...
Thanks great book glad you wrote glad I read it.
There is two kinds of people in this world those that have read your book and those that have too.
Reply
Andrew De La Rue
8:42 PM on September 6, 2016
Thanks great book glad you wrote glad I read it.
There is two kinds of people in this world those that have read your book and those that have too.
There is two kinds of people in this world those that have read your book and those that have too.
zane lake says...
A lot of people visit Vietnam and enjoy the stay. Start saving - good luck. Barry
dear Barry,your speech last Thursday truly moved me, and i believe most of my other beloved peers, i wish to go and visit Vietnam when im older, and see some of these horrific historical sites we were so lucky to have you talk to us about, good luck with your other talks and school etc.
Your biggest fan
love Zane lake xoxo
Thanks Zeek, I was so impressed with my visit.
zeek relouw says...
hello Barry,your speech really inspired me thank you from your dearest fan zeek
Reply
zeek relouw
7:38 PM on March 3, 2016
hello Barry,your speech really inspired me thank you from your dearest fan zeek
Reply
zane lake
7:30 PM on March 3, 2016
dear Barry,your speech last Thursday truly moved me, and i believe most of my other beloved peers, i wish to go and visit Vietnam when im older, and see some of these horrific historical sites we were so lucky to have you talk to us about, good luck with your other talks and school etc.
Your biggest fan
love Zane lake xoxo
Your biggest fan
love Zane lake xoxo
Reply
Josh Livesley
5:45 PM on March 3, 2016
Hi Barry,
I'd like to thank you so much for your inspirational speech you gave at Oberon High School. It has truly moved me and given me more of an understanding of the Vietnam war. I will never forget your speech, nor you, your an inspiration to everyone around you, keep up the good work Barry.
Love Joshua.
I'd like to thank you so much for your inspirational speech you gave at Oberon High School. It has truly moved me and given me more of an understanding of the Vietnam war. I will never forget your speech, nor you, your an inspiration to everyone around you, keep up the good work Barry.
Love Joshua.
Richard Kelloway says...
Hi Barry, Bugger. Try again: our stories are similar - but my trauma far less significant than yours. Well done that man!!! Your ongoing struggle resonates, however, Again, though, far less severely.
I am particularly energised by your mention of the post-1990 conflict veterans - both men and especially women. It is to their support that my efforts are dedicated.
Thank you for your validation of their struggle and our responsibility to ensure they are supported fully by our generation.
If Government's can release a White Paper that commits our country to multi-billion dollar expenditure through to mid-century, so too can they commit us to appropriate expenditure on veterans' rehabilitation and, where necessary to sustain them and their families at an appropriate standard of living, compensation.
The more I become aware of MRCA, the more concerned I am becoming that our generation is failing the new veteran community.
Warmest regards,
Richard
Thanks Richard, when will we ever learn?
Reply
Richard Kelloway
10:09 PM on February 27, 2016
Hi Barry, Bugger. Try again: our stories are similar - but my trauma far less significant than yours. Well done that man!!! Your ongoing struggle resonates, however, Again, though, far less severely.
I am particularly energised by your mention of the post-1990 conflict veterans - both men and especially women. It is to their support that my efforts are dedicated.
Thank you for your validation of their struggle and our responsibility to ensure they are supported fully by our generation.
If Government's can release a White Paper that commits our country to multi-billion dollar expenditure through to mid-century, so too can they commit us to appropriate expenditure on veterans' rehabilitation and, where necessary to sustain them and their families at an appropriate standard of living, compensation.
The more I become aware of MRCA, the more concerned I am becoming that our generation is failing the new veteran community.
Warmest regards,
Richard
I am particularly energised by your mention of the post-1990 conflict veterans - both men and especially women. It is to their support that my efforts are dedicated.
Thank you for your validation of their struggle and our responsibility to ensure they are supported fully by our generation.
If Government's can release a White Paper that commits our country to multi-billion dollar expenditure through to mid-century, so too can they commit us to appropriate expenditure on veterans' rehabilitation and, where necessary to sustain them and their families at an appropriate standard of living, compensation.
The more I become aware of MRCA, the more concerned I am becoming that our generation is failing the new veteran community.
Warmest regards,
Richard
Reply
Hannah
7:47 PM on February 25, 2016
Hi Barry, Thank you for your speech, I was deeply moved by it. It will always be something I will never forget. Thank you for sharing everything with us, we were very lucky to hear it.
Reply
Georgina Scouller
7:45 PM on February 25, 2016
I want to thank you for taking up your time to come and talk to us at Oberon High School. When I heard your talk I felt privileged to listen to you. The only other time I had felt that way about our speech was when I listened to someone else give their story. I have the greatest respect for you and I hope that you continue talking to more people like you did to us because I will never forget your talk.
Georgina
Georgina
Reply
Amy
7:45 PM on February 25, 2016
Hi Barry, your speech about your life experiences and what you have overcome was very moving and definitely touching. I cannot thank you enough for taking time out of your day to share it with me and the other students.
Reply
Papa Bless
7:45 PM on February 25, 2016
Hi Barry, You came to our school yesterday to share your story with us, i would just like to say thank you for going out of your way and that the speech was very meaningful and that i really enjoyed
Reply
Bailey Timberlake
7:45 PM on February 25, 2016
Hello Barry,
I thank you for coming to our school and speaking to us about your experiences it must have been hard at some points but You pulled through and I thank you for not shying away from the harder stuff.
I thank you for coming to our school and speaking to us about your experiences it must have been hard at some points but You pulled through and I thank you for not shying away from the harder stuff.
Reply
Lorelei Williams
7:42 PM on February 25, 2016
Hello Barry,
You came to our school yesterday to talk about your experiences. Your speech was very moving and it's much appreciated that you took the time to come and share your story with us. I enjoyed listening to what you had to say and will be interested to read the book as well.
Thank you so much for coming to share it with us.
You came to our school yesterday to talk about your experiences. Your speech was very moving and it's much appreciated that you took the time to come and share your story with us. I enjoyed listening to what you had to say and will be interested to read the book as well.
Thank you so much for coming to share it with us.
Reply
Yeah
7:39 PM on February 25, 2016
Thanks for coming to Oberon High. It was a great talk and very inspiring.
Reply
Tristan Durden
7:36 PM on February 25, 2016
Hi Barry,
Thanks very much for talking to my school about you experiences. Your stories were very moving and you inspired me.
Thanks very much for talking to my school about you experiences. Your stories were very moving and you inspired me.
Reply
ambrose
7:36 PM on February 25, 2016
thanks for coming to oberon to tell us some remarkable good stuff we really needed in life and we look forward to you coming to oberon next year.
Reply
Griff Wood-Burgess
7:35 PM on February 25, 2016
Hello Barry,
thank you for your talk with us Oberon high school! it was really moving thank you. it was very heart wrenching and i realized how lucky i am to live in a world where there is no conscription and gas bombs and having to be scared everyday that people will spit on you or scream at you. thank you thank you thank you. you have opened my eyes to how lucky i am. may God bless you for the rest of your life.
thank you for your talk with us Oberon high school! it was really moving thank you. it was very heart wrenching and i realized how lucky i am to live in a world where there is no conscription and gas bombs and having to be scared everyday that people will spit on you or scream at you. thank you thank you thank you. you have opened my eyes to how lucky i am. may God bless you for the rest of your life.
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David Fenwick
8:20 PM on February 7, 2016
Hi Barry,
I would just like to start by saying the book is just amazing! I was given the book as a gift and I didn't put it down since I got it. It was very moving reading about your experiences and the things you and the other blokes faced at the time. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences and I look forward to reading your other books. And thank you for taking the time to sign the book.
I would just like to start by saying the book is just amazing! I was given the book as a gift and I didn't put it down since I got it. It was very moving reading about your experiences and the things you and the other blokes faced at the time. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences and I look forward to reading your other books. And thank you for taking the time to sign the book.
Reply
Bronwyn Clifton
12:09 AM on January 4, 2016
Hi Baz. I have thought of you over the past few years since your visit to SGSC. Would like to stay in touch via e-mail if possible? I tried to join a link recently but the pop-ups were blocked. Unfortunately, my brother did not make it and died in 2013, not so long after we last spoke. Peter and my boys are doing exceptionally well, on the plus side. Talk soon, Bron
Reply
Greg
4:23 AM on December 28, 2015
Thanks for all you guys did, and thanks for all you are doing.
Reply
Mike Smead
7:35 AM on October 14, 2015
I just returned from visiting Topsy and Barry. They gave me a a copy of your book. I discussed my friend Charlie Morris who wrote a similar book, "Just a regular Guy" about his life and experience in Vietnam. He was wounded by a bullet to the head in a Helicopter. I believe you two have a lot in common. You can view his information in Facebook.
Reply
Franz.
6:54 PM on March 2, 2015
I just finished reading 'The view frm Connor's Hill'. Like your other two great books I found it difficult to put it down. Thank you for sharing your stories and your encouragement to read and write. I hope you are in good health and look forward to having another chat with you when you return to do a school talk in the future.
Reply
helen noonan
6:45 PM on November 14, 2014
I read "The view from Connor's Hill" and enjoyed it, then "Well done those men", excellent (have a few mates who are vietnam vets), and now I have just finished "Tag". Brilliant. Needed lots of tissues for the last two as you can imagine. Thanks mate for such good writing, wish the powers that be would take on board what war does to people.
Hi Barry,
I've read Well Done Those Men twice, as well as The View From Connors Hill. I was also at the school for student leadership (snowy campus) 2 years ago (September, the group from Nhill). Reading Well Done Those Men and hearing you speak has moved me to tears. It's given me a greater understanding of what it is to be a soldier and what it's like coming "home" after war. listening to you and reading your books has only increased my respect for vets, those from Vietnam in particular. My great uncle was in Malaya, before the Vietnam war, so I've always had a small connection with the soldiers who fought in the jungle. I would love to see you up at the high school in Nhill, I think that everyone would benefit from hearing what you have to say. I am extremely impressed with what you've done for every one, and all I can say is Well done that man.
I've read Well Done Those Men twice, as well as The View From Connors Hill. I was also at the school for student leadership (snowy campus) 2 years ago (September, the group from Nhill). Reading Well Done Those Men and hearing you speak has moved me to tears. It's given me a greater understanding of what it is to be a soldier and what it's like coming "home" after war. listening to you and reading your books has only increased my respect for vets, those from Vietnam in particular. My great uncle was in Malaya, before the Vietnam war, so I've always had a small connection with the soldiers who fought in the jungle. I would love to see you up at the high school in Nhill, I think that everyone would benefit from hearing what you have to say. I am extremely impressed with what you've done for every one, and all I can say is Well done that man.
Thank you, very moving,
Kaye Child says...
Hi Barry,
I have just finished reading 'Well Done, Those Men' - I couldn't put the book down and shed many tears through parts of the book. My husband - who passed away 2 1/2 years ago - was a Vietnam Vet. He did signals training but in the end didn't get to use that training in Vietnam because he went over for a shorter than normal tour as a replacement and found himself in Artillery !!! Reading your account of Basic Training at Puckapunyal and your time in Jungle Training at Canungra was just like hearing him talking to me all over again - all the Army sayings are still so vivid in my mind - he used them all through our married life. He had some really close mates, who were also ex-Vietnam Vets, whom he worked with for many years and then socialised with until the day we lost him. There was always a special bond between them which made them stand apart from men who had only been in 'civvy street'.
What else can I say other than Thank You for such an insight into your life.
Kaye
Reply
Kaye Child
9:53 PM on April 14, 2014
Hi Barry,
I have just finished reading 'Well Done, Those Men' - I couldn't put the book down and shed many tears through parts of the book. My husband - who passed away 2 1/2 years ago - was a Vietnam Vet. He did signals training but in the end didn't get to use that training in Vietnam because he went over for a shorter than normal tour as a replacement and found himself in Artillery !!! Reading your account of Basic Training at Puckapunyal and your time in Jungle Training at Canungra was just like hearing him talking to me all over again - all the Army sayings are still so vivid in my mind - he used them all through our married life. He had some really close mates, who were also ex-Vietnam Vets, whom he worked with for many years and then socialised with until the day we lost him. There was always a special bond between them which made them stand apart from men who had only been in 'civvy street'.
What else can I say other than Thank You for such an insight into your life.
Kaye
I have just finished reading 'Well Done, Those Men' - I couldn't put the book down and shed many tears through parts of the book. My husband - who passed away 2 1/2 years ago - was a Vietnam Vet. He did signals training but in the end didn't get to use that training in Vietnam because he went over for a shorter than normal tour as a replacement and found himself in Artillery !!! Reading your account of Basic Training at Puckapunyal and your time in Jungle Training at Canungra was just like hearing him talking to me all over again - all the Army sayings are still so vivid in my mind - he used them all through our married life. He had some really close mates, who were also ex-Vietnam Vets, whom he worked with for many years and then socialised with until the day we lost him. There was always a special bond between them which made them stand apart from men who had only been in 'civvy street'.
What else can I say other than Thank You for such an insight into your life.
Kaye
Reply
robert bates
7:57 AM on March 27, 2014
I have just finished reading Well Done those Men. Moving and the memories of being a Nasho and a tour in Vietnam came flooding back
I still have strong links with the blokes who are scattered throughout Australia. thank god for emails and reunions its good to catch up
I still have strong links with the blokes who are scattered throughout Australia. thank god for emails and reunions its good to catch up
Barry,
I thought of you when I saw the following ad from RMIT this morning:
"'I Belong' Officer (Widening Participation) x 2 Positions at RMIT University
Melbourne CBD location
Full-time, Fixed term contract until December 2016
$67,150-$72,688 p.a + 17% super
RMIT is a global university of technology and design, focused on creating solutions that transform the future for the benefit of people and their environments.
We currently have 2 positions available for 'I Belong' Officers responsible for supporting an innovative, dynamic and co-ordinated approach to outreach, access and transition with secondary students from disadvantaged schools and communities, in response to the University's identified priorities and commitments.
The I Belong Officer role will work in a collaborative manner across cross-functional teams to deliver discipline specific programs for students from Schools Networks Access Program (SNAP) Schools, and as well as aspiration building, pathway exploration and transition workshops.
."
It goes on like that for some time.
After reading your book it doesn't appear that your and your fellow returning soldiers were looked after in the same way by RMIT.
Pat
I thought of you when I saw the following ad from RMIT this morning:
"'I Belong' Officer (Widening Participation) x 2 Positions at RMIT University
Melbourne CBD location
Full-time, Fixed term contract until December 2016
$67,150-$72,688 p.a + 17% super
RMIT is a global university of technology and design, focused on creating solutions that transform the future for the benefit of people and their environments.
We currently have 2 positions available for 'I Belong' Officers responsible for supporting an innovative, dynamic and co-ordinated approach to outreach, access and transition with secondary students from disadvantaged schools and communities, in response to the University's identified priorities and commitments.
The I Belong Officer role will work in a collaborative manner across cross-functional teams to deliver discipline specific programs for students from Schools Networks Access Program (SNAP) Schools, and as well as aspiration building, pathway exploration and transition workshops.
."
It goes on like that for some time.
After reading your book it doesn't appear that your and your fellow returning soldiers were looked after in the same way by RMIT.
Pat
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Robyn Holthouse
2:42 AM on January 27, 2014
Hi Barry
thank you for the photos. I really appreciated seeing the faces and places you wrote about. I have sent you a longer message on your face book page
thank you for the photos. I really appreciated seeing the faces and places you wrote about. I have sent you a longer message on your face book page
Oops!
Oops, you forgot something.