We realize that a person who lives through combat is forever changed. There is no magic potion to erase the memories of war’s reality.
However, we pondered a new method for bringing members of the military out of war zones and back home. We are proposing a way for them to take a little time to return to civilian life without great expectations placed upon them.
You will meet a fictional family, one in which four generations went to war - Josh is returning from Afghanistan to his wife Lucy in California, following in the footsteps of relatives who have served in Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq. Military members could return by using their own decompression map, based on his or her civilian life. Family or friends who knew them before deployment can lend their knowledge to help. This is our method of opening up conversation about new ideas to welcome and decompress returning soldiers worldwide. May our novella serve all soldiers and families well in their time of adjustment.
Excerpt
A voice came over the radio from another convoy Humvee to the communications vehicle. It was Mark Applehead. “Great shot guys – not a dry pair of pants in this tin can! Good going!”
Josh laughed, “Sorry, no time for foreplay, Applehead. By the time I would’ve seen the lights, we’d all been road kill. Live fire with no warning was our only chance!” Josh can hear cheering in the background over the radio.
“Man, I know Josh, I know. I’m just glad it was you making that call. A few degrees off and we’d be toast.”
“You know, Applehead, that’s why I get the big bucks! You can pay me back with your peaches tonight!”
The sergeant’s laughter bellowed above the noise the soldiers were making in the background. “No way, Smith! You’re gonna be eating real food in no time!
Professional Reviews
~ L.Cpl. Garner, Eric S., USMC
Every soldier returning from a war zone needs time to
decompress and a way to readapt to civilian life. That has been
true for at least a century. Most recently, many of the men and
women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are having a hard
time adjusting to life at home.
Review
"I just read Matrix Filia NeCole Marie's and Author Claudette Walker's masterpiece, DECOMPRESSION MAP. It was written in such a style that I felt I was involved directly in the story. It was an emotionally gripping experience as I actually can relate to it. This is a MUST-READ and everyone should seize the opportunity to learn from and appreciate your superb book. Thank you very much for your great gift to our brave soldiers and our society!" ~ Sergio Lebid
Review
"Decompression Map" Review - My father was an immigrant who loved this country and raised the American flag every day. He had nightmares about World War II until the day he died ... that day was 9/11 and the last thing he saw were the twin towers going down. PTSD? Who knows? But I wish I had this book when he used to wake up screaming. God bless these two authors for their obvious labor of love. The Decompression Map is brilliant. I hope the Department of Defense is paying attention. Now we won't have to feel so helpless when all we can think of to say is "Welcome Home." ~ Pj Schott
The Harvest of Souls Crossover is a story that is exciting, vigorous, and full of suspense about the fight of good and evil in two realms, the light and dark world. The Howdy Family is determined to defeat the world of darkness, led by the seemingly
