“I am honored to be the judge for Aurence's writing contest. This was an educational and enlightening experience for me, providing an insight into the perspectives and the lives of soldiers, doctors, and others who were affected by Vietnam. Thank you to everyone who submitted a piece, as each one moved me in a different way. It was a very difficult decision to choose the winner, as all entries had great merit. However, one work particularly touched me, Brian Wizard's "Vietnam, 1999." His essay reflected upon his life as a US soldier through his second visit to Vietnam. The journey Mr. Wizard shares with us reveals an obligation he felt to return to Vietnam in peace, and shows his connection, as a fellow human being, with those he killed.

I have great admiration for these soldiers who have tried to heal their internal wounds through art, who meditate on the depths of their youth and who feel compelled to rise above and beyond them."

Semper Fi,

Aurence & Biegun

Aurence: http://www.aurence.net

Biegun: http://www.aurence.net/aboutbiegun.htm