Combating lingering memories

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jul 5, 2008

For nearly 40 years, Chuck Atherton has been haunted by memories of his year of combat duty in Vietnam.

Atherton, 60, hopes to exorcise those demons when he speaks about his combat experiences at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 3625 S.W. Wanamaker.

A free barbecue dinner will precede the program, which will include Atherton showing slides from his days in 'Nam and discussing his experiences.

The event will close out the Fourth of July holiday weekend and will serve as a sobering reminder of the price many - like Atherton - have paid in keeping this country free.

An Abilene native, Atherton was pursuing football in college when the Vietnam War interrupted his life.

Rather than waiting for his number to be called, Atherton volunteered for the draft early and entered the U.S. Army in 1968, hoping to avoid going into combat.

"And," he said, "where did I end up but in the infantry and combat."

Twice wounded, Atherton returned to the States after a 12-month tour of duty in Vietnam.

He tried to return to Washburn University for a semester but found himself majoring in drinking.

In 1980, with the birth of his daughter, he said he put the bottle away for good. In 1986, he quit smoking.

Atherton, who has been married 38 years, has two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and an Army Commendation for Valor. He said he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and has seen his pastor and a psychologist at the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center.

"I saw a lot of action while I was in Vietnam," he said. "I've really struggled with it the last couple of years."

A recurring dream has him telling about his life in front of a group.

Finally, Atherton said, "I'm ready to talk about it."

A freewill offering will be received at the program, with all proceeds going directly to benefit the needy.

Atherton said 50 percent of the offering would go to the Topeka Rescue Mission, which serves many Vietnam veterans who are homeless. The other 50 percent will go to the Prince of Peace church "Love Fund," which is used to help the needy in the community.

Atherton said he hasn't spoken in front of a large group of people since he was in high school and addressed about 2,000 youths at a Baptist conference.

On Sunday night, he said, "I'm going to talk about my war experiences. Then I'm going to talk about how all of this has affected my walk with Christ - how it all comes together.

"I believe everything in this world happens for a reason. There's a big picture.

"I'm hoping this will be therapy for me and let me put closure on what needs to be closed, and then move on."

Phil Anderson can be reached

at (785) 295-1195

or phil.anderson@cjonline.com.