All Comments on 'Labor's End'

Woke to the sound of the past. Nearly 40 years ago. Sometimes it just shows up.read your story gratefully. Eased the demons. Going back to sleep now. Thank you.

Thank you for your writing, I pray it will help those needing it, many of whom are my contemporaries.

I am a 67 year old Vietnam Vet. About 3 months ago I was in the same frame of mind as Luke. It’s a struggle. Every day. I finally sought help. I’m not much better but I’m not any worse. Your story hit me hard. I couldn’t have explained my feelings any better. Thank you. You don’t know how much I appreciate your story.

You captured the feeling of losing a family, friend or loved one.

The issue if PTSD is real and many of us will struggle forever with it.

Great read.

Your words are so true of the Bigotry that still exists in the Bible Belt of this country. You described many small towns in the South and Southwest... I know some of those people..lol

They are in church every time the doors are open...!!!!

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Very true about what happens with our Veterans, it is a shame that this country does not do more to help them....

I am looking forward to the next adventure....

I never served but this story sheds some small understanding of what kind of life the vets I knew that spent time in Vietnam had when they returned. Top marks *****

SALUTE!!!

Fantastic article and can't wait for the next edition.

My maternal grandfather served in the Great War (WW1). He was a farmer and part of the Michigan National Guard that combined with the Wisconsin National Guard to form the 32th Division, also known as the Red Arrow Division. The French called them 'Les Terebles'. Although I never knew him, I am convinced he died from PTSD. Four months after Pearl Harbor, he committed suicide. I am convinced he knew how terrible what was to become WW2 would be and could not stomach watching from the sidelines. It affected his wife and each of his 3 daughters and I dare say even his grandchildren.

Very Good. Hope we don't have to wait another 5 years for #3.

I must have missed it when it was posted, but was glad to stumble across it.

As a veteran, one that has “gone walk about “ after ending my service, this story resonates with me.

I hope you keep adding to the story and that at some future time the protagonist starts to cut himself some slack. But whichever way you choose, I am glad you have chosen to delve into the issue of survivor remorse and it’s contribution to veteran issues.

I tend to enjoy these stories that walk through the life of average Mike’s rather than making the protagonist some Uber-successful savant that never makes a wrong turn. Much more real from my frame of reference. This is one of the better journeys on this site so kudos to you. Thanks for the effort.

Tara, your Sergeant Mike stories go above and beyond. They deserve more than the 5 stars we can give. Thank you from this old U.S. Marine. Semper Fi.

Sgt. Mike is by far your best work and I'm not saying that just because I spent nearly 5 years with 4 tours in the Middle Eastern Shithole known as Iraq.

Even an old fool like me can see how you are attempting (and succeeding) in showing the "Big Hole" in Mike's heart and that his life is missing someone to love. I will admit you are beating us over the head with it and it does get exhausting to read about it.

As far as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I have a few things to say about that....... In all of his psychotic ramblings and lunacy, Saddam Hussein was right, we might kill him and remove his horrible govt from rule but in the end, America will NEVER win the war because our loses and bloodshed would not be measured on just the battlefield but would be larger back here at home.

For being a Dickhead, Hussein knew Americans and our empathy much better than we knew ourselves. Horrific deaths are a fact of life in the Middle East and have been since the Pedophile Muhammad created the fake religion aka Death Cult known as Islam 1500 years ago. Because of this, Muslims have put less value on human life than we have and it shows on the various sickening ways they have created and used to kill Christians, Jews, and even other Muslims.

To date, more Vets that fought in Iraq and Afghan have died here in America by their own hands, either directly or indirectly, than died on the Battlefield over there. It's too bad our American Govt. hasn't dealt with this EPIDEMIC, (and make no mistake about it as that is what it is), as it should. But hey, kill off 55 people from the latest virus to come out of China, the Coronavirus, and everyone gets all butthurt and freaks out about it.

Until the Military and our Govt. figures out that EVERY American Soldier that came/comes back from Iraq and Afghan are injured, if not physically then for sure mentally, they will continue to do a disservice to those same Soldiers and their families.

Also, 23-month deployments are the dumbest thing our Military has ever done. That was how long my first Deployment to Iraq was. My Unit didn't lose one guy over in Iraq during that time period but I have lost just over half of them since they came back. Many of them had no lives to come back to. Girlfriends and some wives had moved on with their lives and took their children with them. Their same jobs were no longer available when they got back, houses and cars were sold or foreclosed on and much more had changed as well. In my opinion, even the standard 12 month deployments are too long. No deployment should last more than 6 months top. I know several guys that ended up getting divorced and their spouses were remarried before they were able to make it back.

The "Enemy" isn't responsible for killing most of the American Soldiers, our own Military and Govt. was with their absurd policies.

Love the sergeant Mike series, please do more. I'm a navy vet.

Hey guys and gals. The whole Sargeant Mike trilogy is available for purchase on Amazon - has been for some time. They’re well worth the purchase, so let’s support the author a bit, huh?! I for one couldn’t wait - read them all together a couple years back - thanks Tara*****

A thoroughly emotional and very enjoyable story. I agree with another comment that it is your very best work. Thank you.

Just finished reading this and I'm sitting here crying. I had been praying I wouldn't have to read about Mike's suicide. A Viet Nam vet who knows too many who died and those who died of after effects . I knew I was going to finish the story even if it ended as I feared out of respect for Mike. Thank you for an amazing story I never expected!

This hits way to close to home.

I'm sitting here so chocked up that I can hardly breathe. The things running through my mind are so true to your story. Wow. I've got to go for a walk and talk to my ghost. It helps me find my center. To everyone else don't ever lose hope or give up there are so many out there who can help.

Please keep the story going...or finish the book and get it punlished. And please give Mike a happy ending.

Anon,

There is another book in this series. On Lit it is called Esther's Story, but it is written from the heroines POV. I have written an expanded version of it that includes Mike's POV as well. That is available elsewhere...not able to plug things here. I tried posting it to Lit but it was rejected as a duplicate, even though there is almost twice as much new content?

it almost always has to with family and relatives. TK U MLJ LV NV

Simply stunning.

Very well written and delivered. I would have liked this series to continue after book three, we live in hope.

This story brought this 70 year old Marine to tears many times as it tugged at my heart.I served 69-72 and spent time in S.E. Asia ,I had my nightmares for quite a few years until I got on my knees and begged for help and the burden was taken away. Donald K MacBaird

I am a 70 year old Marine and I served 69-72 and some of My time was in S.E. Asia,this brought me to tears and I thank you for your work. Donald K MacBaird