"Deckhouse: My Story" by Donat Le Blanc

"Deckhouse: My Story"
by Donat LeBlanc
111 pages, published by AuthorHouse, ©2020

Veterans are returning to civilian life every day. The transition is smoother for some than it is for others. Men and women who have seen combat carry physical and emotional scars with them, and not all scars heal easily.

There have been many stories about the Vietnam War and what happened to those who came home after they served. Stories about returning home included protests. Some stories include a difficult return to civilian life. Stories and movies tell of battles being fought on the other side of the world and the battles fought when they return home.

Deckhouse

In his book, "Deckhouse: My Story", retired marine Donat LeBlanc recalls his time serving in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. LeBlanc enlisted in the Marines after graduating high school and served in the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 363. LeBlanc was shot during a mission, and the injuries he sustained would give him challenges that continue today.

"As I said before, I watched the round that struck me come right up the muzzle of my machine gun. When it hit me, it threw my right arm back, throwing me off-balance, at which time I fell to the deck... of the aircraft. I knew I was hit but this couldn't be that bad because I could see no blood, so I tried to get up. Because I was wearing my flight helmet, I was unable to turn my head to see anything." - Donat LeBlanc, "Deckhouse"

Coming Home from Vietnam

After he came back home, LeBlanc did the best he could to live his life despite the pain in his arm from the injuries sustained on his mission aboard his helicopter YZ-64. "Deckhouse" follows his journeys across the country as he took jobs after leaving Vietnam and the difficulties he faced with the bureaucracy within the VA system and the challenges he overcame after the eventual amputation of his right arm. The stories in the book tell of playing sports and even tying his shoes despite the born-righty having only his left arm to complete tasks.

"Deckhouse" tells stories that will be familiar to current and former soldiers regardless of their branch of service. The events in the book are compelling for veterans and civilians, alike. Those returning home who have dealt with the red tape of the Veterans Affairs Department will relate to what LeBlanc went through and appreciate his work when he decided to enlist again, this time in the VA as a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) and do everything he could to help those trying the get the benefits they had earned.

"I'd had (sic) no one who I could go to advise me regarding some of these benefits," LeBlanc writes. " This is one of the many reasons I have fought for veterans' rights; I've given accurate information to veterans over the last forty-five years. I have worked in the veteran (sic) area to ensure veterans, their widows, and their families receive all the benefits to which they are entitled."

Living his Life

LeBlanc's return from war included games of racquetball and softball. He taught himself to tie his shoes despite having only one arm and enjoyed showing off his athletic skills as well as he shoe-tying skills to everyone he played with.

Donat LeBlanc, spent his life serving his country and others who also served. He enjoys his retirement as much as he loved helping those who needed help after coming home. He hasn't forgotten those he served with, despite falling out of touch with some. "Deckhouse" is a great read and a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who choose to put on the uniform.

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