What happened to veterans after the Vietnam war?

Answer 1

The neglect and resentment of veterans was an unfortunate social effect of the war. Whilst after other wars, the soldiers were welcomed back with parades and open arms, the Vietnam veterans were shunned, demeaned and booed. Since it was such an unpopular war, Americans held veterans responsible for the war, although many of them did not approve of the war either. The veterans' situation was a tough one, especially with little or no support. About 150,000 veterans came home wounded, or amputated, and at least 21,000 were permanently disabled, unable to work for the rest of their lives. Many developed illnesses after the war such as cancers liver disease and rashes, mostly due to exposure to Agent Orange. Having seen the horrors of Vietnam, many veterans were psychologically scarred. Nightmares, anxiety causing flashbacks, and fits of terror from loud noises were common behaviors reported amongst veterans. Approximately 830,000 survivors of Vietnam suffered mental and emotional disorders and showed symptoms of Posttraumatic_stress_disorder. (PTSD) However many were unable to get the help they needed and deserved, because they were perceived as crazy and dangerous, and even deserving of their circumstance. Economic medical and educational aid were not made available to them right away, and many veterans felt abandoned by the country they served. In trying to deal with this situation, some veterans developed drug or alcohol habits and many felt driven to suicide.

Answer 2

Finding a job was difficult. Most employers didn't trust Viet Vets. They believed what they heard from rumors/news media, etc. The average US citizen believed the same information. Rejection from friends (who considered returning GI's to be "not smart" for going-even if he was drafted), family members who sometimes thought along those same lines, and people in general simply believed that if a man went to Vietnam, drafted or volunteered, he was supporting the war. In essence, he was blamed for the war, then blamed for the losing the war. When in reality, he was forced to go, facing prison if he didn't go to war (approximately 4,000 US males were imprisoned for draft evasion).

Answer 3

Jobs were difficult to get, because of discrimination (against Viet War vets), which was softened abit with a new federal law in about 1974 or so; so many vets went to college on the GI bill in order to receive a monthly pay-check. Senate Bill 20 also allowed student GI's to receive un-employment money while attending school. Instructors simply had to sign a card which was presented to the un-employment personnel, and a check was issued.

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Answer 4

They were spit on and called "baby killers" and "war mongers" along with murderers. Some hippies burned the American flag in protest to the war. The hippies often taunted the soldiers and blamed them for the war by saying if it wasn't for them fighting, the war could have been avoided.

Answer 5

In general, they were treated as outcasts and demonized by many whom they encountered back here in "the world."

Answer 6

Many Vietnam veterans felt alienated when they returned to the United States. They were not treated very well by the American public and this caused them to feel ashamed.