Combat vets, peace activists, nurses, medics, insurgents, and deserters, all play a part in the intricate tapestry of war. In her latest book, Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace, Maxine Hong Kingston provides us an opportunity to hear directly from the mouths of those most involved in the battles that rage throughout the world, viewpoints which are usually ignored on our evening news. Compiled from the reflections and writings of individuals with first hand knowledge of the horrors, uncertainty, and inhumanity of war, Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace,  is an artistic testament to those who have served and the wisdom they have accrued in battle. Through their self-expression we may be more able to understand war, the forces that motivate it, and perhaps even how to avoid it. Today on Voices of Our World, Kathy Golden speaks with several of the contributors to Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace, our guests include Maxine Hong Kingston, Fred Marchant, Earl Kingston, and Phil Johnson.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and other consequences of war and violence can last for many years after the battle has ended. Maxine Hong Kingston has always had a fascination with war and has dedicated her life to healing those who have tasted the bitter consequences of warfare. The stories in Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace are largely drawn from the dialogues and discoveries that Hong Kingston has witnessed in her more than 12 years counseling and healing veterans, their families, and those affected by war in general in her workshops, and the lessons imparted in her book will be an invaluable tool in teaching us how to relate to and heal our soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan when they return home. We continue our discussion with Maxine Hong Kingston, Fred Marchant, Earl Kingston, and Phil Johnson.