The Hardest Year

This memoir is based on handwritten letters, cards, and newspaper clippings sent between Carole and Bill Wagener from September 1968 to August 1969. The vernacular is accurate to that time, using words that are no longer politically correct. The letters, based on actual events, may have been compressed. Please note there was a time lapse between these letters due to a lag in the mail. Some names and identifying characteristics were changed to protect privacy, and some dialogue was recreated. The remainder of the book is based on Carole and Bill's memories to the best of their recollection over time. Because this is a war story, some chapters are very graphic and may not suit those with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related disorders. In addition, the book contains some offensive language and sexual references. Finally, there are several military terms, and various German, French, and Vietnamese phrases mentioned in this book. These terms are defined in the glossary."This book chronicles the struggle of a newly married couple separated almost immediately by the husband's deployment to fight a war. During their one year apart, the couple's emotions and relationship are on a continual roller coaster. Will the separation bring them closer or tear them apart? The heartfelt letters written by Carole and Bill contain several meaningful lessons for any couple facing the same circumstance." ~ Patrick Sturm, retired Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy,