Sunday, August 12 from 9am-11am
THE HORRORS OF WAR –

The horrors of the Vietnam War left a generation of Australian men with psychological scars that still remain, and have infiltrated the lives of their children and grandchildren.

Barry Heard is one such conscript. In his book Well Done, Those Men, Barry presents an intensely personal account of his experiences. From innocent country boy to the harrowing 1967 battle Operation Ballarat, where he witnessed the deaths of many of his mates, and the turmoil he faced when he returned home.

In a special SUNDAY report, Ray Martin interviews Barry and many men like him, who were sent off to war unprepared for the emotional impact it would have on them – and their experiences back home as they attempt to make sense of what Vietnam did to their lives.

For most, substance abuse, marriage and family breakdown and suicide is the norm. And not just for them, but their wives, children and grandchildren are bearing the emotional and physical effects of a war which ended more than 30 years ago.

Birth defects from the effects of Agent Orange, depression, a high rate of drug and alcohol dependency and an increased rate of suicide has been passed onto these younger generations. All of these problems are anecdotal, and as far as the veterans are concerned are forgotten by the Government.

The Partners of Veterans Association (PVA) is calling for a study into of the extent of the damage the conflict has wreaked on the families of these young Diggers.

Producer: Joanna Townsend