Only Five Years: Love, Separation, Loss, Acceptance

Only Five Years: The preservation of the sentiments and the history captured in the communications between Steven W. Martin, Captain U.S.M.C. and his wife, prompted the writing of Only Five Years.The correspondence between them tell a lot about America in the 1960’s and the striking contrast between then and the days of 2020.Vietnam Veterans will relate to their story, and even those considering a career in the military, or specifically the United States Marine Corps, will have an open window to the life of a person in the service of their country, and their families. Captain Martin spares no details in describing the Marine Corps basic training and life as a Marine helicopter pilot flying medevac and resupply missions in the Vietnam War. He adeptly opens one’s eyes to the daily grind and facts of life living in a war torn country. The connection between the Captain and his wife not only show tenderness, but reveal the couple’s values and the beauty of young love. History swirls around them as their story is told and their dreams are altered by the escalation of the Vietnam War.