Hidden Struggles
Behind the
vietnam war
In this captivating book, Shad Meshad unveils the untold story of the mental effects of the war in Vietnam.
He goes beyond the war and uncovers the repercussions experienced by thousands of Vietnam veterans and their loved ones.
100% of the proceeds go to the National Veterans Foundation.
Captain for Dark Mornings - Experience the Unseen Battles
Shad Meshad draws on his own experiences as a psych officer to create an authentic portrait of the horror, heartbreak, anger, and frustration of the times.
He creates a vivid picture of the men and women whose lives were forever changed by war, and examines how Vietnam veterans have struggled to come to terms with their experiences long after they left the battlefield.
Captain for Dark Mornings - Book Trailer
Trigger Warning: This video contains intense scenes from the Vietnam War, which may be distressing for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
What People Say About It
He's my hero! Shad Meshad has been the single most influential person in America bringing the nation's attention to the hidden wounds of war…the best book on the emotional experience of readjustment challenges facing Vietnam veterans.
~ The Honorable Max Cleland
Former Secretary Veterans Affairs and Former Senator from Georgia
...candid and engaging, told with skill and honesty.
~ Walter Capps
Author of The Unfinished War
After I finished reading Shad Meshad’s Captain for Dark Mornings I knew I’d seen a different side of the war in Vietnam, a real insider’s account. The perspective of a medic, a mental health officer, was surprising. His voice was down-to-earth and utterly credible. That he had chosen to go to Vietnam was so different from the voices I heard around me, including the voice of my late husband Keith, a draft-card burning rock drummer against the war. I knew I wanted Keith to read it.
Captain for Dark Mornings literally changed Keith’s life. He became interested in veterans’ causes. Meeting Shad in person was the start of a long and rich friendship. Keith’s band, the Doobie Brothers, had broken up, but Keith wanted a way to put down all the swords in service of a greater cause.
He persuaded the band to come together for a benefit concert for Shad’s foundation, now called the National Veterans Foundation. That benefit at the Hollywood Bowl was so wildly successful, it led to a short tour for the band that summer. The rest is history. I’m sure Keith was one of many readers who were moved by this book. I am so happy to see it in its new edition.
~ Kate Knudsen
Board Member of National Veterans Foundation
Shad does an excellent job addressing the often-ignored issue of mental health in the military.
This book reminds us of the hardships faced by soldiers and the struggles they continue to deal with after their service ends.
As a disabled Vietnam veteran, I strongly suggest reading Captain for Dark Mornings. It gives a revealing look at the real costs of war.
~ Frank Spady
Former VP at Boeing and disabled Vietnam Veteran
...powerful and compassionate. It is a moving chronicle of the devastating moments for a select group of American youth who were thrust into hell and abandoned.
~ Al Santoli
Author of Everything We Had
...fantastic. A very, very beautiful book.
~ Ron Kovic
Veteran, author of Born on the Fourth of July
An absolutely smashing real-life story.
~ S.L. Stebel
Author of The Collaborator and The Shoe Leather Treatment
Meshad brings the readers through his experience with images and people you want to cast in a movie.
~ Lorrain Wilson
Editor of Connection
Captain for Dark Mornings is a gripping tale that exposes the harsh realities of the Vietnam War from an unusual perspective. Meshad, as a psych officer, brings to light the mental torment and internal struggles the soldiers faced amidst the chaos of war.
His narrative is raw, candid, and full of shocking revelations about the war's impact on those who served. The book is a must-read for those interested in understanding the profound psychological effects of war.
~ Mario Sibrian
Director of Operations, USMC Veteran
Step into the shoes of the narrator as they land in Vietnam before dawn, anticipation coursing through their veins.
In Chapter 1, the stage is set for an unforgettable adventure as they share their thoughts on the war, the sense of duty that brought them here, and the overwhelming atmosphere of Vietnam.
Chapter One Preview
Dive into the Unsung Struggles of Vietnam Veterans
Discover their mental battles in this compelling book. Gain a deeper understanding and honor their hidden heroism.
Don't wait – grab your copy of Captain for Dark Mornings and change the way you see history.
100% of the proceeds go to the National Veterans Foundation.