"People often ask me when I was in Vietnam and my response has always been from November 23, 1967 – July 27, 1969. However, what I really want to tell them is fifteen minutes ago.”
- Craig A. Tschetter, Author

Fifteen Minutes Ago is a gripping real-life story of one young man's experience of growing up in a strict Mennonite faith based home only to shake free of this lifestyle to join the Vietnam War, descending into the chaos and darkness of that time and place, punctuated by a chilling murder.

Readers in and out of the military will appreciate how the author's balance of narrative doesn't end after he leaves Vietnam and from his role as a drill instructor at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Ca. The author goes on to show the mental and emotional scars of war that stay with him long after the war has ended. His description of depression, nightmares, suicidal thoughts, and obsessive memories of his time are hauntingly impactful. His quest to seek help rather than succumb to despair is a powerful message to all whom suffer from the effects of war.

While reading this content may be intense for readers, these experiences and moments of post-traumatic stress need to be shared and heard, and will be a comfort for those going through the same rollercoaster of effects after returning from war. His words will not soon leave your mind.

According to several sources, the leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is RAPE; followed closely by combat related trauma. In its rawest form, it can cause death; however, in most cases, it produces flashbacks, startle reactions, and fits of rage. I suffer from these and many more.

My daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly life has been plagued by the unwanted invasion of my mind since 1980. It was at that time that a Veterans Administration psychiatrist told me he could help me, but I first needed to understand that everything I think about today will be with me UNTIL THE DAY YOU DIE. He further stated that if I was willing to accept that, then there was a possibility I could live a life as normal as possible. I chose to take his challenge.

Today, like every day, is filled with faces, places, and incidents that I’d rather not think about, but I have no choice. PTSD will not leave me alone.