5 Questions With: Duke Barrett

Posted April 14, 2009, 2:23 pm in Veterans


Duke Barrett has seen more tragedy and hope in his life than many of us will ever be exposed to -- and in many cases, he saw both in one place: Vietnam. A combat veteran, this paratrooper served as an infantryman and a reconnaissance scout with the U.S. Army's 1st Air Cavalry Divsion at An Khe, South Vietnam. Because of his service, he was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Purple Heart, and when he completed his tour of duty, Barrett finished his military obligation at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.


His story doesn't end there! After the war, Barrett went back to his first love -- music. As a drummer, he plaed in every major nightclub in America, including Broadway's Alvin Theater in New York City. He's also a former Golden Gloves Champion, and a family man, with a wife, children and grandchildren.

Now, Barrett is sharing the stories of veterans just like him in a new book that focuses on the tragedies of war, as well as love and loss. The Wall of Broken Dreams, according to Barrett, is "a reminder of the true costs of war we pay as individuals and society alike."



Barrett talked to Growing Bolder about the decisions he made that led him up to the point of writing the book, and why he feels it's so crucial to let the world know the real tales of war.


1. You've seen so much tragedy -- and yet your story seems hopeful. Is that true, and what has led you down that road?

I suppose I am hopeful. Kind of an optimist -- I guess I can't live in the past, can't dwell on the past but I am not able or willing to forget the past. Much to be learned and shared from those experiences.

2. What are your feelings on current global conflicts. Is it hard for you to watch coverage, or are you able to remove yourself from the news and stories?

I wish that there weren't any but that's not likely. I don't think its to hard to watch but I do understand how the soldiers feel. This many years removed from those experiences, in a sense I am able to remove myself from them but not entirely. These days I focus more on those who put us in theses situations and their reasoning for doing so. It would be fair to say that I do agonize over these things but even more so for the treatment that they have earned (veterans) and the treatment that they will receive. People and governments seem to have short memories when it comes to vets.


3. Who are your heroes, both personally and professionally?

I can't say that I have many heroes. In my personal life it would have to be both Frank Bishop and Bill Winchester, two guys that I served with in Vietnam. There are many people I like and respect but don't think of as heroes. Soldiers in harms way, indeed, but other than that, can't think of any. I'm just not much of a hero worshipper.

4. How are you Growing Bolder instead of growing older? For starters, what made you decide on a new career(s)?

As for growing bolder I'd have to say that I have formulated my opinions on life, religion and politics resulting in being able to listen to those I disagree with. I have young kids in their 20s and 30s and I always keep an open mind. Kind of always have. Kids keep my views young.

Writing isn't really a new career, more of a hobby. I'm a musician first, a postal employee second and a struggling (novice) writer. I've been wanting to put some things on paper for my family, and did.


5. How would you like to be remembered ... what will your legacy be?

I hope to be remembered as a fair, mannerly and considerate being with a good sense of humor who loved his family dearly and also loved his friends. One hell of a drummer and a guy who didn't take a lot of nonsense from anybody. Kind of a "My Way" guy.
 
Of my wartime experience I've always said that it was a real drag. At time terrifying, incredibly uncomfortable and sometimes painful. In spite of all of that, I wouldn't have missed it for all the money in the world. Of course I had not been seriously wounded. Wounded, but not life altering. That certainly may have changed my perspective.

It was a life changing time for me that I hope has made me a better, more appreciative human being thankful for a wonderful life and blessed with a beautiful family. Hey, and I ain't even religious.
 
Want to learn more, or order a copy of The Wall of Broken Dreams? Click here to visit Duke Barrett's Web site.
To read other articles in the 5 Questions With archive, click here!


© 2006-2012. Growing Bolder Media Group. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.