Patricia Newman, licensed clinical social worker at the Bogalusa, Louisiana veterans' outpatient clinic, helps veterans who struggle with PTSD learn how to forgive and let go of difficult emotions and memories. Ms. Newman's therapeutic concept that "revealing is healing" resulted in Warriors' Own Words, "You Had To Be There". The book includes incredible stories of sacrifice and service from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. The idea for writing this book came from discussions with veterans about their military service. They often said that they never talked about their combat experiences because it was easier to keep those memories to themselves. This book then represents the legacy of heroic men who served their country with honor and pride. A byproduct of the book is that it gives their lives meaning, purpose, identity, and connection.

Telling their stories has helped these veterans successfully find closure and a sense of peace. Hopefully, generations to come will understand and appreciate the sacrifices veterans have made in order to protect our freedoms and the American way of life.