From Darkness to Light: When War Takes Its Ultimate Toll

"Our Brother's Keeper" is the story of one familys decades-long journey through the heart of darkness - an insane, self-destructive journey that eventually would lead to spiritual transformation.

(PRWEB) May 24, 2005 -- Twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, Jedwin Smith covered wars across the globe and in the process, won over 57 awards. Despite his success, one conflict never ended; the one inside his heart. After the death of his younger brother, Jeff, during the Tet Offensive in 1968, Smith spiraled into a mixture of rage and alcohol in an attempt to come to grips with his loss. It would take 32 years and a trip to Vietnam to meet his brothers enemy before that demon could be laid to rest.

Jana Oliver, host of "The Curious Mind," is honored to welcome Jedwin Smith as her guest over the two weeks spanning Memorial Day. In a moving interview, Smith speaks about his latest book, Our Brothers Keeper, and the long journey from 1968 to the present. Where many have written about war from the veteran's perspective, few have chronicled war's emotional impact on a family.

According to the author, Although I had wanted to tell Jeff's story for decades, I found it impossible because I knew virtually nothing about his Vietnam service. This changed in February 2000 when, via the Internet, I managed to find Jeff's best friend, in whose arms my brother died. Finding one survivor of Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, led to finding another. Before my journey was done, I found all eight of the gallant Marines who served with my brother. Unfortunately, the remaining 60 riflemen of Fox 2/4 died in combat. Through the reminiscences of these survivors I was able to put together my brother's entire 201-day tour of duty. And through the reminiscences of these survivors, a fractured family was brought back together."

"Our Brother's Keeper" is Smith's third book. He was featured on The History Channels Deep Sea Detectives (November 25, 2003), which documented "Fatal Treasure" (Wiley, 2203), the untold story of legendary treasure hunter Mel Fisher and his decades-long search for the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, the richest of all Spanish treasure galleons that sank in a 1622 hurricane off the coast of Key West, Florida. He has won 57 awards during his years as a journalist and currently lives in Georgia with his wife, children and grandchildren.

"The Curious Mind" is an hour-long program dedicated to thought-provoking topics. Leisure Talk Radio Network is available on the Internet 24/7 at www.leisuretalk.net.

Jedwin Smiths interview will air for two weeks (May 23rd-June 5) on Mon., Wed., Fri. at 12, 4 & 8 a.m. and p.m. (EDT) Further information may be found at Leisure Talks home page. After June 5th, Smiths interview will be available for podcast download.

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