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Bill McDonald with President Jimmy Carter
The Carter Center, Atlanta, GA
July 2002
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Bill McDonald
Poet, Writer & Warrior
The poetry of the spiritual warrior has a long tradition -
the Vietnam War was a continuing part of that creative experience. The
poetry and stories contained on these web pages is the result of Bill
McDonald's own experience with that part of his life. The poet, and writer,
Bill McDonald, served in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967. He was a crew
chief/door-gunner on Huey helicopters (UH-1D). He was with the 128th
Assault Helicopter Company stationed in Phu Loi, South Vietnam.
He was awarded numerous medals, including:
The Distinguished
Flying Cross, The Bronze Star, 14 Air Medals and
the Purple Heart.
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McDonald graduated with his BA degree from the
University of San Francisco. He also has
an AA degree from San Jose City College;
He is now retired from government work and lives in northern California. He
went back to Vietnam in 2002, with a small group known as "The Peace
Patrol" - to a warm welcome from his former enemies.
He has had many of his poems and stories published in
national publications (including Parade Magazine 10/06/02) and
books. (Some of those books -
"Angels in Vietnam - Women
Who Served" ; "Spinning
Tales" ). He was also part of a documentary film crew that
recorded interviews across the country in the fall of 2002, dealing with the
effects of the Vietnam War and the Huey helicopter experience called:
"In The Shadow of The Blade".
It was premiered on November 8,2003 at the
LBJ Presidential Library
on November 8, in Austin, Texas. The film has been shown at The
Washington DC Film Festival and won the top award for best film at the Houston
International Film Fest 2004.
His current documentary is for PBS and for the Pentagon Television Network.
It is called "The Art of Healing" and deals with positive treatment
for PTSD through the arts - like writing, music and art.
He has written an autobiography on his experiences, dealing not only with Vietnam, but both
before and afterwards it is called
"A Spiritual
Warrior's Journey" . His book is being considered by
several agents for a movie or as a TV series. It should soon be carried at
military bases throughout the world.
He has two award winning poetry books Purple
Hearts - Vietnam War Poetry & Sacred Eye- Poetry in Search of
the Divine. They won his publisher's award (Global Publishing
- BookSurge LTC) for $25,000 in marketing and promotion (March 2004). His
books will be featured by his publisher at 10 world wide book fairs this year
- including the LA Book Fair.
Bill works with several foundations doing projects for the people of Vietnam
and world peace. He also helps veterans and their families through his
Support Network.
He is a United Faith Ministries wedding minister. (Click for a
disclosure of ordination and ministry)
He performs weddings all over northern California. (Website for
Rev. Bill McDonald)
Bill McDonald is listed in the up coming 2005 issue of
Marquis Whos Who in America.
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Outside the White House January 1990
Speaking with Mrs. Carter - July 2002
Also in photo Sunnyvale High School classmate Karen Wilson
If you wish to make contact with Bill you can reach him by
email.
Bill McDonald
On Radio station KDVS FM 90.3
The University of California at Davis
April 2004
Photo credit: Nancy Olsen
Actress Mariette Hartley in Sacramento,
California
May 6, 2004 at the state conference on suicide.
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Bill McDonald with actor Danny Glover
Sacramento, California - 9/26/04
Spiritual
Stories
Other Personal Stories
Personal Photos
McDonald's - Links
Media Coverage
McDonald's
Personal Friends - Photos
Writing Awards &
Published Works
Granddaughter's Birthday Photos
12/22/03
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