The latest book by the President of the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch, Gary McKay MC, is a memoir that takes a very personal look at the on-going effects of war on returned soldiers.

A conscript at 20, Gary served as a rifle platoon commander in Vietnam in 1971 and was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry during the Battle of Nui Le, the last major battle fought by Australian and New Zealand forces in South Vietnam.

Reflecting on his experiences, in After the Blood Cools – The Warrior’s Dilemma Gary explores the ongoing dilemma of soldiers: how do ordinary people cope with the overwhelming mental and physical challenges of combat? How does it change them, and what emotional baggage do they carry from the battlefield? 

This important book sheds new light on what it really means to go to war, and asks the essential question - how can we better support our frontline fighters, our men and women in uniform and our first responders?

It is being launched at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park on Wednesday 13 April, 6-7pm, with former Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove as guest speaker and Ray Martin as MC.

Sales of the book support Legacy.

It is available in softcover for $34.95 (free postage Australia-wide), and e-book for $15.95 from www.livinghistoryTV.com

Free tickets to attend the launch are available here.