A deeply human look at war, silence, and healing through poetry and fiction inspired by a U.S. Air Force veteran’s real experiences.
Author and veteran Merrill A. Vaughan proudly announces the release of “Thru The Eyes of a Warrior”, a powerful new literary work that blends poetry and storytelling to capture the inner and outer battles of veterans. More than a collection of war poems, this book is a meditation on loss, remembrance, and redemption—told through the eyes of those who fought, those who fell, and those who returned home forever changed.
In “Thru The Eyes of a Warrior”, Vaughan draws from his personal experiences as a U.S. Air Force veteran to illuminate the enduring realities of service. The book interweaves evocative poetry with a moving short story about Jack Delaney, a fictional veteran whose reflections on friendship, duty, and trauma mirror the struggles of countless soldiers. Through Delaney’s letters and Vaughan’s verses, the author honors the memory of fellow veterans, while confronting the silence that too often follows them home.
Written with honesty and compassion, the book’s mission goes beyond remembrance—it aims to bring understanding to a nation that often forgets the human cost of war. Each chapter blends emotion and history, from the jungles of Vietnam to the long road of recovery, culminating in a message of hope and healing for veterans and civilians alike.
“I wanted to give voice to those who can no longer speak,” said Vaughan. “So many of us came home in body but not in spirit. Writing was my way to make sense of it—to remember, to mourn, and to heal. I hope readers, especially younger generations, understand that freedom carries a price paid in lives and memories. This book is for every veteran who still carries that weight.”
Vaughan’s words are deeply rooted in authenticity. His poems, such as “The Unwelcome Home,” “The Forgotten Ones,” and “Names on The Wall,” serve as emotional testaments to the sacrifices of service members across generations. At the same time, his narrative about Jack Delaney and Ella Alexander—two souls connected across time and war—reflects the ongoing dialogue between memory and legacy.
Through its blend of fiction and real-life truths, “Thru The Eyes of a Warrior” stands as both a tribute and a teaching tool. It invites readers to see veterans not only as soldiers, but as human beings whose lives continue long after the battlefield. It also encourages open conversation about post-traumatic growth and the power of creative expression as a path toward healing.
Merrill A. Vaughan is a U.S. Air Force veteran and writer whose poetry and prose are inspired by his military service and the stories of his comrades. His works explore themes of duty, grief, and renewal, striving to honor those who served and to shed light on the unseen costs of war. “Thru The Eyes of a Warrior” reflects decades of lived experience and literary dedication, marking a heartfelt contribution to both veteran literature and American poetry.