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 A choice pick for any veteran who has found return to normal life a challenge, May 9, 2010 Returning from war is no easy experience. "Point of Aim, Point of Impact" tells the story of Jay Taylor, a Vietnam Vet who served as a marine sniper who experienced many of the horrors of war from both up close and afar. He tells his story of the war and the challenges he faced returning to civilian life after years in the service. "Point of Aim, Point of Impact" is a choice pick for any veteran who has found return to normal life a challenge.
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Jay - I got your book in the mail Thursday night. I have not been able to put it down very easily. My humble thanks for another side of you that I am able to know through your writing. You are an incredible person with a huge heart. It is sad to think that we work with some pretty amazing people who have so much more to offer than just their time... My stepson is intrigued by the book as well - especially in light of a thesis he is writing on mandatory national service.
Through your writing I will have a greater appreciation for other vets and their stories. Thank you for opening yourself up... Sheri
Dear Jay-
I have never met you personally but... I knew I needed to write you a short letter of thanks.
Thanksfor telling your story, it inspired me. Your truth and your struggles during your time in Nam and then returning home to the states touched me deeply. Your clear descriptions of your inner voice and the conflict of the whole Nam experience and how it fought with your values made me think. Some of the self-discoveries you made and have struggled with, apply to my life as well, although I have never been in the military. For me, your story made me think of my story -
- "Maybe there's a little bit of coward and little hero in each of us."
- "I felt naked without a rifle" -I think we all have tools
- or personality characteristics that we feel naked without.
- "A man is but a product of his thoughts; what he thinks, that he becomes." MK Gandhi -TruthI have often thought myself crazy or maybe the better work is "broken" this comes and goesdepending on the role I'm in at the time. Sometimes "craziness" IS one of those tools I use not to feel naked.
- Dehumanizing the enemy -what else could you do?
Forgiving yourself is a life-long process -thankfully, I believe God forgives us instantly. I carry guilt, shame, fears, and victories, not like yours, but certainly they are stiii what they are.
Isn't it funny, that within all that craziness, you can still find fond memories and things to laugh about? Perhaps, I too, will write my story, and I hope I can find those moments in there. The anger that seemed to bubble just under the surface and may stiil seem to be there is God's gift to keep us sane I believe...
Sweet dreams to you, Jay. Enjoy your life. I hope you write more -you're a terrific storyteller.
Warm regards - Jennifer
Most Believable Account of a Sniper in War
I have read other books about snipers with tales that sounded farfetched. This author does not embellish his tour of duty needlessly and doesn't try to picture himself as infallible. I was impressed with his accounting and find it to be probably the most accurate accounting to date of what went on in a real sniper's world. This would make good required reading in a high school or college level world history class. Anonymous
Jay- I just wanted to let you know that I read your book this weekend. I couldn't put it down. I really appreciate that you were willing to share your stories and perspectives. It's very refreshing to read a non-Hollywoodized version of history. I gave a copy to my retired Marine brother-in-law for his birthday and I will be sharing my copy with my other family members who are currently serving or have retired from the military. Debbie
After returning from the war in Vietnam, I, as many young marines did, chose to emotionally shelve the past to avoid the pain of what I had seen, done and experienced, and attempted to go on with my life.
Although it had been forty years since Jay Taylor and I were in Vietnam together, I remember him as being a solid and outstanding Marine Scout Sniper. The memories etched in my mind of Jay were that he was someone that you could count on, he was honest and he was respected.
I have spoken to Jay nearly every day since we reunited at the 2008 Scout Sniper Reunion in San Diego. I have read his story, "POINT OF AIM POINT OF IMPACT". I found his story not to be a story of what the "John Wayne" types and others claim to have done. I found his story to be a true and factual account of what Jay experienced, and what we were trained and expected to do as 7th Marine Scout Snipers in Vietnam.
Jay Thank You for taking the time and having the courage to write a true story about your memories and experiences. Your story has helped me, and will help others who were with you, to begin healing and deal with our demons and memories of war.
I am proud to call you my Friend.
Simper Fi
Bill Martin
Jay,
I bought your book and read it twice. First of all I would like to thank you for your service.
...My dad served as a sharpshooter with the 2nd Marine Division in the South Pacific. I never understood what he faced until I read your book... Mike
"Jay,
I finished your book last night. What a Great read. ...I'm glad you wrote the book because it is the first treatise on an issue that has been festering in the 'sniping community since Marine Sniper was written. That being the glorification of the job and the fiction and myths that arises from taking liberty with the truth. Your book doesn't do that... For those of us who have never walked where you and many others have, this book helps us understand what it actually was like.... Thank you for a well written book....
John Burtt, Board of Directors NRA, President of 50 Caliber Club
"Jay,
I read your book at a single sitting. It was riveting! I especially appreciated your candor in what your feelings were toward the enemy, and how they changed. I can sure understand why you had to change them.
Thanks again so much for letting me have a look at this. It was a real eye opener.... Noted NM author Slim Randles
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