Opening the Box: A Vietnam Veteran's Journey of Healing with Larry Berg

In this episode of Veterans 4 Recovery, host retired U.S. Army Major John Donovan sits down with Vietnam veteran Larry Berg to discuss the journey of recovery, the impact of service, and the healing power of storytelling. Larry, who served in Vietnam in 1969, shares his background as a farm kid from Minnesota, his unique experience working with the Army Security Agency, and the life path that led him to teaching and coaching. Together, they explore the concept of "opening the box"—the psychological process of releasing long-held combat memories and experiences to find peace and catharsis. The conversation highlights how the arts, music, and connecting with fellow veterans serve as vital "backdoor entries" to healing, helping veterans move beyond the silence that often follows military service.