When Spirits Speak: A Gathering of Heroes Stories of U.S. Soldiers

By Jeri K Tory Conklin

Jeri K Tory Conklin's newest novel reveals real life stories of soldiers past and present. Their stories from beyond the grave will absolutely touch your heart in unimaginable ways. As a gifted author and experienced medium, Jeri shares these emotional, insightful, and heartwarming messages with the w

• Language: English
• Publisher: 7th Wave Publishing
• Release date: Mar 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9780983938798

Jeri K Tory Conklin

ABOUT THE AUTHORJeri holds a master's degree in Archaeology; is currently a published author of five books under the "When Spirits Speak" titles. Her spiritual gifts include Reiki Master, energy healer, animal communicator, and a time traveler. She travels with her spirit guides to other dimensions to accomplish her starseed and lightworker roles in this lifetime. While Jeri may live in Prescott Valley, AZ, her true home, and heart remain in the stars where she is known as Shakaran, daughter of Lord Ashtar of the Star Command. "When Spirits Speak" books give the reader permission (not that you need it) to begin using your own gifts. Those gifts have been with you all along, you have just forgotten. Author your own stories, listen for the voices to remind you, who you really are - a spiritual being having a human experience. She can be reached through her website http://whenspiritsspeak.com or via email at: [e-mail]

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Praise for

When Spirits Speak: A Gathering of Heroes – Stories of U.S. Soldiers – The Cost of Freedom (2nd Edition – 10th Anniversary)

Once again Author Jeri Conklin takes us back into the past into the jungles of Vietnam where linear time is suspended, and the White Soldier comes to harvest the souls of young men dying for their country. As a Veteran who has served this work evokes memories of my first-time watching Oliver Stone's Platoon' with the noise of a rapidly beating heart of a young first time in combat infantry soldier as Viet Cong soldiers emerge from the shadows and a hopeless firefight ensues robbing young men of their futures. Hope comes with the soldier dressed in white seen by many of these nameless faceless heroes paying the ultimate price for freedom.

Jeri has a gift of spiritual communion meant to show the world there is life after this plane even in the most dire, violent, and hopeless situations. This is a message this world desperately needs as we teeter on the brink of a third world War that will surely bring the White Soldier to this world yet again.

Matthew Douglas Pinard, Angelic Healing Connection

and Catholic Mystic

What does Freedom mean for you? Would you be like Paul Revere? Would you go so far as to borrow the horse to insure Freedom for you and your family and friends? Jeri K. Tory Conklin shares her personal experiences. Family, friends, and spirits provide insight into just what it means to them and how they fought for the dream we all have. Jeri will share the Repatriation ceremony of dog tags from four of our soldiers that gave it all for what we have today. Come along to meet Johnny Blue.

Peggy Wier, Contributing Editor, Sporting Breed Magazine

In reading the manuscript created by Author, Jeri Conklin, I must remember that my grandfather and my father both served our country. The view of war, told in stories to a child, is far different than what really happened. Sitting on my father's lap to watch Combat on TV or singing Sky Pilot '' as a crossing guard in grade school were my first memories of the Vietnam War. Later would come the questions when college life brought protests. Out of respect for my family, I did not join. Rather, I reminded my friends, who were having a sit in" at the student union, that the freedom to protest was the exact reason the war was raging....

The stories of these brave men bring a humanity and a perspective of their lives, and battlefield deaths, that we would never be able to hear. The author's spiritual gifts allow her to be with them and know of them so that we can experience their stories. To hear about the White Soldier brings flowing tears and a heart full of gratitude that God will never leave us or forsake us, as the Bible tells us. God was there and He ushered each soldier to his home with our Heavenly Father, who is omnipresent. Comforting all of us. No one is alone. Fast forward to recent times of strife and the ongoing fight for freedom. The cost is great.

This 10th Anniversary-Second Edition of When Spirits Speak: A Gathering of Heroes, allows the reader an opportunity to feel and see war from a special perspective. You will be changed by this reading. What you take with you will be personal and moving. What will it be? The answer is within these pages. Here are words from Union Soldier Johnny Blue, as he told Writer about walking with the White Soldier. He told me not to look back, always look forward. So, I did. I look forward to hearing more about Johnny Blue.

Linda Ouellette, Spiritual Trainer for the Canine World

Jeri Tory Conklin – a gifted intuitive, archaeologist, and investigative author – again lifts the veil between the visible and invisible world, this time to give us an inside perspective on veteran experiences during the Vietnam War. An eye-opening inspirational book. (2012)

Patricia Johnston, professor of anthropology, owner, grief coach at Purple Lotus Coaching http://purplelotuscoaching.com/

Seeking answers to ‘Why, is there no peace?’ comes to us all when we send a loved one or venture into the path of war. Living without closure leads us to seek out those with The Gift of sight into the world of spirit. I have found closure within these pages. Your eyes will be opened, if you have lost a loved one to death on a battlefield." (2012)

Wonderful to see this [new edition] from Jeri. May many discover this gifted author for themselves. Be blessed dear friend. (2023)

Pamelia Cannataro, military dependent and

Vietnam veteran’s widow

When Spirits Speak:

A Gathering of Heroes

Stories of U.S. Soldiers

The Cost of Freedom

(2nd EDITION - 10th Anniversary)

Also by the Author:

When Spirits Speak: Messages from Spirit Children (2011)

When Spirits Speak: A Gathering of Heroes - Stories of U.S. Soldiers in Vietnam (2012)

When Spirits Speak: Stiltbird's Last Supper A Frequency Interrupted - A New Beginning (2022)

When Spirits Speak: Messages from Spirit Children – 2nd Edition (2022)

When Spirits Speak: Stories are Born (2022)

When Spirits Speak:

A Gathering of Heroes

Stories of U.S. Soldiers

The Cost of Freedom

(2nd EDITION - 10th Anniversary)

Jeri K. Tory Conklin

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7th Wave Publishing Prescott Valley, AZ

Copyright © 20237th Wave Publishing, Prescott Valley, AZ

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, withoutpermissioninwritingfromtheauthororpublisher (except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages and/or show brief video clips in a review).

Disclaimer: The Publisher and the Author make no representation or warranties concerning the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended through sales or promotional materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is sold with the understanding that the Author and Publisher are not engaged in rendering legal, technological, or other professional services. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Neither the Publisher nor the Author shall be liable for damages arising therefrom.

The fact that an organization or website is referred to in this work as a citation and/or potential source of further information does not mean that the Author or the Publisher endorses the information, the organization, or website it may provide, or recommendations it may make. Further, readers should be aware that websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read. Disclaimer: The cases and stories in this book have had details changed to preserve privacy.

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9839387-7-4

Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-9839387-8-1

eBook ISBN: 978-0-9839387-9-8

Printed in the United States of America Published by: Writer’s Publishing House

Prescott, AZ 86301

Writer Hand Logo: Chris AddingtonCover Design: Creative Artistic Excellence

Cover photo credit: Jeri K Tory Conklin

Project Management and Book Launch by Creative Artistic Excellence Marketing https://creativeartisticexcellence.com

Dedication

Dedicated to all servicemen and women

who have fought or served for this great country of ours

and who have mailed their last letters home.

Some have gone on to the spirit world; the rest

walk amongst us and remind us of our own patriotic duty

in whatever challenges come our way.

Last Letter Home

​

CONTENTS

Dedication

Acknowledgements (2022)

Foreword 2022 by Kurt Conklin ​xvii

Foreword by Bill Bonnichsen (2012)

Foward (2022)

Preface: Communicating With the Worldof Spirit

Introduction

Prologue 2022

Foreword (2012)

1. Coming to Vietnam

2. The White Soldier

3. Last Patrol

Nine Heroes

Private Harry H., Saigon

Private Leonard C., Bien Hoa

Private First-Class Thomas R., Da Nang

Staff Sergeant Thomas C., Saigon

Sergeant Leonard M., Da Nang

Sergeant Christopher M., Da Nang

Staff Sergeant Matthew R., Da Nang

Private First-Class John M., Da Nang

A Covert Mission

Jeffery C.

Jeremiah S.

Rodney M.

Duncan D.

4. Repatriation of Four Dog TagsAnd Their Stories

Second Dog Tag: Robert E.

Third Dog Tag: Jim D.

Fourth Dog Tag: Tommy K.

The Greatest Sacrifice

5. Returning Home

6. A Synchronicity of Events

Wrestling With the Vietnam War

My Own Journey to Vietnam

The Land Speaks

Voice of the Mekong Delta

Voice of Nha Trang Sand

7. Following the Trail of Freedom

A New Journey Begins

Who Is Soldier Johnny Blue?

Finding Johnny Blue

Johnny’s Story

Shenandoah River, Virginia

Writing the Check

James calcutt, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF (Ret.)

Kevin maune, LCDR, U.S.N (Ret.), (1982-2003)

Michael cordeiro, Sergeant, USAF, (1986 – 1994)

Matthew d. Pinard, SPC 4, USA, (1996-2000)

Kurt conklin, MAJ, USAF (Ret.), (1979-2006)

Robert bove, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF (Ret.), (1981 to 2009)

Service

Creating citizenship

8. A Gathering of Heroes

Epilogue

Acknowledgment (2012)

Afterword (2012)

About the author

FOREWORD (2022)

So, what does Freedom mean to you?  Depending on your life’s circumstances it could be many things.  No two people can describe it the same way.  Jeri K. Tory Conklin brings you to search for that answer in this thought-provoking work.  Additionally, she challenges you to think about it in terms of sacrifice as well, The Cost of Freedom.

Many of us have the privileges afforded us by providence to enjoy a range of freedoms never before experienced by previous generations.  The Preamble of the Constitution of the United States has six objectives that pertain to our collective freedoms; to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

Throughout our Country’s nearly 250 years, what did it take to attain it?  Who sacrificed for this Freedom?  And what was sacrificed?

In this Second Edition of When Spirits Speak: A Gathering of Heroes, using her unique talents to communicate with souls who have passed, Jeri ties her previous book into an expanded work that includes stories of living heroes as well.  In it, she brings forth the stories of those who contributed to today’s freedoms and challenges the reader to contemplate not only their sacrifices but to what limits you are willing to go to secure them as well.  Is it a calling upon these heroes for their own freedom or is it something much larger?

Having served in the Air Force and participated in many actions that have played a significant role in shaping our Nation, I have a visceral appreciation for the full spectrum of sacrifices our Nation’s military and first responders willingly gave.  Not to be cliché, but in the words of Howard William Osterkamp, All gave some, some gave all. In her first edition, Jeri focused on the some gave all, but the truth is the cost of freedom most overlooked is All gave some…. 

The price paid by our military, first responders, and other service volunteers is incalculable.  We see it every day in the disproportionate suicide rates, homelessness of this sector of our society, and untold medical and psychological conditions.  How do we factor those into the equation?

This work by Jeri K. Tory Conklin will take you through an emotional, thought-provoking, and insightful journey.  You, the reader, will face some of those same difficult questions and introspections that those who have given us the liberties we have today.  What are you willing to sacrifice to retain your freedoms?

Kurt E. Conklin (USAF Retired)

PREFACE TO THE NEW 2ND EDITION

Communicating With the World

of Spirit

The difference between us is that I

remember my gift,

You have forgotten yours.

Find your gift now as we travel through

time and space

to the other side of the veil.

I have been communicating with the spirit world since I was born. I never questioned my ability to speak with or see spirits, those children, adults, or animals whose life energy had left their bodies and moved to the nonphysical plane, or the other side. I just didn’t understand why adults didn’t see or hear them. Then, when I was ten, my father was killed, and I shut down my communication with the world of spirit.

In 1994, as an adult, I began to allow spirit communica­tion back into my life when I connected with two earthbound spirit children at my home in Idaho. But it wasn’t until one day in 2007, as I sat on a beach in Cape Cod, counting the waves and seeking change and healing, that I realized communicating with the world of spirit and sharing those messages with others must be a way back to living the life I was meant to live. I listened.

I have been communicating with the spirit world since I was born. I never questioned my ability to speak with or see spirits, those children, adults, or animals whose life energy had left their bodies and moved to the nonphysical plane, or the other side. I just didn’t understand why adults didn’t see or hear them. Then, when I was ten, my father was killed, and I shut down my communication with the world of spirit.

Each one of us, not just me, came into this lifetime knowing that we could communicate with the world of spirit. When we were young children, the veil between the spirit home we had just left and our new, earthly home was thin. Not only do we communicate with those spirits we’ve left behind, but our soul also moves freely between the two dimensions. If we are born into a family that accepts our ability to communicate telepathically with spirits, then we are encouraged and supported. If not, then we bow to social and parental pressures, wrapping our knowledge in an oilskin and tucking it away in our secret box where it will be safe until we can use it again.

How I communicate with spirits probably most resembles what we think of as telepathy, or the exchange of information through thought. Telepathic communication has been going on in various cultures since the beginning of time as we know it. Considered a universal ability, telepathy is shared by all as inhabitants of Mother Earth. Before there was a vocal spoken language, telepathic communication—or mind talk, as I call it—was all there was.

I communicate with the world of spirit using the three most common forms of spiritual communication:

Clairvoyance (visual communication), which allows us to see others’ thoughts or information not necessarily with our physical eyes, but rather as colors, forms, and textures in our mind’s eye (also known as the third eye). For example, I see entities or spirits as if they were fully embodied people standing right in front of me.

Clairaudience (auditory communication), which allows us to hear others’ thoughts or receive information not with our physical ears, but as voices in our minds.