Appalachian Free Spirit

A variety of spiritual traditions, coupled with the Twelve Steps, provide a powerful road to recovery in this remarkable story of resilience and renewal. It reveals a new way of life salvaged from the depths of PTSD and the long-term addiction that followed in its aftermath. Drawing on letters written from Somalia and Vietnam half a century ago, the book offers an intimate and e hard-won spiritual awakening that leads to lasting healing.

DUKE TALBOTT, PH.D., is Professor Emeritus of History at Glenville State University. Born and raised in Appalachia, he began his academic journey at West Virginia University before serving as a

Peace Corps Volunteer in Somalia. Upon returning home, like many young men of his generation, he faced intense pressure to join the military. Although promised options for service, those promises were never honored, and he was ultimately sent to Vietnam-where he earned both the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star.

The scars of combat left him with unaddressed PTSD, leading to years of struggle with alcohol and drug addiction. Through perseverance, the support of Twelve-Step recovery programs, and spiritual growth, he rebuilt his life and found lasting peace and fulfillment.

Through the GI Bill, he went on to earn an M.S. in Agricultural Economics and a Ph.D. in History, with a focus on Africa, from West Virginia University. His professional career in higher education was marked by both significant achievement and the ongoing challenges of addiction, yet in recovery he discovered renewed purpose and a new way of living.

Following retirement, he returned to his Appalachian roots, where he continued to serve his community- eventually being elected to city council and later as mayor. He is also the author of Agricultural Innovation in Colonial Africa: Kenya and the Great Depression.