In his youth, Randy Ark enjoyed an idyllic childhood growing up in the rural parts of Clark County, Ohio.
That feeling of innocence was shattered when Ark became a medic in Vietnam, getting an up close and personal look at the atrocities of war.
Ark, 77, recently wrote two memoirs about his experiences, “Everyone Has a Story: A Combat Medic’s Tale,” and “The Autobiography of Randall W. Ark,” which reflects upon a youth spent in west-central Ohio in the 1950s and ‘60s.
Ark said his experience in Vietnam molded him into the man he became. As he grew older, Ark, a retired teacher, felt the urge to share his stories with friends, family and the local community near Springfield, Ohio. Ark describes his life as a small-town boy who had to become a man quickly through bloodshed and death in the jungles of Vietnam.
Writing as Therapy
Writing proved therapeutic for Ark. He’s been receiving positive reviews for his books from not just friends but also strangers.
“It has helped me to examine what was important to me in my life and why I remembered certain things and not others,” Ark told the Springfield News-Sun. “It’s funny how when one memory comes to mind, another memory is triggered. I also discovered and realized how blessed I am, that there are so many blessings I have received that I should never take for granted.”
In 1967, Uncle Sam came calling, drafting Ark into the U.S. Army. His book provides a fully detailed account of his military experience from passing his physical, the highs and lows of basic training and surviving Vietnam as a medic. Ark writes about treating wounded soldiers and the lengths he went to try and keep them alive.
War as Reality Check
As Ark continued to write, more memories came flooding back. Like the time he treated a soldier lying face-down on a gurney, scared for his life. He heard Ark’s voice and realized they attended basic training together. The brief interaction provided the soldier with a sense of comfort and reminded Ark why he was there.
“I admired what they did and acknowledged their bravery,” he said. “Being surrounded by your peers in black bags, you get a sense you’re not invincible and it’s a reality check.”
Ark wasn’t spared from combat injuries. In 2021, more than 50 years after coming home from war, Ark was honored with a Purple Heart. He’s also received three Army Commendation Medals.
Despite leaving the Army, Ark continued to support veterans. He joined local veterans’ groups and lent his writing chops to profiling veterans for a weekly feature in the Springfield News-Sun. He’s still involved with a local Purple Heart organization.
“I hope the book can make me available to other experiences and other avenues to help veterans and their families,” said Ark.
Readers have praised Ark’s writing style, saying his narrative makes them feel like they’re in the thick of the Vietnam jungles with him. It was enough to make his publisher hungry for more Ark stories, hence, “The Autobiography of Randall W. Ark” was born.
Growing up in the 1950s
Ark’s follow-up to his first memoir traces his childhood experiences on a farm near Springfield, developing friendships, and life in school.
“It was a nice way to be raised and turned out to be a good way to grow up. You develop close relationships,” said Ark.
From the dangers of playground equipment in the 1950s to the thrill of a 25-cent allowance, Ark’s writing blends nostalgia with a twist of humor.
Does the former Army medic have a third book in mind? The budding author hasn’t ruled it out, but for now, there’s nothing in the works. Ark told the Springfield News-Sun that he would like to connect with other veterans wanting to share their own stories. His goal is to keep writing engaging stories readers can’t get enough of.
“I’m glad I wrote things down when I did,” Ark said.
