Email: Ted Engelmann

 

Photo by Brian Doan

Ted Engelmann was born in Bloomington, Indiana, January 3, 1947.  His father was a WW II army veteran who sailed with the navy for three years in the South Pacific.  During the Korean Conflict, Ted’s family was stationed at Ft. Devens, near Ayer, Massachusetts.  Ted’s father was a photojournalist, which is where Ted gained his interest and basic knowledge of photography.  Both parents were life-long educators and active in community affairs.

Ted enlisted in the US Air Force in February, 1966 from Albany, NY.  In March, 1968, as an air force sergeant, Ted arrived at Bien Hoa air base, a few miles north of Saigon, Viet Nam.   He was assigned to a Forward Air Control (FAC) team directing air strikes in support of the US Army 3rd Brigade, 1st InfantryDivision at Lai Khe, about 40 miles north of Saigon on (Thunder) Highway 13, and as a FAC support with Advisory Team #55 in the west-coastal village of Rach Gia, in the Mekong Delta.

Ted’s interest in the cause and effect of emotional trauma has been a direct outgrowth of his own Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from childhood experiences and the war in Viet Nam. As a result, Ted’s mission in life has been dedicated to helping others (and himself) understand PTSD and the process of healing.  To that end, Ted’s professional career has been a series of positions supporting veterans and secondary school programs. Documentary photography has always been an evolving and supporting element in his life.

Ted’s professional credentials include a Master's degree in curriculum & instruction and international relations from the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver.  Ted’s undergraduate degree is in earth science, biology and secondary education from the University of Northern Colorado.In order to create his documentary photography, Ted has been living part-time in Denver, Colorado, Ha Noi, Viet Nam, Seoul, South Korea, and Sydney, Australia since the mid-1980s.

For Further Information Contact:
Ted Engelmann
P.O. Box 102213, Denver, Colorado 80250
Email: mail@tedengelmann.com
Web site: www.tedengelmann.com

website updated 04.11.05

Email: Ted Engelmann

 

“Vietnam, the war America wants to forget.”

(Barnes & Nobel Bookstore advertisement for Robert S. McNamara’s book, In Retrospect, 1995)

Wounds that Bind: Four Countries after the American-Viet Nam War, is a 37 year documentary photographic project exploring the effects of the war on the veterans and culture of Viet Nam, the United States, and our two major allies, South Korea, and Australia.

Much as an individual might suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from a life-threatening emotional trauma, I believe the national psyche of America suffered a similar emotional trauma from the eleven-year war in Viet Nam. Although similar, perhaps a more appropriate term for the American consciousness would be Post Traumatic Stress Denial. Since 1975, I believe the American culture at all levels has effectively denied the effects of the longest and most traumatic conflict in the history of our nation.

In my effort to assist others, individually and collectively, in understanding a possible process of healing from this trauma, I would suggest that memories of the past cannot hurt you. That was then, this is now. In this difficult process of healing, each of us has to learn to forgive; ourselves, and others. We will never forget.

To assist this process, these photographs provide visual proof that each country has similar but unique issues. My goal is to help mainly Americans, especially veterans, our parents, partners, and children, compare a common past with others and create an emotionally healthy outlook for the present.

When the devastating attack of September 11, 2001 took place, I believe America was still in traumatic denial from more than a decade of war in Viet Nam. Our society was emotionally vulnerable, and our reaction was based in large measure on our repressed fears and anguish. The politics of the time took advantage of our vulnerability. 

Unfortunately, the lessons of American history from 30-40 years ago seem to be lost in a cultural amnesia. Once again our young people are dying in a protracted abstract war. Once again, lies, fear, and secrecy seem to be the policy of the American government.  Once again we are wounding ourselves and others.

To my knowledge, there is no public venue for those protesting war in Viet Nam to share in public their thoughts and feelings. Perhaps the Wounds that Bind project can offer a place for the many different personal and political persuasions; public and anonymous. It is my hope this project offers an opportunity for all to share their deepest thoughts and feelings. From this place we might discover our own empathy and understanding. Certainly a first step in the direction of forgiveness and healing.

Thank you for the honor of your visit. I hope you find this a meaningful way to share your thoughts about this difficult period of American history in a creative and positive manner.   

You can schedule a personal presentation and/or a photographic exhibit for your organization or school by contacting me through this site.