File photos Local artist and author Helen White's emotional account of her experiences as a nurse in Vietnam recently won an award from the Millitary Writers Society of America. [Click to enlarge]

Nevada, Mo. -- "This is such an honor, to be recognized as a military writer," said local author and artist Helen White, on hearing the news that she was to be presented with the Presidential Award of outstanding contribution from the Military Writers Society of America for April 2007.

White is the first to receive the award under a new program instituted by the organization, in recognition of an individual who "contributed to our country both in their military service and later in their personal life."

File photo Local artist and author Helen White .. [Click to enlarge]

The award was given for White's book, "Lipstick and a Smile," a collection of photos of her paintings and the stories behind them, depicts emotional aspects of life as an Army nurse, during the Vietnam war.

The book, as well as works created by White and other artists who are Vietnam-era veterans have brought national attention to Nevada in the veteran's community. People all over the country have sought out White's book, who can identify with the memories and messages the paintings represent.

White was 21 when she witnessed many of the horrors of war that later became the images expressed in her art and in her book.

"It all goes back to the fact that Pam Harris saw my work and encouraged me to have an art show. Kris Korb arranged for me to use the art gallery at Cottey College, and from there came encouragement to make the book," White said.

She admits it's not the sort of book that has a mainstream audience, but it's touched the hearts of many veterans, particularly of the Vietnam era, who can relate to many of the images. For example, there's one featuring the vivid orange dust prevalent in some areas of Vietnam.

"Other vets are saying, 'yes, I remember that orange and red dirt.'" White said, recalling that when explosions would occur, wounding soldiers, the orange dirt would cling to the skin, and would permeate the wound.

It was something that literally stayed with many veterans of the Vietnam War for some time.

"Even at Ft. Campbell, Ky., we had soldiers that were still washing off this soil," White said.

A review by the Military Writers Society said, "There is both tenderness and sadness mixed in with courage and outright fear and worry. This book will move you and will certainly open your eyes and heart to what it was like for the women nurses who served so well during the Vietnam War."

Another review of the book posted on Amazon.com reads, "Like any book about Vietnam that tells the truth, this is a difficult book. I highly recommend it," from Illyria.com, Books About Vietnam.

Not all of the images are dark. In one painting, a mother and child emerge from the darkness, and some of the paintings also bear messages of hope and emergence from the perils and darkness into a brighter future.

There's also an image that's titled "It Ain't Over 'til the Fat Lady Sings," that White says is about perseverance, hope and moving forward.

Of the book, White says, "My work reflects the themes of human endurance, will to survive and celebrate life. I hope people will see this and find hope."

White said that the work has new relevance with high rates of PTSD already being diagnosed for veterans of conflict in Iraq. "A lot of them are out in the community, doing the best they can. I want people with PTSD to know that there is hope. The two last pages speak really about hope. Life has its good moments. That's what I really want to stress."

Experts agree that anyone can develop PTSD, from emergency medical technicials dealing with trauma regularly, to victims of horrifying events like the recent Virginia Tech shootings.

"The thing is, you can get help," White said.

The book has also made it to global circulation on Amazon.com. The book sells for $32 through the online clearinghouse, and ships for free.

White said the book has also been requested by the AMED Museum (the Army Medical Museum) at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.