Alchemy of a Warrior’s Heart with Rev Bill McDonald

Award-winning poet, author of several non-fiction spiritually based books, artist, consultant to film and TV documentaries, serving as an interfaith minister and chaplain to many groups and organizations, ‘Rev. Bill’ McDonald packs a lot of living into life. An International Motivational Speaker and relationship workshop facilitator, meditation teacher, and non-paid veteran advocate and lobbyist, his advocacy work has popularized him in all media. He’s counseled several thousand veterans over the past three decades and been recognized by the US Congress and the State of California for his tireless assistance to veterans and their families dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Bill filled an integral position on the flight crew for the Vietnam War documentary, In the Shadow of the Blade, released for theaters in the fall of 2003 by Arrowhead Films, and later shown on The Military Channel. He was one of the producers, narrators, and had an on screen presence for the PBS TV documentary called The Art of Healing. He helped inspire a ‘hopeful and upbeat’ rewrite of the ending for the classic indie film “Trooper”. A Vietnam veteran with the famed ‘Tomahawks’ (128th Assault Helicopter Company) in Phu Loi, South Vietnam—October 1966-October 1967, McDonald was a crew chief/door-gunner on a UH-1D Huey. He was shot down, survived numerous adventures, and received recognition for his courage and service, which included The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Bronze Star Medal, The Purple Heart, 14 Air Medals, and numerous ribbons and medals. Rev. Bill is the founder of two of the largest author organizations in North America – The American Authors Association and The Military Writers Society of America. . He fervently encourages veterans to tell their personal stories. On his return from Vietnam, he earned a B.A. degree at the University of San Francisco and an A.A. at San Jose City College.