War and Love
Bernard Walker, Jr. & Nelda Massengill Walker.
“War and Love is… history in its most human form. Bernard’s descriptions of life in the military, of the tension and monotony and sudden danger of war, are raw and unfiltered. Nelda’s words reflect the often-overlooked sacrifices of those who stay behind, waiting, worrying, and holding families together with quiet fortitude. Together, their voices form a duet of endurance”. Chief Gary Batton, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
To order your signed copy Click on the Book in the Direct Shop:
Soft Cover, 376 pages, $24.95.
Shipping: add $2.50/book.
Walker War and Love Direct Shop
Showing the single result
What is being said about War and Love
“War and Love is… history in its most human form. Bernard’s descriptions of life in the military, of the tension and monotony and sudden danger of war, are raw and unfiltered. Nelda’s words reflect the often-overlooked sacrifices of those who stay behind, waiting, worrying, and holding families together with quiet fortitude. Together, their voices form a duet of endurance”.
Chief Gary Batton, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
You will embark on a journey through time, heart, and memory. War and Love presents a remarkable and deeply moving collection of over 200 letters exchanged between Nelda and Bernard
These letters, written during the Vietnam War, one of the most turbulent periods in American history, are more than mere correspondence. They are testaments to resilience, expressions of vulnerability, and a living archive of love nourished by distance, hardship, and unwavering hope…
“The letters Bernard and Nelda exchanged during Bernard’s time in Vietnam beautifully illustrate a love that burns with passion while remaining firmly rooted in devotion to God and Jesus.
Their sincere, heartfelt reflections on daily life paint a vivid portrait of a more innocent, yet unyielding era… their story offers a powerful testimony of what it means to be fully human and fully committed to God.”
Patti Farren
Pastor Jonathan Walker wrote in his Preface:
“War and Love is more than a memoir, more than simple messages between lovers; it is a model for courage in the face of ever-present danger, a love that lasts over long distances, transparency that transcends cultural norms, and an example that exemplifies Christ-like love.”
2/18/26
“I finally got some time to start reading your book. It is truly wonderful. It honestly takes my breath away to read some of the letters. The pictures are precious. I will cherish it and your love story…I’m not real far along in the book, but I’m far enough along to know what an inspiration the two of you and your relationship with God and each other could be to so many. This generation needs your story.”
Kim Collins
1/5/26
“I just finished your wonderful and thoughtful book. I loved it! It reminded me so much of Bruce and I and our (almost perfect) 52+ years together. It made me miss him so much, but also feel so blessed to have had him so long.”
Karen Mattson
1/6/26
“Started reading your book. I am on page 192. I keep thinking, I can’t wait to see how this ends. …1/7/26 Finished reading it early this morning. What a wonderful book and testimony. It was so easy reading and the words just seemed to flow in my heart.”
Hazel Estep
Our Journey
Bernard Walker, Jr.
Bernard, a quiet, soft-spoken Native American (member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), was drafted into the Army in 1968 and served as a sergeant in the Vietnam War. He is a Bronze Star recipient.
Nelda Massengill Walker
Nelda is a talkative, outgoing Registered Nurse who began nursing school while Bernard was at war. She and Bernard married in the fall after his return from Vietnam, but she continued her nursing education, completing a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner course during the senior year of her BSN program at UT Memphis.