My dad is a vietnam vet. he drinks coolers lite every weekend.every night he chokes an gasps in sleep an yells.should he see a doctor? is it a stroke?

YES!!: He may have sleep apnea, severe reflux or CHF. Pts that cough ,wheeze, or wake up frequently is a serious problem. Sleep apnea, a life threatening problem -pts get hypoxemic at night (low oxygen),severe GERD can cause pts to aspirate stomach acid ,and "cardiac asthma" is when pts wheeze( especially at night) as a result of lying flat associated with CHF. Other issues could contribute see a doctor

PTSD: Could indeed be a reaction to combat in Viet Nam, and now experiencing nitemares and flashbacks. Not a stroke but may well be significant and chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Reaction. Contact your physician, as this could be treated using an EMDR protocol or cognitive-behavioural approach.