As veterans, how we adjust to thriving as civilians can be affected by a number of factors. The duration of our careers, the amount of comradery and institutional support we’ve previously experienced, and whether we saw combat can color how we navigate a world whose culture can feel both familiar and foreign. If we saw combat, our minds and bodies have frequently experienced extremes that few others can understand and may affect us for a lifetime. If we had negative experiences or feel betrayed by the institutions that were supposed to protect us, we can feel even more isolated and at sea as we do the work of all veterans rebuilding our sense of purpose, community, and identity. But the truth is we’re not alone, and there are many whose focus is on helping us achieve our fullest well-being.
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