thoughts on coming home

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Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, and their relatives and friends share their thoughts about returning to the United States.

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Page 1: Thoughts on Coming Home

Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, and their relatives and friends

share their thoughtsabout returning to the United States.

Page 2: Thoughts on Coming Home

“Like a cold shower, couldn’t breathe, made me wanna cry, and at last,

refreshing.”- Tito Gonzalez, La Grange IL

What was it like coming home?

Page 3: Thoughts on Coming Home

“Seeing these young men and women returning from multiple combat tours from

these recent wars, brings up disturbing memories of what I saw in southern Iraq, and Somalia. It stays with you - always.”

- Ron Brown, Indio CA

What was it like coming home?

Page 4: Thoughts on Coming Home

“Coming back from 11 months in Iraq was incredible… a greater appreciation for what I have here, and what others

don’t have elsewhere.”

- Shaun Brown, Chesapeake VA

What was it like coming home?

Page 5: Thoughts on Coming Home

“It is horrible for National Guard because you come back and you are told to just get back to normal life. If you have problems, call the V.A. How many people self refer?”

- Lamont Tanksley, Bremerton WA

What was it like coming home?

Page 6: Thoughts on Coming Home

“I'm amazed that even though I'm just a few years older, their generation has had to be so much more grown up than my own.”

- Julie Hammers, Boston MA

What was it like coming home?

Page 7: Thoughts on Coming Home

“…I was medivacked out of Fallujah Nov. 9, 2004, spent the next 8 months in the

hospital … I spent the next 6 years struggling with my PTSD… Finally the Wounded

Warrior regiment got a hold of me last year and put me into the Shepherd Center for 5

months. There I became the Man and Marine I used to be before I left. Now I

mentor and motivate other Vets…”

- James Sperry , Collinsville IL

What was it like coming home?

Page 8: Thoughts on Coming Home

“Terrible, could not adapt back into civilian life, no emotions towards my wife and child. Been in therapy since 2006 and

problems still persist.”- Nick, Burbank CA

What was it like coming home?

Page 9: Thoughts on Coming Home

“Everyone expects you to be happy, but that didn't really happen. It was good to

be home, but I wasn't happy and couldn't fake it, either.”

- Shawnice Shankle, Alliance OH

What was it like coming home?

Page 10: Thoughts on Coming Home

“A relief. Also a sense of displacement.

And a sense that daily life here is less intense and meaningful than there.”

- Paul Albin, Austin TX

What was it like coming home?

Page 11: Thoughts on Coming Home

“When I returned home after my last deployment it was very difficult for me to communicate with anyone. After about a

year things seemed to get a little better, but as time went on and daily life issues arose

my life became very stressful. I have PTSD.”- Tim Gallegos , Denver CO

What was it like coming home?

Page 12: Thoughts on Coming Home

“Each time was different. Each time I had a different outlook on my deployment and

life in general. ”- Jon Cambric , Las Vegas NV

What was it like coming home?

Page 13: Thoughts on Coming Home

“As a unit leader, I had strong sense of accomplishment seeing my family and my troops

with their families during the welcome ceremony on x-mas eve.”- Gil Florez, CA

What was it like coming home?

Page 14: Thoughts on Coming Home

“I realized from my first day back that I was lost and wanted to go back. I

couldn't relate to things, or people, the same way, after Iraq…”

- James Montgomery, Indianapolis IN

What was it like coming home?

Page 15: Thoughts on Coming Home

“The actual event was great. Trying to get back to the civilized mindset was hard.”

- Andrew Ralston, Minneapolis MN

What was it like coming home?

Page 16: Thoughts on Coming Home

“Coming home was great... process to get home was painful.”

- Michael Garner, Boise ID

What was it like coming home?

Page 17: Thoughts on Coming Home

“… Overall feeling like I'm getting a second chance at life and not to take anything for

granted. I literally kissed the ground when our plane

landed…”- Gilmar Valladares, Van Nuys CA

What was it like coming home?

Page 18: Thoughts on Coming Home

“Relieving but scary at the same time.”

- Elijah Walters, Hilton Head Island SC

What was it like coming home?

Page 19: Thoughts on Coming Home

“10 times harder than going there.”- Christopher Ouhrabka, McKinney TX

What was it like coming home?

Page 20: Thoughts on Coming Home

“If more people were able to understand the importance of country, and appreciate the luxuries we take for granted, if only.”

- Dexton Kotora, Alhambra CA

What was it like coming home?

Page 21: Thoughts on Coming Home

“It was hard to adjust to my old routine. I got married about six months before I

left for Afghanistan and my first few months back were like starting over.”

- Kyle Moses, El Paso TX

What was it like coming home?

Page 22: Thoughts on Coming Home

“Being deployed in Afghanistan, its like you are in this bubble, and all you have is your

experience, your equipment, and your team. Coming home was different because

everything I gave up to go down range, I had to work twice as hard to gain again.”

- Courtney Morris, Atlanta GA

What was it like coming home?

Page 23: Thoughts on Coming Home

“I am a Vietnam veteran. There was a quietness about coming home… I appreciate the evolution of the

national attitude that celebrates the service of the more recent

veterans.”- David Swoyer, New Smyrna Beach FL

What was it like coming home?

Page 24: Thoughts on Coming Home

“I’m a spouse and my husband came back from Iraq in July... He said it was weird

how everyone was focused on such trivial stuff/entertainment ‘news’ and not the important issues going on in the world.”

- Michelle Nolan, Carlisle PA

What was it like coming home?

Page 25: Thoughts on Coming Home

“I was deployed during a time when we couldn't call home, so my husband felt like a total stranger when I came back. It was sad, it was nerve racking, but then it was

kind of fun- like falling in love all over again.”

- Carrie Donoho, Alhambra CA

What was it like coming home?

Page 26: Thoughts on Coming Home

“My husband did three short tours in Afghanistan… I have always had a moral objection to war, and being married to a

reservist has not been easy… But alas, once he was home it was sweet, and

everything else faded to the corners of my mind. ”

- Kristen Rainone, Dallas TX

What was it like coming home?

Page 27: Thoughts on Coming Home

“Joyful at first, but then the reality of living with PTSD set in after the first few

weeks.”- Emily Armstrong, Indianapolis IN

What was it like coming home?

Page 28: Thoughts on Coming Home

“Home felt alien to me for six months and I had anxiety attacks.”

- Sarah Balter, Atlanta GA

What was it like coming home?

Page 29: Thoughts on Coming Home

“It’s like Christmas eve as a child. I had so much anxiety. It’s truly great to be home

with family.”- Frederen Wimberly, Shreveport LA

What was it like coming home?

Page 30: Thoughts on Coming Home

“It was maddening to hear inane conversations on the grocery store or the

upset that civilians have with everyday experiences, after one of your 'brothers'

was blown up just 14 days prior. ”- Matt Holzmann, Vista CA

What was it like coming home?

Page 31: Thoughts on Coming Home

“I was welcomed home with amazing healthcare, education and re-assimilation

programs.”- Shane Jones, San Pedro CA

What was it like coming home?

Page 32: Thoughts on Coming Home

“Beer didn't taste any better, the novelty of good food wore off quickly and women didn't throw themselves

at us when we entered a room … Time, it seemed, had stopped at home

and while I had changed, it hadn't.”- Carlos Ruiz, Chula Vista CA

What was it like coming home?

Page 33: Thoughts on Coming Home

“I felt guilty seeing men and women forever changed by disabilities that

they don't deserve. Here I was home, unscathed, and

consumed by the guilt of being lucky.”- William Havins, Oklahoma City OK

What was it like coming home?

Page 34: Thoughts on Coming Home

“Unspeakable joy to be back with the family. My return was grounded in knowing I was exiting the military

to pursue a civilian career.”- Anthony Brice, Gulf Breeze FL

What was it like coming home?

Page 35: Thoughts on Coming Home

“When I left I had 2 jobs and lived comfortably; coming home I had no job, no

prospect of one, and moved in with my mom.

No one I lived near understood anything I had been through.”

- Emily Winslow, Indianapolis IN

What was it like coming home?

Page 36: Thoughts on Coming Home

“A year in Afghanistan and a year home don't weigh the same in your

life. It is difficult to adjust, but I appreciate what I have more. ”

- Cooper Cash, Front Royal VA

What was it like coming home?