PTSD—When the Troops Come Home from Iraq: An Early Look at an Unfolding Story Reported Experientially

Abstract

Exploring the experiences soldiers as they return from active duty, this article is written from the perspective of a Chaplain who was in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Currently he is deployed working with the reserve troops from the 63rd Regional Readiness Command who are going into and coming out of “the box” in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is written from his chaplain's experience and draws from his training in Post Traumatic Stress, in Critical Incident Stress management, and his experience in ministering soldiers who are experiencing the early stages of Post Traumatic Stress. The goal in working with these soldiers is to get them the help they need so they can return to their families and society after experiencing some of the horrors of war. Reading this article, and understanding what our brave men and women are going through as they return from a war zone, is one more thing we Americans can do to support our troops and help to alleviate the effects of PTSD. The next time you see a veteran, not only thank them, but reach out to them and tell them that you really do appreciate all of their sacrifices for our country.