Great Support Helps The Transition

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I returned from my first deployment in 2005. People were terrific. I got lots of thanks and many questions. The most frequent was, “Is it better now you are home?” Those same folks acknowledged that the question sounded odd.

Being home was better, but much different. Most difficult was adjusting to being “normal” again. I had gone from being a critical part of a brigade-sized Task Force, to a guy standing in line to buy a gallon of milk, no different than anyone else. This all happened in a two-week span.

photo courtesy of US Army

In addition, home life took some readjusting, with everyone getting used to having me back. After the first deployment, it took several months for me to feel normal with everyone. The second time I deployed (2007-2008) it was a shorter process and went smoother.

I did try counseling, but was not impressed by the VA-provided service. I ended up using my employer’s Employee Assistance Program to get private help. I paid a small differential, but it was worth it.

What helped the most? In a word – talk. Talk to other service members who have deployed. Share what you can with family and friends. Do not keep it inside. If you wish to be more private about what you share, speak with clergy, counselors, anyone who can help. This makes all the difference.

John Tammes, I LTC NG NG NGB, blogs at miserabledonuts.blogspot.com.

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