I have wanted to post this for a while and I honestly have no reason as to why I didn’t. I wrote an expository essay on services vital to a soldiers return to civilian life. I really enjoyed writing it so I wanted to throw it up so people could read it. I hope you enjoy!!!!
From “Armed Forces Avenue” to “Civvy Street”
Veterans make the ultimate sacrifice when in service. They face danger and put their life on the line for Americans to live in freedom and liberty after battling hostile enemies, foreign territory, and time away from their loved ones. Veterans often face the most difficult challenge when returning home and reentering civilian life. There are a variety of services and resources available to our service members. Finding the right combination of resources and activities can be vital to a successful transition. Reentering civilian life can be much more intense than anticipated, but a successful change can be made with a robust support system, stable and secure employment, and active community engagement. A veteran can have a whole and rewarding civilian life.
A veteran wakes up in a cold sweat. He looks around, and the room he is in is unfamiliar. His mind is racing. Calm is evading him at the current moment. Then, a familiar female voice calls his name. A soft light turns on, and it is his wife with a glass of cold water. Like many others, this veteran suffered from PTSD and had a treacherous nightmare (Shor R. et al., 2022). The only thing that soothes him in times like this is a lullaby his wife used to sing to their now 10-year-old son when he was an infant. Before the Veteran experiences war on his first deployment, many Veterans leave the service with severe mental health issues (Shor R. et al., 2022). Having people at home and in the community to provide strength and support is essential. Soldiers can feel alone and completely isolated when they return to civilian life (Pease J. et al., (2015). This can make the home life and support of the family complex. Family members must find strength and resolve to remain supportive and continue assisting in the transition. Strong relationships with community members and coworkers can help the family support system (Pease J. et al., (2015). Although there can be limitations, finding stable, secure, and rewarding employment is another phenomenal resource Veterans can utilize when returning to “Civvy Street.”
Sitting in anticipation, a soldier waits for an email response about a job he has been avidly pursuing. What started as an optimistic job search has transformed into a desperate search for a sense of self. This veteran never imagined the transition to “Civvy Street” to be this arduous, and not thinking about life after service was a poor plan. While deployed, arrogant and unrealistic thoughts of an employment field ready and ripe for the picking often danced in this Veteran’s head (Keeling M. et al., (2018). Now the grim reality is setting in. Not only does he have no idea what he might want to pursue. The sense of belonging and the idea of him as a person are also taking massive hits due to this tragic job search (Keeling M. et al., (2018). As quickly as he can refresh his browser, the email arrives. Hesitation sets in, and sweat begins to form in the palms of his hands. Employers can be hesitant to hire veterans. Fearing the consequences of what a PTSD diagnosis might bring to their business (Keeling M. et al., (2018). Finally, building courage, the email opens, and the response is read. Employment has been obtained! The potential of building bonds fills his imagination. Not only can employment provide financial stability, but it can also be a great place to meet new people and other transitioning veterans. A job is a great way to find engaging activities in the community. Excitement builds as he types his response and prepares for his first day at his new job.
Some months have passed, and adjusting to the new position has been surprisingly easy for this Veteran in transition. Thankfully, there have been no bad mental days, and having stable employment has provided a routine that makes the days a breeze. However, still lacking what feels like a true sense of belonging, he hopes for an event to attend on Veteran’s Day. While working on a project, a co-worker he has not spoken to very often reaches out to him and informs him of their shared bond. They are both Veterans that served in the Middle East. While conversating, information is given about a group of local Veterans holding a fundraiser on Veteran’s Day. These activities are vital when reentering civilian life (Herman A., Yarwood R. (2013). Finding a sense of self and a genuine camaraderie can be a great asset to a Veteran adjusting to “Civvy Street.” This is one of the most difficult challenges he has faced. Maintaining a sense of social commonality and connectedness is vital when searching for post-service employment (Herman A., Yarwood R. (2013).
A variety of excellent resources are available to soldiers who are exiting the service and reentering civilian life. Sadly, many Veterans are not prepared for the difficulty that comes with returning to “Civvy Street,” and they are not able to transition successfully, leading down a path of mental illness and substance abuse (Pease J. et al., (2015). In addition, veterans return to a completely alien environment (Pease J. et al., (2015), and society expects them to make this conversion easily. Unaware of the underlying struggles of reentering civilian life, a Veteran can feel completely helpless and hopeless. However, the combination of a robust support system, stable and secure employment, and active community engagement provide a Veteran with great resources that will reinforce an attitude of optimism. These things have been proven essential to give Veterans a fighting chance at flourishing in civilian life.
Transformed By Truth 