Can you describe how you felt coming home from a deployment or combat?

Retuning from an unaccompanied year long tour in Korea was far different from returning from Desert Storm. War changes you. It was surreal. At times I felt distant, lost in fleeting thoughts and memories. I didn’t feel like my marriage was ever the same again. It was so great to see the wife and son, but there seemed to be something missing. Maybe it was me?

When I came home from my deployment I did have a mixture of feelings. I felt a since of freedom. I was able to feel safe being stateside. I could wear my civilian clothes, let my hair down, sleep in my own bed, see my family, and go out with friends for a drink. But just many military members experience, I also came home to break up. My partner who was a civilian tried to use the power of attorney I had left him to sell my house while I was gone. Luckily I had only given him a copy and not the original POA. Since there was limited communication outlets at my remote deployed location, and the long duration of the deployment, he was convinced that I was being unfaithful. So he went to my work and told all my coworkers and supervisor that I was being unfaithful (which I wasn't), threatened suicide, and then charged up my credit cards, turned off all my utilities, and tried to sell my house! So I would say don't give general POA to anyone your not married to with rock solid foundation or your parents, maybe siblings. So I had a mixed bag when I got back. Great to be home, just had some things to deal with, but the situation showed me what kind of man he really was. Had I not gone, I might have married him, but I believe his character would have eventually been revealed.

I was completely lost after returning home from Vietnam. I was lost and there was no help for my PTSD. When my parents met me at the airport my mother didn't recognize me. Through the rest of her lifetime she couldn't understand how much I had changed.

Relieved. Nervous. Excited. But somewhere in the back of my head wanting to go again. The more time spent over seas the closer we got as a unit. We made the best of it and I’ll always remember the times spent in Afghanistan as good times. Even with everything that was going on during that time

I can remember standing in formation and looking up to see my two boys and family. I had missed so many firsts and I was so excited to just hold them. I was just happy to be with them and home safe.

Coming home from deployment was a shock to the system. After being away for 3 years, the whole world seemed to have changed from the music to hairstyles to clothes to gadgets. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself time to settle in. Try not to make other major decisions for awhile. Lean on other veterans who know what you’re going through and after the first crush of family and friends coming around…limit your time with them and ease back into relationships. If you’re coming back to spouse and children, be sure they have support systems in place so they get help with transitioning into having you back. Kids aren’t used to you giving orders or discipline…spouse isn’t used to having to deal with your needs or schedule. It’s critical that you talk these things through.

For myself I didn't understand how good it felt to return from war alive. Having your spouse and children welcome you is a amazing feeling. I say this because my second deployment turned for the worst. My Ex-wife left while I was deployed and to return home to no house and your children are gone is a horrible experience to encounter. A welcome home ceremony with a auditorium full of people but no one is there for you HURTS!!

I felt happy to be home and eager to do as much as possible towards achieving my education goals and preparing myself for a career outside of the military

I felt amazing to be in the presence of my husband and my cat again. Those relaxing moments at home where it's quiet and familiar is something I learned to treasure and appreciate more after being down range away from them for months on end.

The first time was whatever being single. The second with a family was a giant relief to come home