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

Just relief coming back state side. It was good to see so many families welcoming back their loved ones. One Sergeant's family even made a giant banner. For me, the return was bitter sweet since there wasn't anyone there to welcome me back both times I deployed.

As a single person, returning from the war felt like the return to normal life. My family (parents, siblings) didn't know I was back or returning, so no loving greetings or phone calls. I went back to the barracks and picked up where I left off.

Relieved to get some time to not be responsible for anyone at work.

Every return was different for me because so many things happened each time. My hardest was my second deployment because I lost a lot of friends and I was getting married very soon after my return. Trying to cope with loss and show joy was very hard. I also had Survivors Guilt which didn't make it any easier and I had to keep reminding myself that I need to live my life for those that couldn't, and to honor their memories. No one in my family, or new family, had ever served, or deployed for that matter, and trying to get them to understand what I was going through was very difficult. We definitely had some differences of opinion when it came to priorities or what was important. The "best" thing that ever happened to me was that I was talking to my fiancée on the phone and we started getting mortared. She heard the calm in my voice as I was issuing orders (and saying goodbye but trying not to have her worry). She finally started to understand that I was really in something and her whole mindset changed. Needing space when I returned was hard to explain and thinking things were too slow back home was hard to deal with too. So much easier when everything is "Go, Go, Go!".

The hardest thing for me is that others thought they knew what it was like and really had no idea. Unless you are there and did and saw what I did, you would never know. Don't be afraid to talk to people, tell them what you want or can, but don't snap if they think they understand. Just try and talk and explain what you can. If they don't understand that is fine, and will normally be the case. My best advice it talk to another veteran or military brother or sister. They will understand, and I am sure have gone through what you have.

Excited, scared, mad… a lot of different feelings. 25 and 30 years since 2 deployments and I am still not the same as before.

Happy but lonely. I was stationed in Hanau, Germany. I didnt have any family. It made me sad to see signs and loved ones ready to receive battle buddies, and went back to my barracks.

As a new sailor in 02/03; this was a crazy experience upon returning home after being away for 7.6 months from a life that was the norm going on 21 yrs. I had to adjust to how some things were different, having to get familiar with driving again and enjoying seeing the faces of all the families upon our return.

Vacation!!!!!

I felt like.... I just did what was expected of me.