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

It was the greatest feeling in the world.

Relieved but sad to not be around my team

Grateful. Very grateful to live in the beautiful and FREE country we call home.

Overwhelmed. Uncomfortable in my own skin. I came home with my family and boyfriend at the time and after they spent the night, I had to ask everyone to leave so I could gather my thoughts and my cat. I cried a lot and wanted so badly for my unit to call me up and say "we need to go back".
We came bac in November so Thanksgiving was right around the corner. I was doing fine until everyone showed up at my sister's house and I had a sudden wave of anxiousness. I had to go outside for a bit and just try and understand what these feelings were... I remember looking at my Grandpa who had been in WWII and thinking 'if he can be here and do thos after 4 years of combat and deployment, so can I.' It took a good several months before I felt "normal" again.

I am grateful for what the VA did for me regarding PTSD and that's why I am trying to give back with my volunteer work with other Vietnam veterans who have and are suffering from PTSD and similar mental health issues. Fifty years ago we were just boys. and relating to these guys has been a major event in my life. There was so much to synthesize and accept from that period in my life. Today, I attend VA peer groups and I am a resource for other veterans to navigate the VA system..I care deeply for those I served with during the Vietnam War. SSGT Donald F. Smith/Information Technician/72171/Combat News Reporter/Photographer/ Bier Hoa Air Base South Vietnam

When I returned home from my deployments I couldn’t wait to go back. The action almost every evening was addictive. Being back home had no danger, no heavy drinking, no fear of losing your life or the taking of an enemies life.
My temper was short and I would snap at anything/anyone I couldn’t control. I knew what I was doing was wrong but I just wouldn’t stop myself. I really hoped I would just deploy one more time and go out in a bang.

Lost.. Truly lost.

Was drafted 1969 returned from Vietnam 1971. Ft Lewis WA. Plane touched down I saw a large crowd at the airport. I had no idea they were protesters. Had my steal dinner then processed out of military.
As I was going to airport I was all dressed up with paratrooper badge boots and all my medals including Bronze Star.
A soldier stopped me and asked? ARE YOU GOING TO WEAR THAT UNIFORM?
I said yes, why you ask? Those are protesters at the airport. They will call you baby killer and more verbal abuse. I would advise you to take off that uniform, and wear civilian clothes home. How do you think I felt? About coming home from Viet Nam

It is a feeling of self fulfillment knowing you are protecting the ones you love, while out at sea. Then being rewarded by coming home to them awesome feeling

Coming home I felt alone and sad like no one could help me and the way I felt I fell into a depression that I have been climbing out ever since