Thank you for your service first of all and for the work you're trying to do. Assimilating back into society is the hardest thing to do once you leave the military, especially with doing a tour in Iraq. Thank you most of all for sharing your story. So many people don't understand what it is like to literally go one day having to be disiplined, and a strict lifestyle to nothing. Im sure you know what I mean by that. Looks like you're on a path now that suits you. :)
My son-in-law got out of the Marines in April after 6 years. He didn't go to Iraq, but had several overseas tours during that time. He's doing pretty well but having a rough go of things. He definitely is fighting authorianism. He had originally wanted to join the police when he got out and with everything happening he won't go near it. He's in a state of disbelief, that he served his country and his country is in shambles. The only people he feels that are friends are his Marine buddies. I think that is because of everything they've been through together and they understand how he feels. He was the last one to get out all of them urged him to re-enlist. He's a good kid, he'll get to where he wants.
Yea it’s bond build that veterans really understand where is your son in law located? @tryskele
He recently moved to Philly so my daughter could finish her Masters degree. They'll be there another year and half. He's a major history buff and absoluely hates it there (kind of ironic) He's 'small-town' Tennessee so I get it. I think it's wonderful that he's kept in touch and has such great friends, he needs to grow though. I know it's still very soon and so much changed so quickly for him. I suggested he try the reserves or dedicating time to organizations like your or 22 (since he's had a few friends that took that route) I just feel bad He's so lost and has no clue or direction anymore.
I completely understand, not sure his family does. My daughter's father (yeah my ex-husband) Served 14 yrs in the Marine Corps reserves and was activated during Desert Shield.