Although joyous and relieving, a soldier’s transition home can also be difficult, both for the soldier and the family. To help prepare you for the experience, the National Center on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (NCPTSD) encourages you to check out "Returning from the War Zone: Guides for Families," and see tips for a smooth homecoming below.

Tips for Parents and/or Spouses, as excerpted from the NCPTSD and Courage After Fire, a book about OIF/OEF soldiers’ transitions back to civilian life:

• Be patient with yourself and your soldier.
• Avoid scheduling too many activities.
• Go slowly in making adjustments.
• Stick to your budget until you've had time to talk it through.
• Along with time for the family, make individual time to talk just to each other.
• Discuss splitting up family chores.
• Remind the soldier that he or she is still needed in the family. (1)
• Become an expert in the area of resources... Your soldier may be initially too irritable or uninterested in seeking help even to find out what resources are available.
• Give your soldier the opportunity to talk about his or her war experiences. Let him or her know you’re willing to listen and that you won’t make judgments or comments about what happened during deployment.
• Let your soldier know what your concerns are by giving examples of specific things that they’ve done or said that you’ve observed.
• Speak with a therapist to get some ideas about how to bring up the idea of getting help for your soldier.
• Have a veteran of a previous war, or a veteran of Iraq or Afghanistan, come speak with your soldier to encourage him or her to seek help. (2)

Act NOW!
Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Combat Veterans have a special two year period, from discharge, to enroll at the VA and receive free medical care for service-related conditions, whether physical or psychological. Don’t miss this opportunity.

• Enroll Online
• Find a Facility

Curious about what the VA can do for your family? See a complete list of VA benefits.

Alcohol: Is it hurting your family?
Unfortunately, alcohol and substance abuse are not an uncommon diseases for returning service men and women, but it can, and should, be treated. Contact your local VA to learn how to sign up for Alcoholism services, and learn more about the disease from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse: Get the Fact.”

Veteran and Family Support Services are also available at the Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS), Veterans’ Center (Vet Center), (702) 251-7873 at: www.va.gov/rcs.