Suggestions for returning soldiers

We are so glad you are home! Congratulations on reaching this stage of your hero’s journey to health and spiritual wholeness. We celebrate with you on your personal success in staying alive in a war zone. Your church wants to walk with you and your family as you deal with the issues of coming home, growing beyond “battlemind.” Give yourself some time and emotional space to figure out your “new normal.” (We know you’ve heard this from others!)  And when you are ready,  we have some projects that could use your skills. 

We care about your body! So we encourage you to:

• Enroll immediately for VA health care (Many of you will have done this during the National Guard debriefing.)
• Use safe-driving tips to avoid Iraq-style driving in Minnesota; develop a plan to save your life and those of others from auto accidents
• Document your exposures to traumas and toxins while you have memory and witnesses.
• For instance, note where you were in the aftermath of the 10/10/06 explosion of Camp Falcon south of Baghdad. Note any time your ears rang after an explosion or impact.
• Avoid the trap of using alcohol to cope with bad feelings. Reach out, instead.

We care about your emotional and spiritual health!  So we encourage you to:

• Pay attention to your particular transition process.
• Seek help for particular problems during this special transition time; relationships respond to special care.
• Let the people who care about you (including your church community) know about your struggles.
• Consider participating in opportunities to share the story of your particular war experience.
• Consider keeping in touch with your buddies through www.Military.com

Converse with a pastor – either somebody you know, where veterans can anonymously discuss non-emergency issues of concern with pastors who have knowledge of military realities but are now not apart of the military.

When you are ready, we are eager to channel your good skills into the good work of the church!

You’ll find lots of good ideas on the Minnesota National Guard Web site or the VA Web site.