Iraq war veterans talk of struggle at home

Forum helps families ease the transition to civilian life

By M.L. LYKE
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

BELLINGHAM -- Jacked-up in combat, they find the thrill is gone back home. The adrenaline won't pump. There's no edge -- so the Iraq veterans go looking for one.

"I've tried jumping off bridges and cliffs just to get a little rush -- but there's nothing there," says Byron Anderson, a 22-year-old Marine who, with two other Iraq veterans, discussed life before and after war at a community forum in Bellingham earlier this week.

The Streetcorner Forum, led by Bridget Cantrell, a mental health counselor who works with veterans, focused on how communities can help ease the transition from military to civilian life for returning soldiers. Two follow-up sessions will look at families' experiences with their returning soldiers (Tuesday) and resources available to vets and families (May 3). Meetings are 7 to 9 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center Auditorium, 315 Halleck St. in Bellingham.

Cantrell, co-author of a reintegration workbook for troops coming home called "Turning Your Heart Toward Home," warned the audience to avoid making any sudden noises, a first lesson in being mindful of soldiers' psyches. Loud noises can trigger reflexive combat reactions.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/221006_return21.html

these poor guys are going to make us Vietnam vets look like the easter bunny

are standing on street corners begging for a few bucks, it will be the repukes driving by in their gas hogs with rolled-up windows muttering "get a job, loser".