Do not you think with war and the fight for freedom, a soldier does not fight physically; in fact, he has to battle mentally as well? Usually war is often viewed through the lens of heroism, battlefield bravery, and acts of courage that inspire generations.

However, behind the uniform, beyond the medals and the salutes, lies a story that often goes untold: the quiet, enduring sacrifice of military families? In A Soldier’s Soldier, Neysa Holmes, PhD, brings these hidden stories to light with her raw, emotional honesty through the journey of her husband, Eric, by reminding us that when one member of a family serves, the entire family is deeply impacted.

The Journey of Sacrifice

Neysa Holmes paints a vivid picture of the life she and her husband, Erick, shared—a life profoundly shaped by his commitment to the United States Army and the Green Berets. Erick served five tours with the 5th Group Special Forces, and every deployment cast a long shadow over their family. Holmes describes how the daily uncertainty and fear for Erick’s safety permeated their lives, leaving a lasting mark on their hearts and minds.

The pain of separation is one of the most harrowing sacrifices a family must endure. Holmes writes about how every deployment tore a piece of their family’s normalcy away. Holidays, birthdays, and special moments passed without Erick’s presence, creating a void that no amount of letters or calls could fill. The reunion that everyone longed for brought joy but was often mixed with the recognition that Erick returned with wounds—both visible and hidden.

The Impact of War Trauma

While the battlefield brought Erick immense physical challenges, it also inflicted psychological wounds that seeped into family life. In A Soldier’s Soldier, Holmes describes the emotional turmoil and mental struggles Erick faced after returning home. The constant state of hyper-awareness, the inability to find peace in ordinary surroundings, and the unpredictable outbursts were battles that continued long after he had left the combat zone.

Holmes shares a heart-wrenching account of her own emotional battles, reflecting the toll that caregiving can take on loved ones. As she watched Erick struggle with PTSD and the effects of war, she found herself carrying the emotional weight of his trauma while also trying to provide a stable and loving environment for their children. The book brings to life the crushing realization that while Erick had sacrificed his well-being to serve his country, his family had also paid a steep price, feeling the reverberations of war in their everyday lives.

Love, Resilience, and Faith

Despite the hardships, A Soldier’s Soldier is also a testament to the strength of love and resilience. Holmes recounts how, even in the darkest times, faith and unwavering commitment to one another kept their family together. She speaks of the power of simple moments—a hug from a child, a shared laugh, or a quiet prayer—that helped sustain her through the chaos. The book beautifully illustrates how the love between family members can become both a shield and a beacon, guiding them through the storm of war’s aftermath.

Holmes acknowledges the support systems that played a crucial role in their journey. From organizations like the Green Beret Foundation to fellow military families who became their lifeline, the book is a powerful reminder that no family can or should endure these challenges alone. Community, understanding, and empathy are essential in healing the invisible wounds left by war.

A Call for Awareness and Change

A Soldier’s Soldier is more than a memoir; it is a call to action. Holmes advocates for greater awareness of the unique struggles military families face and calls for systemic changes in how veterans and their families are supported. She brings to light the inadequacies of government resources, emphasizing the need for holistic care that addresses both physical and mental health challenges.

Conclusion: Honoring All Who Serve

Soldiers’ sacrifices are frequently praised and celebrated. However, A Soldier’s Soldier serves as a reminder that these courageous men and women’s families also serve in some capacity. They observe the psychological wounds, deal with the day-to-day challenges of reintegration, and frequently end up being the rock of support for veterans attempting to make their way back from combat.