In “A Soldier’s Soldier” by Neysa Holmes, PhD, the author sheds light on the harsh reality faced by service members as they transition from the battlefield back to civilian life. The homecoming—a once cherished and celebrated event—has become a distant memory, leaving many veterans to navigate a world that seems unrecognizable. For those who gave so much, the fight doesn’t end overseas. Instead, it continues on the home front, where trauma, isolation, and inadequate support systems leave many struggling to regain their footing.

A Forgotten Welcome Home

There was a time when soldiers were greeted with parades, flags, and community gatherings upon their return. These events symbolized gratitude and a collective acknowledgment of their sacrifices. Today, that tradition has largely disappeared. As Holmes points out, “The welcome parties for our veterans have disappeared. The VA is overwhelmed and unequipped. Civilian America is broken.”

This lack of acknowledgment leaves many veterans feeling abandoned and unappreciated. The transition from soldier to civilian is not just a logistical change—it’s an emotional and psychological upheaval. Without visible support, the burden of reintegration becomes even heavier.

The Weight of Trauma

For veterans, the battlefield may be thousands of miles away, but its memories are ever-present. Flashbacks triggered by seemingly mundane events—protests, images of conflict, or even a loud noise—can reignite the trauma of war. Holmes poignantly captures the emotional toll:

“In the middle of your mission (job), a team member dies, and you are expected to continue on and fight. Would you be able to give your best with all your strength?”

This question challenges readers to consider the unimaginable reality of losing comrades while being expected to press on. For many veterans, these moments become defining scars, etched into their minds long after the mission ends.

The Home Front Firefight

The real tragedy lies in the lack of comprehensive support for veterans once they return. Holmes questions how a system capable of preparing soldiers for war fails so profoundly in helping them heal from its aftermath. She writes:

“How is it that our military is trained to go into a firefight to help others, but when the firefight is on the home front, the help is a mere band-aid?”

This poignant observation underscores the inadequacies of current systems. The VA, overwhelmed and underfunded, struggles to meet the needs of those it serves. Civilian America, disconnected from the realities of war, often fails to offer the understanding and empathy veterans desperately need.

What Happens to the Team?

In war, soldiers rely on their team members for survival. They watch each other’s backs, share burdens, and fight as one. But what happens when a team member is lost? Holmes delves into the devastating impact of these moments:

Loss of Comrades: The death of a fellow soldier is not just a personal loss; it’s a psychological blow to the entire unit. Veterans carry these losses with them, often replaying the moments in their minds and questioning what they could have done differently.

Survivor’s Guilt: Many veterans struggle with feelings of guilt for surviving when others did not. This guilt can become a heavy burden, preventing them from fully engaging with life after war.

Isolation: Returning home can feel like leaving the team behind. Without the camaraderie and shared mission of the battlefield, many veterans feel adrift.

Bringing Them All the Way Home

Holmes emphasizes that the mission of bringing soldiers home doesn’t end at the airport. To truly bring them back, we must address their needs holistically—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Here are some steps inspired by her book:

Acknowledge Their Sacrifices: Reintroduce community-based welcome events that celebrate returning soldiers. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in making veterans feel valued.

Provide Holistic Support: Move beyond band-aid solutions and focus on healing the whole person. Holmes advocates for approaches that prioritize physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth.

Foster Community Connections: Encourage civilian communities to build stronger relationships with veterans. Education about the realities of war and its aftermath can create a culture of understanding and empathy.

Invest in Resources: Ensure the VA and related organizations are adequately funded and staffed to meet the growing needs of veterans.