Voices and stories of veterans, their families, and their care
providers, reveal what is necessary for postwar healing
This book argues that the elements that contribute to healing war
trauma--including safety, connection, community, dialogue, mutual
respect, diversity, and compassion--can help build a stronger nation.
But this message comes with a warning and a challenge not just for
caregivers, veterans service organizations, governmental departments,
Congress, and the White House, but for all Americans. War creates
incalculable suffering--not only among those on the front lines, but
also among those left behind. For every soldier killed or injured on the
battlefield, countless others are affected--particularly relatives and
friends--often in isolation and silence. As a nation, the U.S. must do
everything it can to repair the injuries caused by war, whether
physical, emotional, or moral, both for those who served in Iraq,
Afghanistan, and elsewhere, and for the country itself. Only after the
nation provides the top-quality care our veterans have earned will we be
able to begin to end our reliance on war and truly build a durable
peace.