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Jonathan Martinez

Massey-Jimenez

ENC1101

November 30, 2017

Life of Veterans at Home

Introduction: Guns blazing, civilians screaming, explosions heard in the distance, these

are just a few of the terrors war brings on a daily basis upon the thousands of men and women

that endure it. Another nightmare also awaits them beyond the battlefield, the return home to the

United States. Veterans are constantly being overlooked and underappreciated in todays society

after return from service. This is a cause for change amongst our society that must begin by

bringing awareness to the topic.

I. Topic Sentence: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects nearly all veterans and is

a large contributor to the difficulty in the transition back to a normal and healthy lifestyle.

A. veterans who experienced emotional or physical trauma while serving are at the

greatest risk of having difficulties readjusting to civilian life. (Morin 1)

B. serious injuries and exposure to emotionally traumatic events are relatively common

in the military. (Morin 4)

C. The FBI is called in to about 20 hostage situations involving veterans each year, and

police report many more dangerous confrontations. (Shevory 2)

II. Topic Sentence: Although majority of veterans that struggle to transition have seen the

battlefield, many service members also have difficulties readjusting after living the

stressful life of a nondeployed soldier.

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A. high risk for stress exposure via warzone deployment but who also report high levels

of nonmilitary stressors. (Kaiser 1)

B. about six in ten (61%) post-9/11 veterans who had experienced marital problems

while deployed also had a difficult re-entry. (Morin 6)

C. serving in a combat zone reduces the chances that a veteran will have an easier time

readjusting to civilian life (78% for those who did not serve in a combat zone to slightly

more than 71% for those who did). (Morin 5)

III. Topic Sentence: In order to change the way government and society view and impact the

lives of veterans, we must be made of aware of the different ways we can provide aid

through programs that are already established in order to help these heroes.

A. Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) provides free programs and services to address the

needs of wounded warriors and fill gaps in government care. (WWP)

B. bringing together the warrior, family or caregiver, treatment team, and community

support professionals to establish goals and a personalized plan. (WWP)

C. Addressing the unique health concerns of both deployed and nondeployed veterans is

important and continued observation of all veterans is recommended. (Kheirbek 1)

Conclusion: Overall, veterans risked their lives and sacrificed a great amount for the well-

being of our country. This is something that should be a constant reminder as to why

society should change the ways they are overlooked and underappreciated. More help can

be brought to these heroes via awareness of the topic, implementation of programs, and

increased funds in veteran affairs (VA) budgets. This could help rebuild the life of

someone that has given it all in order to ensure the safety and consistent protection of the

United States of America.

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