Hundreds of thousands of Americans served in Iraq, many of whom have come home suffering from physical injuries and mental trauma. With a higher-than-average rate of depression and substance abuse, the faltering economy has also made the transition to civilian life difficult for veterans. In 2010, about 13,000 of the nation’s homeless were ex-servicemembers between ages 18 and 30. Despite all of this, most remain positive about their time they spent serving. The BBC’s Jonny Dymond speaks with several vets in a special veterans court in Austin, Texas who are trying to adjust to life after the war.
The story you just read is not locked behind a paywall because listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Now more than ever, we need your help to support our global reporting work and power the future of The World. Can we count on you?