National Impact

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When the sun is beaming cheerfully as it is today, after a gorgeous 4th of July weekend, it's easy for the average person to forget (if only temporarily) that America is at war. Here at the station though, Amanda is knee-deep in the daily effects of war on our country. Part of NPR's Impact of War, the story Amanda is working on will be part of a series called “Living With War At Home.” She is writing about the difficulties for members of the armed forces who plan for a return to civilian life after service in the military.

"Some come back with PTSD; some come back with injuries or, at the very least, trauma," Amanda said. "My story is basically, how do you go back to the grocery store after something like that? How do you return to focus on school when you have trouble even leaving the house?"

The hardest part of this story, she said, has been finding veterans willing to share their day-to-day experiences after the military.

"I can find policy advisors all day," Amanda said, "but I want to know what it's like for the people actually readjusting to regular life."

Her conversation was filled with terms like PTSD, transition, and therapy.

"This is the white noise in my head right now," she said. "It's the hum that's always in my mind."

The story, which will be broadcast in the coming weeks, is one that is not often remembered.

According to Amanda, "This story is so important because it's something you just don't hear about. These people blend in, but they're at a loose end in their lives and there's not a lot of help."