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America at War

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: Coming Home from War

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For soldiers, coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan is a relief but also has its own problems. Fitting back into family and civilian life is not always as simple as it seems. In Minnesota, the National Guard started a mandatory program called "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon," to help soldiers and their families adjust to life back home. An orientation is set for family members before guards come back. After guards return, there are meetings after 30, 60 and 90 days. It's a chance for guards to catch up with one another and cope with simple parts of life that may not be so simple anymore.

Capt. Ed Suarez was deployed to Iraq for 22 months, and before that he was in Bosnia. His wife Jennifer has cared for two children and managed the household while Suarez was away. Before he returned home to Cottage Grove, Minn., she participated in the family orientation for the National Guard and attended a 30-day check-in with her husband. They say hearing other people's stories and learning about what to expect has helped them both reintegrate since Suarez's return.

More stories from our America at War series

Comments

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  • By Mickey Carroll

    From Mount Dora FL, FL, 12/15/2011

    I composed this song for my son Mike and dedicate it to all the shoulders coming home from war Wishing them a Wonderful Holiday

    http://www.peacecouple.com/2011/11/19/message-for-sons-peace-song-for-11192011/

    Song For My Son:
    www.peacecouple.com

    Jazz today! Song For My Son . sung by Mickey Carroll, Jacqueline Jones and friends. A meditation on peace, love and family values.

    By Mickey Carroll

    From Mount Dora FL, FL, 12/15/2011

    I composed this song for my son Mike and dedicate it to all the shoulders coming home from war Wishing them a Wonderful Holiday

    http://www.peacecouple.com/2011/11/19/message-for-sons-peace-song-for-11192011/

    Song For My Son:
    www.peacecouple.com

    Jazz today! Song For My Son . sung by Mickey Carroll, Jacqueline Jones and friends. A meditation on peace, love and family values.

    By Mickey Carroll

    From Mount Dora FL, FL, 12/15/2011

    I composed this song for my son Mike and dedicate it to all the shoulders coming home from war Wishing them a Wonderful Holiday

    http://www.peacecouple.com/2011/11/19/message-for-sons-peace-song-for-11192011/

    Song For My Son:
    www.peacecouple.com

    Jazz today! Song For My Son . sung by Mickey Carroll, Jacqueline Jones and friends. A meditation on peace, love and family values.

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