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This time, vets return to welcome

With lessons from Vietnam in mind, community groups, local businesses, and faith groups are helping soldiers shift back to civilian life.

from the November 9, 2007 edition

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So far this small group (Captain Faler and two buddies) has raised about $5,000 and brought one Iraqi family to Oregon. "They've risked everything," says Faler, who expects to be ordered back to Iraq. "They served with bravery and patriotism. I consider them my brothers."

Vietnam veteran Lee Thorn, who's been an antiwar and a pro-vet activist for many years, says "it's heartening to hear these stories" of Americans reaching out to a younger generation of war vets. Whether or not one takes a specific step such as helping with home construction or education for a new career, he says, there's something perhaps even more important that everyone can do.

"Treat [the vet] like a good person. Treat him like a human being, and don't ask rude questions," he says. "Let them tell their story in their own time. If you're very sincere in welcoming them back and listening to their story – whatever part they want to tell you – just quietly and without judgment and with compassion, that's going to do a lot of good."

And one more thing, he says, speaking of the politicians and officials (and ultimately the voters in a democracy) who decide it's in the national interest to send men and women to war. "If they really want to treat these guys right, then they need to understand that if you send people to war, they're going to come back different, and you better take that into account up front," says Mr. Thorn, who has been diagnosed with PTSD.

Such concern may well apply to vets of all wars. The other day, a customer called the Sign-a-Rama store in Encinitas, Calif., to ask if a free banner could be made for a Vietnam War veteran. Mr. Schicktanz quickly agreed.

"It's someone who has a rough time around every Veterans Day," he says. The banner proclaims: "You are home, Sgt. Richards. We're proud of you. Thank you."

• Tom A. Peter in Boston and Randy Dotinga in San Diego contributed to this report.

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