Collection Development | Back on the Home Front (Veterans' Issues), July 2011
Jul 15, 2011With troops returning from Iraq and promised upcoming withdrawals from Afghanistan, there has been an uptick in the development of materials on the “Wounded Warrior”—a term that seems to be used for returning veterans who exhibit behavioral issues seemingly related to their combat experiences. We will use this term in a slightly broader sense in order to examine as well the experiences of those who are physically wounded and those who experience adjustment problems once home.
Returning soldiers having difficulty adjusting to civilian life is not new. The complex of physical and emotional reactions we now call post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was called “soldier’s heart” during the Civil War. The Hollywood film The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) portrayed the struggles of three veterans and their families following World War II. And too many movies and television shows have used the out-of-control Vietnam vet as a plot device.
A traumatic transition
Several factors differentiate today’s returnees from their predecessors, however. Many experts think that a much higher percentage of returning troops are suffering from debilitating PTSD than in prior wars owing to multiple deployments and to the nature of urban warfare, in which the characterizations of “civilian bystander” and “enemy combatant” are blurred. Also, due to the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)—basically homemade bombs—the most common injury in these conflicts has been traumatic brain injury (TBI), in which the brain is “bruised.” Often there won’t be a concussion or obvious physical signs of damage, but sufferers may later exhibit subtle behavioral changes, such as increased impulsivity, anxiety, and aggression—also the hallmarks of PTSD.
While the differences between the effects of warfare on veterans of past conflicts and those now returning are well documented, other less-well-studied factors may also play a part. Some researchers have noted that National Guard members are more prone to adjustment problems than are regular troops. These combatants are generally older and therefore less physically resilient and more likely to have dependents—having a spouse and kids back home can be a major stressor as well as a potential source of support.
Another possible contributing factor to issues affecting recent returnees is the current practice of giving combat troops psychoactive drugs in the war zone. While these antidepressants, sleep medications, and amphetamines may keep exhausted troops in the field, withdrawal symptoms and drug abuse can accompany these soldiers when they return home.
Women who have been deployed have reported that although none are assigned to combat units, they have often been in harm’s way, as a “non-combat zone” doesn’t really exist in guerrilla warfare. A considerable percentage of women have also claimed to have been sexually assaulted by fellow soldiers, another devastating source of PTSD.
Today’s quick transport of troops out of combat areas means that they are in the field one day and home the next, with no chance to process their experiences with fellow soldiers. These servicemen and -women come back to a world that is largely indifferent to them. Only two percent of American families currently include a service member.
Collections that provide support
Considering these changes, librarians should check their collections to ensure that returnees and their families can get the help they need. These resources can also provide civilians with some perspective on what is involved in the performance of the service for which we often blithely thank these men and women.
The first section of titles, “Background Information,” is intended mainly to inform the public. However, the stories of other service members may be the best help available to a suffering veteran. The section on adjustment contains material addressed to all returnees but encompasses advice for those with psychological problems, including when and how to seek help. Resources include books, CDs, DVDs, and websites on specific conditions and with information on claiming benefits.
Many items listed here are web-based and free. Starred items (
) constitute a core collection for every public library. Larger libraries and those of any size located near military facilities should invest in the entire list.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Finley, Erin P. Fields of Combat: Understanding PTSD Among Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Cornell Univ.(Culture & Politics of Health Care Work). 2011. 240p. ISBN 9780801449802. $24.95.
This anthropologist’s study of returning veterans and their families is a solid overview. (LJ 3/1/11)
Frontline: The Soldier’s Heart. 60 min. PBS Video. 2005. $29.99. Free streaming at ow.ly/5iFkB.
While the army claims to have made a number of improvements in identifying and treating PTSD sufferers, there is certainly still dispute about the degree and effectiveness of these strategies. A straightforward portrait of PTSD; larger libraries should also purchase the DVD.
Frontline: The Wounded Platoon. 90 min. PBS Video. 2010. $24.99. Free streaming at ow.ly/5iFGZ.
This investigation follows the fates of the 48-member Charlie Company (the Band of Brothers platoon in World War II) after their latest homecoming. Three of the men are now serving lengthy prison sentences for violent crimes, while others suffer from various effects of PTSD and TBI. The film shows how their experiences in Iraq may be entangled with their suffering later on the home front. This riveting and important film is sure to be controversial. Larger libraries should purchase the DVD as well as provide access to the streaming version.
Glantz, Aaron. The War Comes Home: Washington’s Battle Against America’s Veterans. Univ. of California. 2010. 288p. ISBN 9780520256125. $40; pap. ISBN 9780520266049. $17.95.
Written by a war correspondent who suffered from PTSD after a stint in Iraq, this book manages superbly to relate the stories of wounded individuals, describe the political and institutional issues that have led to the neglect of returnees’ problems, and suggest resources for veterans and their families. Essential for every U.S. public and academic library.
Glasser, Ronald, M.D. Broken Bodies, Shattered Minds: A Medical Odyssey from Vietnam to Afghanistan. History Pub. 2011. 280p. ISBN 9781933909479. $17.95.
A former Marine medic in Vietnam describes how and why the experiences of today’s wounded and those who treat them have changed.
Holmstedt, Kirsten A. The Girls Come Marching Home: Stories of Women Warriors Returning from the War in Iraq. Stackpole. 2009. 336p. ISBN 9780811705165. $27.95; pap. ISBN 9780811708463. $15.95.
These homecoming stories of a dozen female veterans cover the gamut from a few adjustment problems to severe physical and mental disabilities. Unfortunately, there has been no advice book written exclusively for female veterans, but this title will be valuable to those who need to know that they don’t suffer alone.
Home Front. Looking Glass Films. 93 min. DVD. 2006. $24.95. Order at homefrontthemovie.com.
This quiet, positive look at wounded soldiers follows Jeremy Feldbusch, blinded by shrapnel and suffering from TBI, as he works to readjust to civilian life with the help of his loving family. (LJ 2/1/07)
Paulson, Daryl S. & Stanley Krippner. Haunted by Combat: Understanding PTSD in War Veterans. rev. ed. Rowman & Littlefield. 2010. 240p. ISBN 9781442203914. pap. $19.95.
What better way to understand PTSD than to read about the actual experiences of soldiers from six different wars. Each chapter of this book, written by a professor of psychology and a Vietnam veteran who has himself suffered from PTSD, is preceded by war poetry; the epilog lists treatment resources for families and vets.
Philipps, David. Lethal Warriors: When the New Band of Brothers Came Home. Palgrave Macmillan. 2010. 288p. ISBN 9780230104402. $25.
This volume explores the same story as in Frontline: The Wounded Platoon (see above) but in greater detail and with the pacing of a true crime novel. As with the film, the book concentrates on the dark side of vet behavior, but both contribute important points to the debate over the war’s impact on the life and health of our nation.
Trudeau, G.B. The Long Road Home: One Step at a Time. 2005. 96p. ISBN 9780740753855.
Trudeau, G.B. Signature Wound: Rocking TBI. 2010. 120p. ISBN 9780740791963.
Trudeau, G.B. The War Within: One More Step at a Time. 2006. 112p. ISBN 9780740762024.
ea. vol: Andrews McMeel. (Doonesbury Bks.). pap. $9.99.
Why cartoon books? Because B.D., an amputee, and Toggle, who has traumatic brain injury, have probably done more to educate the general public about the specific perils of contemporary warfare than any other information source. They are portrayed as complex characters, at moments unbelievably brave yet vulnerable. The strip’s rueful humor will draw in those who may think they have no stake in this issue.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
www.va.gov
An excellent starting point for anyone seeking information or assistance an a range of veterans’ issues, with pages on specific problems relating to women, homeless vets, PTSD sufferers, and TBI patients.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ADJUSTMENT
Armstrong, Keith & others. Courage After Fire: Coping Strategies for Troops Returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and Their Families. Ulysses Pr. 2005. 239p. ISBN 9781569755136. pap. $14.95.
Detailed instructions for dealing with mild adjustment problems without a therapist.
Cantrell, Bridget C. & Chuck Dean. Once a Warrior: Wired for Life. Hearts Toward Home Intl. 2007. 126p. ISBN 9780615141329. pap. $16.99.
This short and simple self-help book from a psychologist and a Vietnam vet is based on the theory that all vets experience some combat trauma and need actively to guard against its negative consequences. It includes a chapter for spouses on how to avoid burnout when coping with a troubled returnee.
Hoge, Charles W., M.D. Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior: Navigating the Transition from Combat to Home, Including Combat Stress, PTSD, and mTBI. Globe Pequot. 2010. 328p. ISBN 9780762754427. pap. $18.95.
Hoge, who was the director of the U.S. military’s largest research program on the mental health effects of the current wars and military actions, here teaches veterans how to recognize the titular disorders (including mild traumatic brain injury) and take steps to deal with them, including a section for family and friends. The most comprehensive and straightforward of the self-help books currently available. (LJ 5/15/10)
Slone, Laurie B. & Matthew J. Friedman. After the War Zone: A Practical Guide for Returning Troops and Their Families. Da Capo. 2008. 304p. ISBN 9781600940545. pap. $14.95.
Includes a solid section on physical injuries and an extensive resource list. (LJ 5/1/08)
SPECIFIC CONDITIONS
Cristian, Adrian, M.D. Lower Limb Amputation: A Guide to Living a Quality Life. Demos Health. 2005. 144p. ISBN 9781932603248. pap. $19.95.
IEDs are also at the root of numerous leg injuries. The only general self-help guide for amputees, this resource covers medical information in nontechnical language as well as detail on psychological and social adjustment.
Lawhorne, Cheryl & Don Philpott. Combat-Related Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD: A Resource and Recovery Guide. Government Institutes Pr. 2011. 256p. ISBN 9781605907239. $34.95; pap. ISBN 9781605907666. $19.95.
The most comprehensive self-help guide for traumatic brain injury currently available. (LJ 11/15/10)
Matsakis, Aphrodite. The Rape Recovery Handbook: Step-by-Step Help for Survivors of Sexual Assault. New Harbinger. 2003. 190p. ISBN 9781572243378. pap. $18.95.
While there isn’t available a self-help title specifically aimed at female veterans, every library should include a strong volume for victims of sexual violence who are suffering from PTSD or related issues. A straightforward plan by a well-known expert.
Military In-Step
www.amputee-coalition.org/military-instep/index.html
Readers will find here more than 100 pages of medical information and worthwhile advice on the psychological and social aspects of life with prosthetics, from the Amputee Coalition of America and the U.S. Army Amputee Patient Care Program.
Montgomery, Victor, III. Healing Suicidal Veterans: Recognizing, Supporting, and Answering Their Pleas for Help. New Horizons. 2009. 224p. ISBN 9780882823102. pap. $14.95.
The material here is similar to that found in the books above covering PTSD, but this title will be useful for readers who have not yet identified the problem. (LJ 9/15/09)
CLAIMING BENEFITS
Philpott, Don & Janelle Hill. The Wounded Warrior Handbook: A Resource Guide for Returning Veterans. Government Institutes Pr. 2010. 326p. ISBN 9781605906935. pap. $19.95.
While this guide includes some excellent psychological and social advice (a section on how to help children visit hospitalized loved ones is unique), the bulk of the book deals with programs that are available to assist soldiers and how to access them. (LJ 11/15/09)
Roche, John D. Claim Denied! How To Appeal a VA Denial of Benefits. 2008. 210p. ISBN 9781597971164. pap. $16.95.
Roche, John D. The Veteran’s PTSD Handbook: How To File and Collect on Claims for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 2007. 258p. ISBN 9781597970648. pap. $17.95.
Roche, John D. The Veteran’s Survival Guide: How To File and Collect on VA Claims. 2d ed. 2006. 304p. ISBN 9781597970518. pap. $17.95.
ea. vol: Potomac Bks.
Unfortunately, the Veterans Administration is a huge bureaucracy, and applying for benefits can be challenging, especially with regard to “hidden” disabilities such as TBI. These three books guide the reader step by step through the process.
What Every Veteran Should Know. Veterans Information Svc. ISSN 1532-8112. Order from www.vetsinfoservice.com/store.
This yearly compendium of information on all veterans’ benefits and how to collect them includes medical benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and employment for disabled vets and chapters on PTSD, homelessness, and female vets. Larger libraries should also subscribe to the monthly update service, available for an additional $30.
| Author Information |
| Mary Ann Hughes has been a reference librarian and psychology book reviewer for LJ for many years. She lives in Shelton, WA |
