After Iraq: Guardsman finds it hard to put horrors behind him

Published Sunday | August 12, 2007
After Iraq: Guardsman finds it hard to put horrors behind him
BY C. DAVID KOTOK
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER


Snipers, mortar attacks, roadside bombings. The soldiers from the Nebraska Army National Guard's Troop A, 1st Squadron, 167th Cavalry survived it all during a year in the insurgent stronghold of Ramadi, Iraq. Last summer, the soldiers came home. After a quick round of medical exams and paperwork, they were back with families, back to regular jobs. But scars remain as some soldiers struggle with problems afflicting thousands of Iraq vets. They fight post-traumatic stress and lingering brain injuries. Some abuse alcohol. Others seek out danger to revive the excitement of combat. For the past year, The World-Herald has chronicled seven soldiers' return to civilian life. This week, we're sharing their stories.

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