
In our special series "The War at Home," we're seeing just how difficult it can be to make the transition back home after months, in some cases years, on the battlefield.
One of the biggest problems facing young veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan – finding a job. CNN's Chris Lawrence talked to some returning soldiers about the challenges.
In the third installment of our "War at Home" series we introduce you to two California teenagers who struggled to deal with their fathers' deployments to Afghanistan. They found a way to cope with the loneliness and isolation and now they're helping other girls – their military "sisters" – do the same.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/08/19/starr.anderson.art.jpg caption="Michael Anderson, a Vietnam veteran, began writing poetry in prison – mainly about military service."]
As part of American Morning series on veterans returning home I recently visited New Directions, a homeless shelter program in Los Angeles that has been helping addicted and troubled veterans since 1982.
Across the country there are now about 130,000 homeless veterans, many from the Vietnam era, but tragically some back from serving in Iraq and Afghanistan have shown up on the streets. What we found is those who served in the Vietnam era are now reaching out a hand to the younger generation, doing what they can to make sure the youngest homeless vets get help.
If you saw our piece you might have noticed 60-year old Michael Anderson, a homeless vet who served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1972. He was sent to prison from 2006 to 2008 on domestic violence charges and while in prison began writing poetry—mainly about military service. At the end of this blog please take a moment to read “Where Broken Soldiers Go.” I think you will be amazed.
It's the psychological wounds of war that may take the longest to heal.
The New York Times reports the Army plans to put all of its soldiers through intensive mental stress training. It's meant to improve combat performance but also help prevent depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide.
In the second part of our "War at Home" series, our Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports on how soldiers are struggling to cope with life away from the front lines.
Today we're beginning a special series focusing on American soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. How are they coping after months, in some cases years, on the battlefield.
Back from the front lines, many are fighting "The War at Home." Our Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr begins our week-long series with a report on homeless veterans.
(CNN) - A family friend of a U.S. soldier captured by the Taliban said his friends and family want Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl to "stand tall, stand firm."
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/07/20/art.captive.inv.jpg caption="Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl shown here in a video made by his captors, members of the Taliban."]
"Bowe, if you see this, know that we love you and we are praying fervently for you and prayers are going up for you from all over the world," Tim Baker told CNN affiliate KTVB-TV in the soldier's hometown of Ketchum, Idaho.
"To all of our valiant men and women, know that the American people believe in you, support you and are 100 percent behind you, and we thank God every day that you have our back."
In a video released Sunday, apparently made by his captors, Bergdahl spoke of being "scared I won't be able to go home."
"It breaks our heart," Baker said. "It's like having one of our own kids in this situation."
The Bergdahl family is not speaking with media, but Baker said prayer is helping. "Prayer means that we are extremely powerful because God is not limited by where we are when we pray. He is there with Bowe, and so we know that he is protecting him and is with him, so we don't feel powerless against these people," Baker said. "We feel very empowered."
Watch friend's comments about Taliban captive »
Bergdahl, 23, was captured June 30 from Paktika province in southeastern Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense.
The Taliban has threatened to kill Bergdahl if foreign troops continue targeting civilians in the name of search operations in Ghazni and Paktika provinces, Taliban commander Mulvi Sangeen said by telephone Friday after being contacted by CNN at an undisclosed location.
NATO-led forces in Afghanistan and the U.S. military have repeatedly denied targeting civilians.

