The second battle

Cover story sidebar | For many soldiers returning from Iraq, coming home to ‘normal’ becomes a war on terror of a different sort. The military and the church are finding ways to help | Rachel Houston

It was only 5:30 a.m. in Iraq, but already Sergeant Jared Shumate lay on the ground, clutching his gear in fear. As he huddled in the darkness, he could hear hissing sounds followed by louder booms. Each explosion sounded closer. Once, he felt the ground shake. Would a rocket come through his window? he wondered. Where would the next mortar hit?

Mr. Shumate didn't die that morning in 2004, but his voice grows softer and he glances down when he remembers how close those rockets were—two Iraqi men were killed in the house just across the street from him.

Today, Mr. Shumate is a recently returned soldier who must fight a different battle: one against his mind. Troops arriving home may experience flashbacks, isolation from others, depression, and anger. In response, many organizations are offering programs to help soldiers readjust to civilian life. Often, readjustment means soldiers must learn to cope with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).