Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Adjusting to Civilian Life

Here are two articles that talk about the difficulties faced by soldiers who come home from the war. You can choose either one to write about in your response!

MN Guard helps Iraq Vets Leave Soldier Life behind:
http://www.dma.state.mn.us/press_room/e-zine/articles/index.php?item=1010
This is an article about a program to help soldiers ease into their return from the war. There comes a point in which soldiers are no longer familiar with civilian life and they need that extra support to make the transition. The Minnesota National Guard is trying to provide that service...

For Veterans Returning Home:
http://www.jmu.edu/counselingctr/Resources/veterans.html
James Madison University has a very helpful guide on their Counseling Center website about the transition that soldiers must make. It talks about the common feelings towards their life at war in comparison to that from at home.

Take the time to analyze these articles in relation to the novel, All Quiet on the Western Front. Here are some GUIDING questions (note: do more than just answer these questions).
  1. How might these kinds of programs/articles help Paul and his fellow soldier?
  2. Why does not every soldier participate in helpful programs like these?
  3. Having read this article, what would you do and say to help prepare a veteran returning to civilian life?