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Iraq War Vets Struggle To Pick Up Their Lives As Civilians

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - Paula Rogovin of Bergen County says her youngest son is a Marine who served two tours in Iraq. But she never supported the war and is now concerned about the troops' well-being.

WCBS 880's Monica Miller On The Story

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"When I see the big welcome home ceremonies and the troops hugging their families, I'm so happy for them and I'm so scared for them," she said. "Because many who are coming home are not able to find employment. Many are being faced with not only war injuries but Post Traumatic Stress Disorder."

She says high unemployment and a lack of medical resources are leading to a tough transition.

"It takes a lot of time, sometimes six months to a year even to get treatment," she told WCBS 880 reporter Monica Miller

Rogovin, the coordinator of her local Military Families Speak Out chapter, says the group is now shifting their attention to ending the war in Afghanistan and asking the public to support the veterans.

LINK: Military Families Speak Out

"We have people who are working to hire veterans and to provide housing for veterans," she said.

Do you know of any other programs helping returning veterans? Share them in the comments section below!

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