More than 1,200 soldiers from Minnesota's 34th Infantry Division National Guard brigade are returning home. MPR looks at what happens after the welcome back ceremonies are over.

Family and war

A family deployment

Three members of the Howe family are serving in the military with the National Guard.

Adjusting to civilian life

From war to work

The next obstacle for returning troops is making the tough transition back to the workplace.

Mental illness and treatment

Timeline: History of PTSD & war

From as far back as ancient Greece, history reveals the psychological toll of war on soldiers.

War and sacrifice

Regional deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan

A map of Minnesotans serving in the military that have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.


Credits:

Reporters: Madeleine Baran, Elizabeth Baier, Elizabeth Dunbar, Ambar Espinoza, Dan Gunderson, Jess Mador, Tom Robertson, Mark Zdechlik

Broadcast editor: Kate Smith

Web editors: Jennifer Ehrlich, Melanie Sommer

Web producers: Rebecca Cioni, Steve Mullis, Than Tibbetts

Interactive producers: Molly Bloom, Andrew Haeg, Julia Schrenkler

Photographers: Jeffrey Thompson and Ann Arbor Miller

Who are the Red Bulls?

A happy welcome home

More than 1,200 members of the Minnesota National Guard's Red Bull Brigade are back home after nearly a year in Iraq.

Living with physical injuries

Back home, in pain

The most common type of war injury now isn't gunshot wounds or missing limbs. It's back, neck and knee pain.



Interactive: Guide to Coming Home

A guide created by and for veterans and their families to share stories, connect with others and help with the transition of coming home from deployment.

More from MPR News:

    Tuesday, Feb. 9
  • Morning Edition - Morning Edition talked to Dana Saville, the wife of a National Guard soldier arriving home from Iraq. (Full story)
  • Midday, 11 a.m. - Several veterans involved with the Guide to Coming Home talked with Gary Eicthen about their experiences. (Full feature)
    Wednesday, Feb. 10
  • UBS Forum, 6:30 p.m. - Minnesota Public Radio invited veterans and their families to a special event to share stories and advice.
    Thursday, Feb. 11
  • Midmorning, 9 a.m. - Host Kerri Miller talked with David Finkel from a studio in Washington, DC. They discussed his book, "The Good Soldiers." The book follows a company of soldiers from their service in Iraq to their adjustments once back home. (Full feature)
    Friday, Feb. 12
  • Midday, noon - Broadcast of UBS Forum event recorded on Wednesday night. (Full Feature)