Beyond the uniform: Local veterans highlight challenges of returning to civilian life

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — As communities across the Cape Fear region prepare to honor those who served on Veterans Day, local veterans are shedding light on the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life and the resources available to help.

Hundreds of people lined Third Street in downtown Wilmington over the weekend for the Southeastern North Carolina Veterans Day Parade, celebrating the men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

While the parade was filled with excitement and celebration, Marine Corps veteran Jason Durdle said adjusting to life after military service is not always easy.

“Dealing with life after military, it can be difficult, coming home, coming from military life to civilian life where somebody’s not telling you what to do every single day, it’s difficult,” Durdle said.

During a visit to the University of North Carolina Wilmington last month, Gov. Josh Stein discussed efforts to help veterans find employment after leaving the military.

Beyond employment, local organizations are working to connect veterans with assistance for everyday needs.

Vietnam veteran Eric Mens, with American Legion Post 68 in Leland, said the organization helps veterans access a variety of community resources.

“We’re able to put them in touch with service providers in our community, who can provide, help with electrical bills, water bills, housing, food, medical attention and things like suicidal ideation,” Mens said.

Mental health remains a major concern among veterans. According to a 2023 study published in the National Library of Medicine, the suicide rate among veterans is between 57% and 66% higher than among nonveterans.

Tom Powers, also with American Legion Post 68, said the organization’s “Be the One” program focuses on suicide prevention by teaching people how to recognize warning signs and respond to veterans who may be struggling.

“What we’ve been doing locally here with the Be the One program is actually getting this out to first responders. We spent about a month going down to the Brunswick Sheriff’s Department and meeting with every single one of their shifts and training them on this. Now this card is in every one of their emergency kits,” Powers said.

Powers added that American Legion Post 68 also hosts an annual veterans expo to connect former service members with resources and services they may not know are available.