A small town struggling, like many communities, with the question of how to remain vital and vibrant in the 21st century, took on another problem altogether: that of the difficult homecoming of Iraq, Afghanistan and other war veterans. Melanie Kline knows a little boy who tenses when his family goes to the airport. He’s sure his father is headed for another deployment in Afghanistan. The child’s father is dearer to him and his world a little less safe, since his country went to war on terror. No one in Kline’s own family has been caught up in the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, but she has come to see that it affects her entire community. And she has rallied her small town to respond. Kline founded the Welcome Home Montrose project to offer mental health support, job and housing advice and other aid for returning warriors who are burdened by memories of war and uncertain of what their homecoming will mean. What she did not count on was how much the men and women who had served their country still had to give. Home of the Brave is about community and military service, and the possibilities born of creativity and commitment.

Of the approximately 20 million veterans of the U.S. armed forces, less than half utilize the Veteran's Health Administration health care system. That means the majority of veterans are receiving care from nurses and healthcare professionals who may not be trained in treating or caring for patients who have served in the military. This unique book guides nurses and healthcare professionals through the specific set of needs veterans can present, including but not limited to PTSD. Topics covered include, defining military culture and how to apply that knowledge to provide informed treatment, transitioning from service to civilian life and the many challenges expected during re-adjustment and re-entry, recognizing and treating substance use disorders, identifying suicidal behaviors and warning signs, long-term care for elderly veterans, and many more topics unique to the healthcare of veterans.

The need has never been more crucial for community health providers, programs, and organizations to have access to training in addressing the unique behavioral health challenges facing our veterans, active duty military, and their families. Handbook of Military Social Work is edited by renowned leaders in the field, with contributions from social work professionals drawing from their wealth of experience working with veterans, active duty military, and their families. Handbook of Military Social Work considers: Military culture and diversity Women in the military Posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans Traumatic brain injury in the military Suicide in the military Homelessness among veterans Cycles of deployment and family well-being Grief, loss, and bereavement in military families Interventions for military children and youth Offering thoughtful advice covering the spectrum of issues encountered by mental health professionals working with individuals and families, Handbook of Military Social Work will contribute to the improvement of efforts to help our military personnel, veterans, and their families deal with the challenges they face.