Life after the military can pose many challenges to veterans, family members, and the communities where they decide to settle in. For some, returning to civilian life may feel like another battle that poses a variety of challenges that must not only be fought, but also understood and accepted in order to be successfully overcome. There are many factors involved in a veteran’s readjustment to civilian life, some of which include:

·  Understanding and abiding by civilian legal standards that may be different from military standards.

·  Coexisting with cultures, values, and norms different from those of the military.

·  Dealing with authority figures inconsistent with authority figures in the military.

·  Re-establishing and even re-evaluating relationships with family and friends.

·  Finding a new career path.

·  Pursuing college/university education.

·  Locating a new home.

Other factors of readjustment may even be a bit more complex. They may even be so complex for the individual veteran, that they prevent a progressive and positive readjustment towards a bright future, which could, and probably would, lead to much deeper issues including isolation, depression, and suicide. Depending on the individual veteran and whether or not he/she has the benefit of a positive support system, these intrinsic matters can be crucial to his/her overall transition and successful development. Such issues of concern include:

· Veteran’s relationship with him/herself, their sense of  identity, purpose, and self-worth.

·  Reassessment of life goals and ambitions, followed by setting and achieving personal/professional goals.

·  Coping with “starting over” in society.  No longer holding the respect and authority afforded by a particular rank and/or billet, ultimately being regarded as “Joe Smith” versus “Sergeant Smith, the Platoon Sergeant.”

It is therefore imperative that veterans, family members, and communities work alongside one another for the overall long-term benefit of both the Veteran and the communities they return to. Gaining an understanding of issues pertaining to a veteran’s transition is important not only for the veteran but also the family and the community as well. Veterans-365 was established to provide programs and events that support those veterans transitioning from active duty to civilian life. Services range from interacting in our various events and programs with other members of the community, to providing the Veteran resources for further, more in-depth help.