Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be difficult. Three veterans working with Orange County Veteran Services shared their experiences. Melissa Michaud, a former U.S. Navy sailor, joined the military after meeting ROTC candidates in college. She served for seven years, overcoming a knee injury during boot camp and building strong relationships with her shipmates. Michaud said returning to civilian life was challenging. She felt isolated and was unsure about available resources. She noted the sudden loss of the support system found in the military. Many veterans report similar feelings.
A National Library of Medicine survey found that over 60% of post-9/11 veterans have trouble adjusting to civilian life. Common issues include adapting to less structure, cultural differences, employment, and financial concerns. Nayda Ferguson, another counselor at Orange County Veteran Services, served 15 years in the U.S. Air Force. She was inspired by her father’s military service. Ferguson said that civilian workplaces often lack the clear roles and mutual respect found in the military. She spent two years adjusting to new expectations.
Employment is a major challenge for many veterans. Alnita Whitt, the Veteran Services Program Manager, served three years in the U.S. Army and four in the Army National Guard. She found that civilian employers sometimes undervalued her military skills. As a result, she sometimes did not mention her service when applying for jobs. This reflects a broader issue where veterans’ skills are not always recognized outside the military…