Coming Back with Wes Moore

No soldier comes back from war unchanged; many carry wounds, both visible and invisible. As returning soldiers try to re-enter civilian life, questions arise regarding what veterans need, and how society can help meet those needs. This three-part PBS-aired documentary series, hosted by veteran and New York Times bestselling author Wes Moore, examines cases from the perspectives of "Coming Back," "Fitting In," and "Moving Forward." Combat soldiers are often careful not to show weakness, feel pressure to always be "army strong," and are slow to ask for help. Meanwhile, many soldiers' spouses must cope with the challenges of single parenting, while also enduring long separations. One soldier here, injured and grievously disfigured in an IED explosion, now feels uncomfortable in crowds; he tries an unlikely sideline in standup comedy, but has trouble dealing with daily life with his wife and children. Another soldier, who lost a leg, still pursues a dream of playing baseball for a top-rated college team (when the soldier's dream of college baseball collapses, he rebounds by helping start VETSports, which uses softball to motivate combat veterans). One female veteran now serves by fielding calls on a veteran suicide hot line, while Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, who was injured in a military helicopter crash, pursues a career in politics and public service. Fortunately, the traits of persistence and tenacity that served these individuals well in war now help them at home, although it's always a work in progress. Two and a half million soldiers have come back from Iraq and Afghanistan, and with these wars ended or winding down (hopefully), coupled with the recent scrutiny of problems at the Veterans Administration, this documentary couldn't be more timely. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)