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6. Listen, support, absolve, and don't condemn. One of the tragic legacies of the American experience in Vietnam is that our society either ignored or condemned the military service of members who fought in that war. Societal shame is a powerful tool, and it broke the spirits of countless Vietnam veterans.

The church of Jesus Christ can do better without feeling that we are compromising our moral standards. Soldiers need a place where they can share the experiences of war that may trouble them. They need a safe place where they can do theological inquiry which is so necessary for anyone who has suffered trauma. They need a place where they can question, grow, and gain the strength needed to grow through their combat experience and on into the person God is calling them to be. A church that will provide a listening ear, a place for confession, and a heart of compassion will become a healing haven for soldiers and their families.

7. Be alert for signs of distress. Because a soldier and his or her family show up for Sunday worship regularly doesn't mean everything is going well with their reintegration. Check in with them periodically and watch for signs of distress. Depression, hypervigilance, withdrawal, inability to hold a job, anger issues, and discomfort with being in crowds are common signs of stress in combat veterans. Children often are the first to reflect the stress that is happening at home. Pay attention to what they are saying and doing. By expressing concern and opening the door for support the church is offering the combat veteran the opportunity to receive help, healing, and hope.

Every month soldiers are returning home from combat. The local church that opens it doors to combat veterans will be offering a much needed ministry to a population often overlooked in terms of ministry. Yellow ribbons are nice and much appreciated. Love, support, and a "cup of cold water," however, is the incarnational gift of Christ, through his church, to the combat veteran and family.

Major John Morris is available for further questions via email.

Copyright © 2006 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Chaplain John Morris recommends Down Range: To Iraq and Back by Bridget C. Cantrell and Chuck Dean to help returned veterans deal with the psychological and spiritual effects of combat experience.

An interview with Morris is available from the radio program Speaking of Faith.

Also posted today is

Beyond Yellow Ribbons | Become a blessing to a military family. A CT editorial

Speaking Out
Where Atrocity Is Normal | Understanding Christian soldiers who have seen the horrors of war.

Coverage elsewhere of Major John Morris includes:

Victors, Not Victims | Honor soldiers. Don't pity them. (Wall Street Journal, Friday, May 26, 2006)

After rifle is set aside, a new fight begins | National Guard finding way to help service members and families cope with big readjustments after war (The St. Paul Pioneer Press, April 25, 2006)

The long battle home | Beyond the yellow ribbon: Soldiers struggle to reintegrate (The Superior WisconsinDaily Telegram, May 26, 2006)

Program helps returning guard members | A growing number of troops returning from combat in Iraq may need help making the transition from a war zone to home and family life. (Associated Press, April 26, 2006)

Supporting veterans 'Beyond the Yellow Ribbon' | The program is a veteran re-integration program named as a reminder that the support of soldiers cannot end when they return from deployment and the yellow ribbons are untied. (Herald-Review, Grand Rapids, Minn. May 3, 2006)

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June (Web-only) 2006, Vol. 50