"You're home, you should be happy here, but it's not home, home is 7,000 miles away." (Audio interview, 1:20:26)

Todd B. Walton

War: Afghanistan and Iraq Wars, 2001-present Branch: Army Unit: 1057th Truck Company; 1618th Transportation Company Service Location: Iraq; Kuwait Rank: Sergeant Place of Birth: NE

Prior to deploying to Iraq with the Nebraska National Guard, Sergeant Todd "Walt" Walton had four years as an Army medic under his belt. Though accustomed to life in the service, Walton's time in Iraq still posed certain hardships, such as leaving his young children and dealing with the oppressive heat and ever-present sandstorms. The challenges didn't end with his return to the States: After so many months in a combat zone, "normal" life came as a shock. Pieces of trash on the street appeared to him as potential homemade explosive devices; the grocery store and kitchen cupboards presented an overwhelming array of choices. His interview offers a glimpse of the disorientation that many soldiers experience at the end of deployment.