Where Soldiers Come From

Dominic and Cole reach the end of their high school journey, filled with uncertainty about the future. They ponder their next steps, driven by both financial needs and a yearning for purpose in their lives.

Recognizing the need for direction and financial stability, Dominic and Cole take the bold step of enlisting in the Army National Guard. This pivotal decision is fueled by their desire to serve their country and solidify their friendship through shared experiences.

Dominic and Cole, along with their battalion, are deployed to Afghanistan as part of the 107th Engineer Battalion, 168th Engineer Brigade. This marks the beginning of a life-altering journey where their duties involve safeguarding roads conducted through extensive searches for roadside bombs.

As they navigate the war-torn landscape, Dominic and Cole experience the pain and chaos of armed conflict for the first time. The trauma of witnessing destruction and loss challenges their understanding of life and duty.

The relentless nature of combat is evident as Dominic and Cole face bomb blasts that take a severe toll on their physical and mental health. They begin to experience symptoms of traumatic brain injury, marking the start of their descent into disillusionment.

As their deployment continues, the continuous exposure to danger exacerbates their feelings of trauma and anxiety. They are faced with the grim realization that war inflicts deeper scars than they had anticipated.

With their deployment drawing to a close, the weight of their experiences becomes overwhelmingly clear. Dominic and Cole prepare for their return, but the emotional and psychological challenges loom ahead.

Upon their return, Dominic and Cole are met with a mixture of relief and unease. The homecoming is bittersweet as they grapple with the memories of their harrowing experiences and the unrecognizable world around them.

Dominic and Cole confront the daunting task of reintegrating into civilian life, facing the debilitating effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Their journey is marked by a struggle to reconnect with their former selves and live amidst the everyday realities.

The families of Dominic and Cole are also affected by their return, feeling the ripples of the soldiers' experiences. They strive to support their loved ones while yearning for a sense of normalcy amidst the unsettling changes brought by the war.

As they navigate their new realities, both Dominic and Cole seek help to cope with their mental health challenges. This marks a crucial step in their journey towards healing as they attempt to reconcile their past experiences with their present lives.

Dominic and Cole begin to connect with fellow veterans who share similar experiences. These interactions provide them with a sense of camaraderie and understanding, which is critical for their healing process.

As time passes, Dominic and Cole embark on a path of acceptance, learning to manage their trauma while beginning to envision a future beyond their war experiences. They slowly find ways to reintegrate into society with newfound perspectives.

Both friends take time to reflect on their journeys, acknowledging the lasting impact of their service. This introspection helps them make peace with their past while reinforcing their bond as friends.

Ultimately, Dominic and Cole channel their experiences into advocacy for veterans' rights. They aim to raise awareness about PTSD and TBI, hoping to spark conversations and drive necessary changes for returning soldiers.