L: I think that most people can cope with the stress of combat. It affects us, but it does not break or ruin us. Trying to live with what you've done in isolation is toxic to anyone, not just soldiers returning from combat.</s>L: : I couldn't get the VA doctors to talk directly to me to know what to expect or how to assist my husband, she writes. His medications were mailed to him by the box. I couldn't keep track of what he was taking. Doctors and therapists wouldn't meet with me or return calls. The marriage couldn't withstand the loss of a home, the physical and verbal abuse, and drinking. It's a high price to pay for loving a vet.</s>A: Bravo. Unpaid volunteers can make a huge difference in people's lives. Let's keep pulling out all the stops for these young warriors. They deserve the absolute best we can give them.</s>A: To hear stories from our Impact of War project and to read listeners' responses, you can visit our Web site, NPR.org.
This month, we've brought you stories about the impact of war on the families of soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of you have shared your stories with us. Host Scott Simon reads listener responses to this month's stories in the Impact of War project.