The American Marshmallow Farmer

There is a paradox in the saying, "Thank you for your service." Many find pride in saying it. However, it comes off to the many who have served as hollow, not really meaning anything. Over 453,000 veterans across the United States are currently unemployed or greatly underemployed, and over 6,200 veterans commit suicide every year because of hopelessness and depression. This book answers some of the ageless questions about our veterans' struggles and identifies some of the causes of these deeply rooted issues.

There is a paradox in the saying, "Thank you for your service." Many find pride in saying it. However, it comes off to the many who have served as hollow, not really meaning anything. Over 453,000 veterans across the United States are currently unemployed or greatly underemployed, and over 6,200 veterans commit suicide every year because of hopelessness and depression. This book answers some of the ageless questions about our veterans' struggles and identifies some of the causes of these deeply rooted issues. Troubles with adapting to civilian life, in combination with health issues, leads to diminished emotional stability, sensations of helplessness, and feelings of hopelessness. Many commit suicides due to struggles adapting back into society. This is not a new conflict or a new issue. Stereotyping of veterans, and labeling veterans, is an age-old dilemma, stretching back to before the Roman empire was started. But it does not have to be like this. There is a way to prevent this and lend a hand to those who served our great country. This book shares must-read information that addresses our failure to support or troops after returning home and starts the necessary conversation to make changes. It's time we go beyond exclusively recognizing the veterans of World War 2 as the "greatest generation". It's time to recognize all who volunteer to serve as being the greatest of every generation!

Steve Davis is a nurse by profession, an outdoorsman by desire, and traveler for adventure. Being a veteran of the US Armed Forces, he has demonstrated a strong desire to end the historical stereotyping of veterans due to mental health issues. Spending a lot of time writing, he was asked when he was going to publish some of his writings, and eventually accepted the opportunity. Steve lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife, two teenage children, multiple attack cats, and the occasional small flock of interestingly named feathered egg producers. When Steve is not working as a nurse or continuously improving upon their house, he likes reading about history, playing chess, and watching historical movies. Before writing about veterans' issues, stereotypes, and political issues, Steve was an officer in the US Army Nurse Corps. He has hopes of eventually completing his masters and doctoral degrees and teaching as a professor of Nursing at the college or university level. This is Steve's first published book.