"Since the end of World War II, a substantial body of literature has been written on the causes and treatment of war-related traumatic stress disorder ... What contribution does [this book] make to veterans, their families, and treatment professionals? How is it different from other books? Most literature that addresses combat trauma is written by or for treatment professionals, and is not widely read by vets. Most veteran writings are in the nature of 'war stories', which capture the actual combat experience, but not the emotional legacy of trauma, its effect upon their lives, or upon their families ... In war, soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines quickly learn to count on each other for survival. Vets often don't believe that anyone, including family and treatment professionals, who hasn't endured combat can understand or help them deal with the effects of combat trauma. Veterans often have difficulty describing their experiences and feelings to family and friends. Family members frequently don't know how to respond in ways the veteran will accept. The editors, a team of clinicians, a veteran recovered from PTSD, and his spouse, recognized the need for a book written by veterans and family members, for vets and their families, that would help survivors -- veteran and family alike -- cope with the effects of combat trauma in their lives. Working as a team, clinicians ... formed a non-profit organization, The National Trauma Institute at Baltimore, whose mission is to advocate for those experiencing stress related traumas, their families, and clinicians working with these individuals. The Institute's first project is [this book]"--Page 6-7.