Updated: 6/22/2009 7:02:19 AM
The latest figures show more than 300 thousand veterans are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with some form of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Recently California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger unveiled a new social and professional networking website, geared at helping vets.
There were days when veteran Chris Raschke admits his mind filled with ugly thoughts.
"So you feel isolated because you feel like no one else understands what you're going through," he said.
He didn't want to go to the VA to admit he was having problems.
Then he found an alternative, a social networking website for veterans, their families and community care providers.
"I think this is really incredible news, and celebrating this incredible new website that will be for veterans and service makers," Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said.
"We can't wait for the VA, can't wait for the DOD," said Afshin Khosravi, the co-founder of Network of Care.
The website allows veterans and their families to talk to each other, compare notes and offer personal advice or referrals.
"It allows them to find out I'm not alone. I've gone through this too. It's ok to get help, here where you might go," Dr. Barbara Romberg said.
Dr. Romby and her group, Give An Hour, use the site to help veterans deal with the mental post war challenges.
"You spend four years of your life on active duty where someone tells you what to do every single minute of the day. And then you're dropped and they say, have a good life," Chris Raschke said.
Thanks to a new network of virtual friends, for this former Marine, the war may finally be over.
California is one of two states trying out the Network of Care website.
