For many veterans, the most challenging mission begins after the uniform comes off. The transition from military service to civilian life can be disorienting, isolating, and overwhelming, even for those who served with distinction. That reality was at the center of a recent conversation between longtime New Jersey broadcaster Steve Adubato and Sgt. Terrell Washington, a former U.S. Army soldier with the elite 82nd Airborne Division and a board member of Backpacks for Life, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans during their transition home.
The discussion offered a candid look at the gaps many service members encounter when reentering civilian society. While the military excels at preparing individuals for combat readiness, leadership, and discipline, Sgt. Washington explained that far less attention is given to what comes next. When service ends, many veterans are suddenly expected to navigate employment, housing, mental health care, and community life on their own, often without a clear roadmap.
Sgt. Washington spoke openly about how this lack of structured reintegration can leave veterans feeling disconnected and unsupported. The culture of the military is vastly different from civilian life, and that cultural divide can make it difficult for veterans to translate their skills into the civilian workforce or feel understood by those who have never served. Without proper guidance, some veterans struggle silently, which can lead to substance abuse, depression, or, in the most tragic cases, self-harm.
Backpacks for Life was created to address those very challenges. The organization focuses on meeting veterans where they are, providing practical resources while also fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. From peer support to advocacy efforts, the group works to ensure that veterans do not feel forgotten once their service ends. Sgt. Washington emphasized that empowerment is a central goal, helping veterans recognize their value beyond the battlefield and equipping them with tools to rebuild their lives.
Adubato’s conversation with Sgt. Washington also highlighted the importance of awareness within the broader community. Civilian understanding plays a critical role in successful reintegration. When employers, neighbors, and local organizations recognize the unique experiences veterans bring with them, it becomes easier to create pathways to stability and success. These conversations help shine a light on issues that are often overlooked, encouraging a more informed and compassionate response.
New Jersey has long been home to a strong and active veteran community, supported by nonprofits, advocates, and media platforms that elevate these stories. Discussions like this one fit squarely within the state’s broader lifestyle and community-focused conversations, which Explore New Jersey regularly highlights through its coverage of people, causes, and quality-of-life issues across the Garden State’s lifestyle landscape.
By sharing his experiences and advocating for others, Sgt. Washington continues to push for meaningful change, reminding audiences that service does not end at discharge and that support should not either. His message is clear: veterans possess resilience, leadership, and skills forged through service, but they deserve guidance, understanding, and opportunity as they build their next chapter.
As conversations around veteran reintegration continue to gain traction, voices like Sgt. Washington’s play a crucial role in closing the gap between military and civilian life. Through awareness, advocacy, and community engagement, New Jersey can continue working toward a future where those who served are fully supported long after they return home.
