More and more newly minted veterans are facing the daunting challenge of going from fighting in combat zones to finding their place in civilian life, oftentimes without guidance.

Returning soldiers from Afghanistan and Iraq who return to college to advance their career prospects must juggle school work, wade through federal and state benefits, and deal with the residual stress and trauma from fighting a war.

Area colleges from McHenry County College to the Crystal Lake branch of Columbia College – Missouri are tailoring more services to veterans.