February 12 signals an anniversary that many Americans probably don't remember, unless they were a U.S. POW in Vietnam or a member of their families. It is the day in 1973 when a C-141 Starlifter, a.k.a. the “Hanoi Taxi,” took off from a North Vietnam airfield and ferried the first group of POWs home. For many of these men, the wait for this day had been agonizing. They are the longest-held group of POWs in our nation's history. Some were held for almost nine years. They returned home to a country they did not recognize culturally or politically; they returned to children they barely knew.

After the homecoming parades and the awards ceremonies were over, these 600+ men struggled to return to a “normal” life -- as fathers, sons, husbands, neighbors and co-workers … not unlike the brave soldiers and sailors who are returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. One day they are fighting insurgents in Iraq; the next week they are back working at their civilian jobs and mowing the lawn on weekends. How will these returning soldiers and sailors fare physically and emotionally over time? The returning POWs from Vietnam may be a helpful indicator.

The Vietnam POWs did not retire or retreat; on the contrary, despite some severe, lingering physical ailments sustained in Vietnam, they have some of the lowest rates of PTSD of any group of Vietnam veterans. Most finished out their Military Careers with more than 20 years of service and, as a group, can boast a surprisingly high number of public office holders -- elected, appointed, or volunteer. They have a strong track record of giving back.

More than thirty years later, most of these men are at peace with their lives' journeys and don't seem to harbor much bitterness. Most will agree their wartime experience was tough. But they will allege that it strengthened their characters and their will. They will also say that, within those prison walls, they met the best friends they have in life. Those are the consequences they do not regret.

Like the Vietnam POWs, some of the most severely wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan seem to be more comfortable as role models than victims. Despite the fact that they face long, hard physical rehabilitation for months or years to come, many of these young men and women comment on their renewed purpose in life, a better appreciation for life and the desire to serve as a positive example for others.

Not to trivialize the horrific impact war trauma can have on veterans and their families, but it is important to remind ourselves that there is life after war. There are tragic consequences to sending our best and brightest young men and women to fight a cause in a foreign land, but we must remember that most of them will move on with their lives. Many of them will overcome any physical and emotional setbacks and will find success and happiness. Surprisingly, many will claim that their lives are richer for the experience. Just ask the former POWs from Vietnam. As Commander Paul Galanti, a veteran of the notoriously cruel “Hanoi Hilton” says, “There's no such thing as a bad day when you have a door knob on the inside of the door.”