After Afghanistan: Charlie Troop looks to fit in

Ryan Bartok, left, confers with Chris Henry, right, and their team in preparation for their monthly weekend training at Ft. Custer. Bartok was still training with the Guard last spring in hopes of a chance to return to war.

Ryan Bartok gets a special greeting from Vietnam veteran Timothy Leahy at the American Legion Hall in Milford, Mich. Vets of various wars and generations gathered after Memorial Day 2014 events.

Jason White, with daughter Savannah last July, suffered back and brain injuries in Afghanistan.

Melissa Boggs, Eric Lund’s aunt, holds a card for him to read at her home in Ludington, Mich.

Eric Lund has found new ways to take care of himself, like by steadying his electric toothbrush between his knees.

Eric Lund can still play with his aunt’s dog, Bella. People in his hometown of Ludington, Mich., have been supportive, but he feels like he fits in better in San Antonio, where wounded soldiers and services for them are common.

Eric Lund with aunt Melissa Boggs at a family dinner in Ludington. His mother says he’s self-conscious — embarrassed that he needs help with simple tasks.

Ryan Bartok at a Detroit hotel last spring while providing security for a visiting VIP; he liked that there was a possibility of danger. He’d never held a steady civilian job and didn’t want to.

Members of the Michigan National Guard’s Charlie Troop, including Ryan Bartok, Jacob Schrot and Jeff Young, from left, rest in the woods after an overnight mission at Ft. Custer Training Center.

Ryan Bartok, then a sergeant with the Michigan National Guard, adjusts the badges on his uniform before a Memorial Day parade last year in Milford, Mich.

Danielle and Jason White have tried to adapt since his return. He’s considered 60% disabled, but they say it’s more like 100%.

Jason White, who has fought with substance abuse since he was wounded, says he finds some relief from his anxiety, anger and lethargy by coloring the intricate circular designs known as mandalas.

Brock “Doc” Howland, with son Conor in Kalamazoo, Mich., was a medic with Charlie Troop. He stopped Eric Lund from bleeding to death in Afghanistan -- then threw up. It was his first combat casualty.

Mike Henry, Charlie Troop’s senior noncommissioned officer, under the troop’s flag at Ft. Custer Training Center. “I’ve got a lot of guys that are struggling,” he says.