Carlson’s War: Part 1

In this episode of "The Sunday Story," Ayesha Rascoe interviews NPR's Quil Lawrence about his decade-long coverage of veterans' affairs, focusing on the story of Dave Carlson, an Iraq War veteran. Lawrence discusses his transition from a war correspondent to covering veterans' issues, driven by his experiences embedding with troops and his desire to chronicle their challenges upon returning home. The episode delves into Carlson's background, from his troubled childhood and pre-existing trauma to his decorated service in Iraq and subsequent struggles with PTSD, incarceration, and reintegration into civilian life. It highlights the lack of support for incarcerated veterans and the broader issue of veterans with PTSD falling into free fall due to optional VA services, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Carlson's journey in the following episode.