Up First from NPR Carlson’s War: Part 1
24 snips
Nov 9, 2025 
Quill Lawrence, an NPR reporter with years of experience covering veterans, speaks with David Carlson, an Iraq War veteran whose life has been marked by the struggles of PTSD and substance use. They delve into the complexities of living through war, including Carlson's guilt from combat and the emotional detachment he felt during his service. The conversation reveals how early trauma intersected with his military experiences, ultimately leading to incarceration. Lawrence reflects on the decade-long journey to understand whether one can truly heal from the scars of war.
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Reporter’s Purpose Shaped By War Coverage
- Long embedded coverage made Quill Lawrence wonder how troops would reintegrate and find purpose at home.
- He started the veterans beat partly to answer whether returning soldiers can reconnect with civilian life.
Prison Strips Veterans Of Critical Support
- Tens of thousands of U.S. veterans are incarcerated and lose most VA benefits in prison.
- Prison environments make treating PTSD extremely difficult, worsening outcomes for many veterans.
Sentencing Day In A Prison Jumpsuit
- David Carlson appeared in court in a prison jumpsuit after years of phone conversations with Quill Lawrence.
- He was the only Black man in the courtroom while friends and family looked on during sentencing.