David Carlson

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.