The Homefront | Full Episode

Marine Gunnery Sergeant Ramiro Gonzales is welcomed home from an 8-month deployment on the USS Boxer by his wife, Misty, and their three children, Alex, Lillie, and Hunter — who was born during this deployment and who Ramiro is meeting for the first time. After their joyful reunion, Ram and Misty face the challenges of reintegration as they readjust to family life.

Army Staff Sergeant Leo Gruba and his wife Serena talk about his six deployments to Iraq and how he has learned over time to share more about his experiences there with his family. Leo and Serena also discuss how their life in the Army has changed since the birth of their son LJ — and how it will likely change again soon when their second child, Austin, is born.

Army Colonel Jeffrey French describes the months leading up to his deployment to Afghanistan in 2009, when he was ordered to take command of an infantry unit on very short notice. His children, Kyle, Sarah and Annemarie, talk about how difficult it was to prepare for a long and dangerous deployment without much warning.

Navy Command Master Chief Petty Officer Veronica Holliday describes the role of her husband, Michael, in raising their three children. Michael talks about the satisfaction he takes in being a father and how proud he is of Veronica’s achievements in the Navy — which have been made possible in part by his role as a stay-at-home dad.

Army Specialist Samantha Van Fossen says goodbye to her parents and sisters as she prepares to leave the small town of Lodi, Wisconsin, for her first overseas deployment to the Middle East. Although Samantha is prepared and excited for her mission, she struggles with leaving her family. Later, senior military leaders and experts discuss the experiences of military families in the post-9/11 era.