JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Before the age of 24, Gerald White went on more than 6,000 combat patrols in Afghanistan. But after five years serving our country, White decided it was time to leave the military. He's now a very young veteran, at the age of 24.
White returned to the U.S., only to face a whole new battle.
"I expected there to be more support when I got out to find a job," White told Action News.
After three months of unemployment, White found a part-time job, waiting tables at Boston's Restaurant in North Jacksonville. He's also taking advantage of the GI Bill, attending Florida State College, Jacksonville. White hopes to transfer to the University of Florida to study marketing.
As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan comes to an end, thousands of other men and women are expected to leave the military, like Gerald White. They'll return home to face similar challenges, trying to find a job. According to government statistics, 12 percent of young veterans are unemployed. That number has been steadily rising for months. One problem is that most young veterans joined the military right out of high school so they don't have a college education, making it difficult to qualify for many jobs. White says the military makes it easy to advance your education.
"The education benefits and stuff, they were right on top of that," says White.
Aside from the challenges of finding work, there are emotional trials as well. White says he suffers from a form of PTSD and insomnia. But he's working through it.
"As long as the level of support from my family maintains, then I'll be fine."
