Over 6,000 veterans of the Gulf War II era—those who have served since 9/11—are already living in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Due to the end of the war in Iraq and future scale-down in the war in Afghanistan, the number of returning veterans will steadily increase over the next several years. Charlotte is expected to remain a “hotspot” for their relocation upon leaving the military. Some of these men and women are quickly adjusting to civilian life, using their many skills, talents and leadership qualities to make the successful transition home. However, others—including some with significant service-connected disabilities— face a range of challenges that are hindering their ability to “hit the ground running” in their new life in Charlotte.