FWD Assist HQ
Companion Toolkit

The Rest of Us

A Veteran's Memoir of Life After the Uniform

Your Toolkit Includes

Editable guides, templates, trackers, and calculators designed to be used alongside the book. Each file mirrors a concept or chapter from the guide -- download what you need, fill it in, and turn what you have been through into what comes next.

The Rest of Us book cover

Built by Joshua Christopherson. VA disability claims educator. Air Force and Air National Guard disabled veteran with hands-on VSO experience.

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About This Topic

A personal memoir about the experience of leaving the military and building a life as a civilian veteran: the identity questions, the disconnection, the dark periods, and the slow work of finding meaning, belonging, and purpose on the other side of service.

What the Book Covers

Key topics and takeaways from The Rest of Us:

What the transition from military to civilian life actually feels like
How identity, purpose, and relationships shift after service
The real story behind FWD Assist HQ and why it exists
That you are not alone in the fight to rebuild

Who This Is For

  • Veterans who feel unseen after leaving service
  • Anyone trying to understand the veteran experience from the inside
  • Military families looking for honest perspective on post-service life
  • Veterans struggling with identity, purpose, or transition

Veterans Crisis Line

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 then press 1, or text 838255. Support is available 24/7.

Download the Entire Toolkit

All 5 files in one zip · 28 KB

Download All (.zip)

Companion Toolkit

5 files for The Rest of Us -- Organized by where you are in the journey.

The Kitchen

1 file

Family Conversation Guide

Guide for starting the hard conversations with family about your service

5 KB

The Rebuild (Part III)

1 file

Personal Reflection Journal

Guided journal for processing service experiences and building forward

6 KB

The Rest of Us

1 file

Strength Assets Inventory

Inventory your strengths and assets as the foundation for what comes next

5 KB

What To Do Tomorrow Morning

1 file

Wellness Action Plan

Build a wellness plan that integrates VA and civilian health resources

6 KB

General / whole book

1 file

Resources Directory

Directory of resources for veterans and families beyond the VA system

6 KB

How to Use This Toolkit

Every file is yours to keep. The spreadsheets (.xlsx) are your journals, reflection tools, and planners. They include guided prompts and structured layouts to help you stay on track. Save them to your computer and update them as your situation changes.

Back to Book Details

Related Topics

The Long Game

How Veterans Rebuild Identity, Community, and Purpose After Service

Still Standing

A Veteran Mental Health and Crisis Survival Guide

After the DD-214

How to Navigate VA Benefits, Employment, and Finances When the Military Stops Paying You

Disclaimer: FWD Assist HQ and FWD Assist Publishing provide educational resources only. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice, medical advice, or accredited representation. Always consult with an accredited VA attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer for personalized guidance.