Coming Back with Wes Moore Season 1 Episode 2 Fitting In

Coming Back with Wes Moore is a docuseries that follows the journey of veterans as they return home and try to navigate civilian life. Each episode delves into a different veteran's story and the challenges they face on their path to finding purpose and fitting in with society.

In season 1 episode 2, titled "Fitting In," we meet two veterans who are struggling to find their place in the civilian world. The first veteran we meet is Travis Mills, a retired United States Army Staff Sergeant who lost all four limbs in an explosion while on his third tour in Afghanistan. Travis is a dynamic figure who refuses to let his injuries define him. He is determined to live life to the fullest and inspire others to do the same. However, he is quickly finding that the challenges he faces as a quadruple amputee are far greater than he anticipated.

Travis' journey takes him and Wes to various locations as they discuss the challenges of fitting in after experiencing a life-altering event. One of the most moving moments is when Travis visits a prosthetics manufacturing plant where he humorously compares his old, outdated prosthesis to an old flip phone. The staff is eager to showcase newer prostheses that are more functional and customizable to Travis' needs. Travis is excited about the possibilities, but he is also frustrated that he will never have the same level of functionality as he did before his injuries.

The second veteran we meet is a former Marine named Scott Ostrom. Scott was deployed to Afghanistan twice and suffered from severe PTSD upon returning home. He is still haunted by the things he saw and did in the military and has been unable to move past them. Scott is also dealing with alcoholism, which has caused him to lose his job and his family.

Wes spends time with Scott in his hometown of Colorado Springs, where they discuss the challenges of adjusting to civilian life. Scott is candid with Wes about his struggles and admits that he often feels like a burden to his family and society as a whole. He tells Wes that he wants to move forward and make a positive impact in the world, but he doesn't know how to begin.

Throughout the episode, we see Travis and Scott face different challenges and overcome them in different ways. We see Travis tackle his physical limitations head-on, determined to push beyond them and lead a normal life. He skis, plays basketball, and even drives a car using hand controls. Travis is the embodiment of resilience and his positive attitude is infectious.

Scott, on the other hand, battles with the invisible wounds of war. He works with a therapist and attends group therapy sessions to try and cope with his PTSD and alcoholism. While he has not found a cure for his struggles, he has found a new support system in his fellow veterans. He tells Wes that being around other veterans who understand his pain has been a lifeline for him.

"Fitting In" is a powerful episode that highlights the struggles that veterans face when returning home and trying to fit into society. It shows that injuries and trauma can impact veterans in different ways, and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to healing. Through the journeys of Travis and Scott, we see that determination, resilience, and community are all necessary elements of a successful transition to civilian life.