Being a vet myself from experience it had a hugh impact on family members and it has one more so on spouses of vets due to the separation,and things that you are taught and most vets do not get the therapy on how to deal with the civilian public once they return,lucky me took advantage of all of it and still involved only state side and on a as needed basis but it is not easy for the family not knowing especially when there is a war and you write and don't tell the bad things just to hear from a vet lets a family know you are alive,some vets come back and it is difficult to be a member of society as you knew it before you left, some return with medical as well as mental problems and family have to deal with it,its not easy for family, anyway you look at it hope this helps in some small way....
