A book about the invisibility of war and the long road back to life.
With "Homecoming in the Fog," Martin Thamm presents a work that transcends the autobiographical level. It is a multifaceted document of personal experience, social indictment, and human vulnerability. The former career soldier describes his six deployments abroad in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, his struggle with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD), and his subsequent battle with the bureaucracy of the German Armed Forces—precisely, honestly, and without pathos.
Thamm achieves what few veterans manage: he writes not only about the war, but even more so about the silence that follows. His language is direct, yet marked by great sensitivity. He allows the reader to feel how deeply war penetrates the soul. He avoids exaggeration. The pain lies between the lines, not within them. Particularly powerful are the passages in which Thamm describes the institutional coldness of the authorities – the feeling of becoming a mere file number. The legal proceedings against the Federal Office for Personnel Management of the German Armed Forces (BAPersBw), which run like a red thread through the book, thus become a symbol for what many soldiers injured in action experience: a second battle, this time against their own administration. Despite the gravity of the subject matter, "Homecoming in the Fog" remains a book of hope. The encounter with his wife Sandra, the founding of the association ATEK eV – Relatives of Traumatized Veterans and Servants – and the will to give other affected individuals a voice form the emotional counterpoint to despair.
This book is an important contribution to the public debate about the responsibility of the state and society towards veterans of combat missions. It powerfully demonstrates that trauma does not end with the conclusion of a deployment – and that healing is only possible where there is the courage to look.
A stirring, courageous and deeply moving book – full of truthfulness, humility and strength.
An indispensable support – written with heart, mind and experience.
Sandra Thamm's EMMA guide is far more than just a manual – it's a beacon of light in an often stormy sea for family members of emergency responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With deep empathy, personal experience, and a remarkable level of expertise, this guide offers not only understanding and orientation, but also concrete and practical help for everyday life.
Sandra Thamm succeeds in telling her very personal story as the wife of a traumatized German army veteran in such a way that those affected immediately feel understood and supported. At the same time, she imparts valuable knowledge about PTSD and its effects – not only on the affected person, but on the entire family environment.
Particularly outstanding is the EMMA concept she developed: It structures complex emotional and practical challenges in a clear and comprehensible way. With elements such as recognition, measurement, method, and analysis, she creates a tool that makes dealing with PTSD not only easier but also empowers individuals.
What makes this guide so unique is its combination of:
-scientifically sound information (including ICD-11 definitions),
-realistic case studies,
-loving reflection opportunities ("space for your thoughts") and a noticeable call for self-care.
The numerous everyday tips – from the "emergency chair" to self-care routines – demonstrate that this guide was born from real-life experience. Particularly moving is the openness with which moral wounds, societal ignorance, and the often inadequate support from authorities are addressed – yet Sandra Thamm always remains constructive, encouraging, and solution-oriented.
EMMA Guide for Relatives of Traumatized Veterans and Emergency Responders
Interested?
The guidebook is available from Bookprint, as well as from the Volk bookstore in Recke.
What makes this guide so unique is its combination of:
-scientifically sound information (including ICD-11 definitions),
-realistic case studies,
-loving reflection opportunities ("space for your thoughts") and a noticeable call for self-care.
The numerous everyday tips – from the "emergency chair" to self-care routines – demonstrate that this guide was born from real-life experience. Particularly moving is the openness with which moral wounds, societal ignorance, and the often inadequate support from authorities are addressed – yet Sandra Thamm always remains constructive, encouraging, and solution-oriented.
Conclusion:
An invaluable resource for family and friends of those affected by PTSD, but also for professionals, supervisors, and anyone who wants to better understand the psychological after-effects of overseas deployments. This guide deserves wide distribution—not only among veterans, but throughout society. Thank you, Sandra Thamm, for this courageous, honest, and empowering contribution.
"It is not our job to heal our loved ones – but we can be a strong backup for them."
A sentence from the book that sticks with you. And carries you with you.
BASE Strong FOR YOU - Strong FOR ME
BASE STRONG FOR YOU - STRONG FOR ME
Balance bag for relatives of traumatized veterans and emergency personnel
This book is more than just a guide – it's a hand to hold when everyday life with a person suffering from PTSD becomes too difficult. The author takes you on her personal journey through crises, insights, and small but significant steps back to her own center.
With an open heart and honest words, she describes what it means to live alongside a traumatized person – and not to break down herself in the process. She shows that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity for survival.
The BASE concept she developed acts like an inner compass: it helps to recognize past burdens, organize one's environment, maintain boundaries, and reconnect with oneself. The book offers clarity, understanding, and above all, the courage to prioritize oneself—even when life is demanding and overwhelming.
BASE isn't loud. It doesn't impose itself. It speaks softly – but it goes straight to the heart. For everyone who loves, supports, endures, doubts – and gets back up again. A book that reminds us: You have the right to put yourself first.
