Heroes cry. They bend and shake. They break down.

As of September 2014, there are about 2.7 million Americans veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Of that number, at least 20 percent of those veterans have post-traumatic stress disorder and/or depression.

Amanda Cervantes is the oldest child of Jesús and Joy Cervantes, both veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan war. From the time that she was born, she grew up with babysitters and absent parents, and was forced to mature quickly. She had to look after her younger brother, Jordyn, essentially raising him for most of his early life.

Her mother, Joy, served from 1999 to 2012 as a battle nurse in Iraq, working in the infirmary for both sides of the war. Her experience resulted in constant nightmares, loss of sleep, and depression. Though she is better now, her triggers hinder her ability to drive and be around young children. In the earlier stages of her PTSD, she struggled to integrate back to her home life, finding simple functions difficult. Joy’s husband helped her through her episodes while Amanda tried to shield her brother from what was happening. 

The absence of Amanda’s mother, in addition of her mother’s PTSD, strained their relationship. They argued constantly. 

With Joy’s retirement in 2012, she and Amanda have been able to make amends.

Amanda’s father, Jesús, served from 1996 to 2016 as a Staff Sergeant in Iraq and Afghanistan. Following his recent retirement, he was diagnosed with PTSD, sleep apnea, and many other things that have affected his daily life. He is currently integrating back to civilian life, taking it day by day.

Despite their parents’ experiences, and seeing the effects of war, Jordyn and Amanda still plan to enlist in the Marine Corps. Jordyn deployed for basic training December 3, 2016, and Amanda plans to enlist as an Officer after finishing her political studies at DePaul University.