For eight years and 231 days, we were at war in Iraq. Now that the war has ended, our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and guardsmen are making their way home. Some have marched south toward Kuwait; some have flown to Germany; others have set sail toward the Indian Ocean. Ultimately, they will find themselves back on American soil. When they arrive home, many will face a fight on a new front line as they work to build new lives in our communities. It's a battle, and we all have a stake in the outcome.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 5 million Americans have served in the military. What will their legacy be? In 20 years, what will we say about this generation of veterans? As the war in Iraq ends, the fight to determine the legacy of this generation of veterans is just beginning. What they do when they come home and how they are received by the general public will have a profound effect on our nation for decades.

After nearly a decade of war, our service members have paid a substantial price. Nearly 4,500 of our troops gave their lives in the war in Iraq. An estimated 30,000 more were physically injured. They lost limbs, eyesight and hearing, while tens of thousands more suffer from traumatic brain injuries. In a recent study, more than half of those who served report having a close friend who was seriously injured or killed.

The full impact of the Iraq war, however, extends beyond physical injuries. Many returning veterans acknowledge that while they are proud of their service, it has affected their lives in negative ways. They have lived with the stress of working in an environment in which death is a constant reality. They have endured multiple deployments, and their families have suffered. Some have become disconnected from loved ones. Some feel isolated and misunderstood.

The collective toll of this burden is evident in the alarming rates of suicide among soldiers and veterans. Veteran Andrew Berry, an Army sniper, recently told us, "Since I retired in September 2009, I've had seven friends — seven — who served with me in Iraq, who have committed suicide." Recent studies support Andrew's experience, noting that over the last six years, service members have taken their own lives at a rate of approximately one every 36 hours. In both 2010 and 2011, more American soldiers — both active duty and veterans — have committed suicide than were killed in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.

Over the last 10 years, our service members have been tested, and they have grown stronger through their service. They have established and helped to run local governments. They have overseen the planning of schools and the construction of dams. They have mentored police forces, farmers and medical personnel while negotiating treaties between warring populations. Throughout the ranks, we have built proven leaders. They have inspired diverse groups of people to accomplish difficult missions. In the overwhelming number of cases, the battle-tested abilities they have built in the military have the potential to elevate our organizations, businesses and communities here at home. This, however, will only be possible if we provide them with the opportunity to serve.

Several recent national surveys of veterans noted that the overwhelming majority of veterans want to continue to serve in their communities. In one recent national survey, 92 percent of veterans reported that service to their communities was a basic responsibility of every American. If provided the opportunity, our service members are ready to continue serving here at home.

Andrew Berry, the Army sniper who has lost seven friends to suicide, continued his service. Sgt. Berry was shot twice and survived eight explosions during multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. The eighth blast left him too injured to continue his military career. His right leg was crushed. He is blind in his right eye, experiences seizures because of a traumatic brain injury and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Today, in a fellowship developed with the St. Louis based-nonprofit organization The Mission Continues, Andrew volunteers with the Orlando Vet Center. He supports his fellow veterans with mental health counseling. Serving again, Andrew is helping his fellow citizens to pursue healthy, productive lives.

A recent study published by Washington University found that when veterans like Andrew continue to serve, their transitions home are smoother. They connect to their communities, build social networks and find meaningful work. As a grateful nation, if we provide these opportunities to serve again, we both improve the lives of our veterans and strengthen our communities. By establishing routes for our service members to be actively engaged with civic, social and religious organizations in their community, we can truly say to them, "Welcome home."

Our service members have done all that their country has asked of them. In the process, they have become skilled, dedicated leaders with a wide range of talents. As our commander-in-chief noted at Fort Bragg earlier this month, "For our post-9/11 veterans, with your skill, with your discipline, with your leadership, I am confident that the story of your service to America is just beginning." How we choose to engage our veterans and apply their skills and experiences will say a great deal about our appreciation for their tireless service.

When veterans like Andrew Berry return home, they can elevate our society. For this to happen, we must ensure that pathways exist in employment, education and community service. Together, we can make this generation of veterans the next greatest generation.

Eric Greitens, an Iraq War veteran, is a former Navy SEAL officer and Rhodes Scholar. He is the founder and CEO of The Mission Continues, a St. Louis-based national nonprofit that engages veterans to serve as community leaders.