Returning veterans had it the worst on the coasts. The East and West coasts, bastions of socialist and other liberal ideologies, harassed any man with a military haircut. The Midwest was another story entirely. Returning soldiers found thanks, and then a general forgetfulness. They had served. Now they were home. Life went on. But drug addictions, strange illnesses, and post-combat stress followed them home. Even in regions where they were not hated, life was difficult for the veterans of Vietnam.