Adapting to civilian life after service can be challenging for veterans. Starting a new job and learning to live with prevalent conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder can take a toll on retired servicemembers if they have not found ways to alleviate stress and anxiety.

Taking up new hobbies is the perfect way for veterans to relax and make the transition a little bit easier on themselves. Here are a few therapeutic activities to try upon returning from deployment.

1. Fishing
According to Army Times, fishing is a hobby that veterans frequently start after returning from service. Even if they are trying it for the first time, being alone or with a loved one on a tranquil body of water can serve as the stress reliever they need during times of high anxiety. Catching a fish is also a rewarding experience and even provides a fresh and tasty meal that veterans may not have received on base during deployment.

2. Reading
Nothing takes one's mind off of problems better than getting lost in a good novel. Catching up on a favorite author's series is a fun and stimulating activity. There are even books published by veterans that document their experiences while serving. Enjoying someone else's story is a great way to find a balance between staying connected with old deployment memories and successfully adapting to civilian life.

3. Hiking or camping
Taking in Mother Nature will help veterans take their minds off of their worries. Going on a wilderness hike once a week or camping every other weekend will encourage veterans to enjoy the simple aspects of life. Doing these activities alone can be very therapeutic for retired servicemembers. However, depending on their preferences, it can also be beneficial to do them with friends or family members.

4. Restarting an old hobby
People often have hobbies that they love but have to give up due to school, work or daily responsibilities. If veterans had a favorite activity before deployment, such as playing an instrument, writing or participating in a sport, getting back into it again can be rewarding. 

5. Yoga
Yoga is an ideal hobby because it keeps people in shape in a stress-free environment while encouraging them to relax and let go of their worries. This is why it is frequently used by veterans with PTSD. Servicemembers can try it on their own with guided videos or join classes at the gym. 

For a member of the military returning from the service, the idea of choosing where to live may be a bit novel. To help with the decision, Military Times released a list naming the best small, medium and large cities for veterans in the U.S.

To compile the list, Military Times reported that it considered where the cities finished in its other rankings, including universities, employers, technical colleges and law enforcement agencies. Nearly 600 cities were considered and 75 made the cut, 25 in each of the three categories. 

According to the final ranking, Virginia Beach, Virginia; Colorado Springs, Colorado; San Antonio, Texas; San Diego, California and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma comprised the top five large cities in the country for veterans.

San Diego's educational opportunities were one of the main reasons that it edged out competitors, Military Times reported. Both the University of San Diego and San Diego State University made it on the list of best colleges for vets in 2015. 

"It's a very attractive climate. It's a very cosmopolitan city," said Jack Harkins, chairman of the United Veterans Council of San Diego County. "Many, many excellent colleges and universities in the area."

Veterans may also enjoy catching a baseball game in the city. Every Sunday when playing at home, the San Diego Padres wear camouflage uniforms to pay tribute to members of the armed forces, the franchise reported.  

For those who favor small-town life, Military Times recommended Glen Burnie, Maryland; Bethesda, Maryland; Ellicott City, Maryland; Camarillo, California and Yorba Linda, California Ellicot and Camarillo both boast veteran unemployment rates of under 4 percent, and in Bethesda the median income for a veteran is $97,472, the list reported. 

In a few short years, Danielle Green transitioned from the role of a successful college basketball player to an amputee learning how to perform the tasks of daily life without her dominant arm. Next month she will be recognized for her spirit, bravery and patriotism in serving her country both during and after her time with the military. 

On July 15, Green, an Army veteran, will become the second recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service. The award will be presented at next month's ESPY Awards ceremony, where the best sports moments and personalities of the year will be recognized. 

Green grew up in the South Side of Chicago and attended Notre Dame on a basketball scholarship, The Associated Press reported. After graduation she taught and coached basketball briefly before joining the Army. While serving in Iraq she lost her left arm, the result of a rocket-powered grenade attack.

According to the Army Times, Green was medically retired from the service seven months after her injury and went back to school to earn a master's degree in counseling. Today she works as a readjustment therapist in Indiana at the South Bend Veterans Center, helping other former military members adjust to life after service. 

"I think her journey has been quite amazing," said Marie Tillman, the widow of Pat Tillman. "As a college athlete she could have done a wide variety of things, and she chose to serve her country. Certainly that is right in line with how Pat lived his life and the spirit of the award."

Pat Tillman was a professional football player with the Arizona Cardinals before he left to enlist in the Army in 2002. He was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan in 2004. Green was injured a month after his death while working a security detail, AP reported. 

"Pat Tillman was an extraordinary human being," Green told the Military Times. "So I just feel honored and grateful to be part of his legacy."

Last year Afghanistan war veteran Josh Sweeney was selected as the first recipient of the Tillman Award, the Army Times reported. Sweeney is a Paralympian who played on the U.S.'s gold medal sled hockey team. 

Deployment can be a challenging time for families. It is important that spouses and children are staying in touch and communicating with their loved ones during active duty. Sending regular care packages is a great way to do this. It shows soldiers that their family members are thinking of them, which can be very comforting during deployment. 

Although sending care packages can help servicemembers reduce stress and feel more at home, you will want to send your loved one items that he or she will personally enjoy. Do not get overwhelmed by all of your choices. Instead, consider packing some of these items that are sure to make your family member smile.

1. A card
A handwritten note is an intimate way to communicate with your loved one during deployment. Have the whole family sign it and write a personal message to keep him or her up to date on what is going on at home. This also gives you the chance to make a list of the package's contents, as it is common for packages being shipped long distances to break open. If mail handlers have all of the items written down in front of them, they will know what to repack if this does happen. 

2. Snacks
While deployed servicemembers usually have plenty of food on base, their options are often limited and bland. Receiving their favorite snacks can be very exciting for them.

Containers of nonperishable foods, like pretzels, chips and nuts, make great additions to a care package. However, try to avoid plastic bags, as these tend to explode under pressure. Military.com noted that cookies are a care package snack that is frequently treasured by soldiers, as servicemembers do not receive anything like them on base. Candy and gum, with the exception of chocolate, which will melt in the heat, also make good contents. 

3. Meal enhancers
While you cannot pack home-cooked meals in your care package, providing commodities that add flavor to bland foods is a fun idea. For example, small bottles of hot sauce and barbecue sauce can spice up any meal that might be lacking taste. Flavor packets that make water taste like lemonade, strawberries or oranges can brighten up your loved one's day and make consuming fluids more enticing. This is key, as many servicemembers perform rigorous activities during the day but do not drink enough water. Be sure to place these in freezer bags to prevent them from exploding or opening while in transit.  

4. Personal care and toiletries
Active duty servicemembers often do not have access to items like shampoo, skin lotion, toothbrushes and razors on a regular basis. Sending them a few of these products can make their day-to-day duties more comfortable, especially if you choose brands that you know your loved one likes. If he or she is deployed in a country that is particularly cold, including contents like disposable hand warmers can help him or her more easily get through a day filled with outdoor activities. 

5. Sentimental materials
Although servicemembers do miss the food and personal care items they once used regularly at home, what most of them long for most is news about what is going on in their spouses' and children's lives. Throw in a few recent photographs of the family with descriptions of where you were and what was going on in each. 

If you have taken any videos of special events, or even just fun clips of the family saying hello, these can greatly enhance a care package. You can put them on a USB drive so they do not take up much room in the box. 

When soldiers come back from service, they come equipped with a number of skills and experiences that set them up well for entrepreneurial careers. However, they often lack the formal training necessary to start a small business. 

Thanks to a recent grant, a startup incubator focused on veterans wants to create a training program that would equip former members of the military to create and operate their own business in their life after service.  

The Bunker is a program run by veterans that seeks to aid other former servicemen in their entrepreneurial ventures. With a $127,000 grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation, CEO Todd Connor, a Navy veteran, wants to design a program called Bunker in a Box that will help train veterans who may never have imagined starting their own business, the Chicago Tribune reported.

According to the Tribune, Connor's idea is for the program to be a 14-week course that former servicemembers can go through with other veterans in their community. The group would meet once a week for about three hours and go through activities, videos and self-assessments that would equip them with the vocabulary and concepts to start their own entrepreneurial venture. Some of the grant will be used to create a website for the program and possibly a mobile app. 

"What I hope the real output is that whole populations of people that were not otherwise considering the idea of self-employment actually have confidence to pursue entrepreneurship as a course of action," Connor told the Tribune.

Connor expects Bunker in a Box to launch in November, the Tribune reported. 

Gary Sines may not have a real-life military career, but his commitment to the armed forces has spanned multiple decades. This fall he will be formally recognized for his efforts by a prestigious U.S. military academy. 

The West Point Association of Graduates announced on June 11 that Sines is the 2015 recipient of the Sylvanus Thayer Award. The award is the highest honor given by the association to a non-graduate and recognizes an outstanding citizen who exemplifies the West Point motto of "Duty, Honor, Country," the statement explained. Former recipients include Bob Hope, Neil Armstrong and, most recently, Condoleezza Rice. 

Sines, best known for his role as Lt. Dan in the Academy Award-winning movie "Forrest Gump," has a longstanding relationship with the military that surpasses his portrayal of the lieutenant. The Army Times reported that he is a veteran of multiple United Service Organizations tours to support troop morale and has been involved in fundraising and recruitment efforts. He is also a founding member of the Lt. Dan Band, named after the iconic character that he portrayed. The group performs at about 50 military-related events a year.  

"To be recognized with such a distinguished honor is truly a privilege and I hope that this recognition only helps to further shine a light in the continuing mission of supporting those who serve and depend our great country," Sines said in a statement.

West Point reported that Sine will receive the award on Oct. 22 at a ceremony hosted by the superintendent of West Point, Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen. 

Diane Duke once worked at a cafeteria in Regina, Canada. The 68-year-old cook made meals for more than just her customers, but prepared delicious treats for the city's firefighters for over 13 years. After so many free dishes from their devoted friend, the firefighters from Regina Fire Station in Saskatchewan have presented Duke with the surprise of a lifetime. 

An opportunity to show appreciation
One of the department's firefighters, Chris Prohar, also works for a roofing company in the area. According to Today News, one day while Prohar was repairing a roof across the street from Duke, her son, Chris Duke, walked over to get an estimate on a new roof for his parents' home. 

Duke had to quit her job and stop her weekly visits to the fire department after her husband was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome. However, her last visit wasn't the final time she would see the Regina firefighters. 

After discovering who Chris Duke's mother was, Prohar jumped on the opportunity to give back to the generous woman who had presented him and his fellow servicemembers with a hot meal every Friday for so many years. He gathered 19 members of the fire department to build Duke a roof for free. With the help of donations from local building companies Dynamic Roofing and Kenroc, the group was able to provide a high-quality roof for Duke and her husband. 

"She's an incredible lady," Prohar told Today News. "She's been looking after us for so long now, we consider her family and it's our pleasure to take care of her."

A final meal
KSDK.com noted that Duke gave the firefighters more than just food during her career at the cafeteria, but served as a mother figure for many of them. She would often stay and talk with the servicemembers and give them hugs, which many would wait around after their shifts for. 

"I was shocked, but so happy," Diane explained to Today News. "I brought them food out of the goodness of my heart and never expected anything in return."

After spending three hours building the roof for Duke, she gave them one last treat and provided them with a meal. The group reminisced on memories they had with Duke. Her son told Today News that she has a much greater impact on the men's lives than he had anticipated. Even other firefighters from the area stopped by to meet Duke and show their support.

Duke told the news source that she will continue serving others, no matter who they are, and that she is grateful for the generous surprise.  

In most situations, the gear that firefighters wear is able to protect them from the heat and flames they face in an emergency situation. However, a major shortcoming is caused when temperatures increase rapidly, potentially causing damage to equipment before the firefighter even notices the shift.

Thanks in part to a Small Business Innovative Research award, technology is now being developed to address that potential hazard in order to better protect the men and women who brave fire and flames in the line of duty.

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate's First Responders Group is working with TDA Research, Inc. and FoxFury, LLC to design a device that would detect rapid temperature increases, warning firefighters before it begins to affect their other equipment, Homeland Security reported. The goal is for the technology, known as Burn Saver, to be small and lightweight, and have the ability to be mounted on a firefighter's helmet.

Homeland Security hopes that the successful design and implementation of this technology will reduce the number of thermal deaths and injuries.

According to a blog post by the First Responders Group, the prototypes of the device are already fast-acting, notifying users of the temperature change in less than 10 seconds. Having the ability to monitor threats in real-time will allow firefighters to assess and respond to the situation appropriately, improving the safety of the responders and civilians on the scene. 

The blog reported that field tests for the Burn Saver are planned for summer 2016. Before commercialization, the final design will be reviewed by the National Fire Protection Association for certification. 

Michael O'Connell retired after serving as a firefighter with the Official Fire Department of New York City during the 9/11 attacks. According to NBC New York, he was forced to end his career after he became ill from inhaling the toxic dust from the collapsing World Trade Center. He lost several of his friends while attempting to put out the flames and rescue as many people as they could.

While serving that day, he wore the same helmet he had used for the entirety of his career as a firefighter. He experienced a lot while wearing it and has always considered it a valuable belonging that represented the good and bad times throughout his career.

A helmet that tells a story
He told Pix11 that his helmet was the last tangible memory he had of his friends and hoped to pass it along to his children as a piece of history. However, two years ago, his Long Island home was robbed. Among the stolen items was his helmet. The thieves also took a lot of his other firefighter memorabilia, including his 9/11 medals. However, while he misses those belongings, his main interest is getting his helmet back.

O'Connell has not given up on finding his helmet and recently got the Internet involved in his search. He posted a picture of his son wearing the helmet on Facebook, asking viewers to help him locate it. NBC New York noted that since the photo was posted online, it has been shared over 100,000 times by Facebook users looking to help O'Connell take back what is rightfully his. 

"This is something that means a lot to me. As most firemen know, a helmet is sacred, it tells their story," O'Connell told the news source. "The helmet means everything. Every job I was ever at, every collapse, every fire, 9/11. The helmet tells my story and it's something I've treasured my whole life."

Search expands across the globe
He told NBC New York that it is important to him that his children and grandchildren have the helmet as a way of understanding the historic day and how he was a part of it. 

"This way they could actually look up at the wall one day and say maybe to their children, 'That was my father. That was your grandfather. He was there that day and he was part of a brotherhood,'" he explained to the news source.

O'Connell and his family have been busy scouring the Internet for any hopes that someone turned it in. It is a unique red, white and black helmet with the numbers 142 and 4073 stitched onto the front. MyFox New York mentioned that all O'Connell asks is that whoever stole it leaves it on his doorstep.

"I know it's a long shot but if enough people share maybe it turns up or is sent back so I can keep it in my family! Thanks!" O'Connell recently stated on Facebook, according to Pix11. 

The transition from military service to civilian life is one that can take a lot of time and effort to adapt to. This is why there are many programs emerging that focus on assisting veterans as they enter into life after service. 

Aquarium program supports veterans
According to 5News Online, one program at the Georgia Aquarium is offering retired servicemembers a unique opportunity to find some peace and serenity as they adapt to civilian life again. 

Started in 2008, the Veterans Immersion Program allows veterans to get up close and personal with thousands of rare sea creatures. The Discovery Channel explained that all retired military members are welcome to explore the 6.3 million-gallon home where some of the aquarium's most popular animals, including whale sharks and sting rays, reside. 

Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and debilitating physical injuries can take a serious toll on veterans' lives. So far, more than 1,000 veterans have taken part in the program, hoping to find the peace of mind and relaxation that have been lacking from their lives since deployment.

Unique therapy soothes deepest injuries
Susan Oglesby, the program's certified therapeutic recreation specialist, explained that the program is a unique form of therapy that takes servicemembers' minds off of their troubles and challenges them to try something outside of their comfort zones. The goal is to encourage participants to let go of their daily stresses in the midst of beautiful animals.

The key is that they are relaxing, but in an environment they cannot control, which influences them to let go of aspects of life that are causing them anxiety, added Oglesby. Simply achieving feelings of peace is something that she hopes will become a part of their memories, which they can return to during stressful situations in the future. 

Certified dive instructors enter the water with the participants after providing them with essential instructions. Although the veterans are prohibited from touching the animals, the opportunity to see them up close in their aquatic world is enough to have an effect on them. 

"It is a no-touch event," Oglesby told the Discovery Channel. "However, making eye contact with a 20-foot whale shark or a 12-foot manta ray or any other of the almost 5,000 animals is a crazy-cool interaction in itself!"

One veteran who recently tried the therapy mentioned to the news source that the experience had a comforting impact, even on his deepest injuries. The participant also noted that he saw the same reaction from those around him participating in the therapy.