As a new generation of veterans returns from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, they take their place alongside veterans of other American wars. We’re been bringing you the stories this summer of some veterans, from World War II to today. Our multimedia documentary series, “After the Wars.”

Today, Sharon Allen tells her story. Allen grew up in Ohio and had what she describes as an idyllic, “Donna Reed-type” childhood. She joined the National Guard in 2000 and volunteered to go to Iraq. She was deployed there in 2004.

Sharon Allen now lives in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood, where she does precision mechanic work at a beverage can manufacturing plant. She’s also a writer.

Listen to Allen’s story and see photos from the series.