NORFOLK, Neb. (AP) — A former military chaplain says holidays are different for soldiers and sailors, Marines and airmen.

During and after battle, they may struggle with the notions of peace and goodwill toward men.

And former chaplain Mike Moreno said when the military men and women return from long deployments, their first Christmas back is “a much richer Christmas.”

Moreno, who has served as a U.S. Navy and reserve chaplain, is program director of Operation Barnabus, a relief program of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod that provides support for soldiers and their families.

Moreno says many soldiers and civilians may face unsettled holidays, especially when they are coping with the loss of loved ones. He says family and friends shouldn’t be afraid to mention memories of the deceased.