Football fans in Atlanta were likely busy watching the Super Bowl last Sunday, even though the Falcons were not involved. Some hardcore fans may have even bought plane tickets and traveled from Georgia to watch the game live in Indianapolis.

But in the lead up to the Super Bowl, one man made this trek on foot and bike. Army Ranger Cory Smith decided to travel the hard way from Columbus, Georgia to Indianapolis in order to raise awareness about a number of struggles faced by transitioning military veterans, including military divorce.

Smith just ended four years of military service, during which time he was deployed to Afghanistan twice. During a stop at Super Bowl Village, he spoke publicly in order to raise awareness of veterans' issues which the civilian population may not be aware of.

These issues include significant rates of divorce, depression, suicide and homelessness, just to name a few. The 28-year-old admits that like many combat veterans, he is struggling with his own marital difficulties. But he has a 19-month-old daughter, and says that he plans to make spending time with her a major priority.

While news articles did not mention specifically what Smith talks about when addressing the public, there should be no shortage of material when it comes to relationship issues for military members.

We have previously posted about recent Pentagon data showing that the military divorce rate in 2011 reached 3.7 percent, which is the highest it has been since 1999. It is estimated that the military divorce rate has now surpassed the civilian divorce rate.

Other studies have suggested that rates of infidelity are significantly higher among service members than among the general population.

Even the transition from deployment back to home and family life can be a difficult one that strains military marriages and families. When coupled with the physical and mental health issues plaguing many returning soldiers, it is easy to see how marriages can fall apart during these difficult transition periods.

Our brave men and women of the military will likely face many struggles - including marital difficulties - as they attempt to reclaim their civilian lives. Thankfully, they have advocates like Cory Smith who are willing to tell their stories and work to increase public awareness.

Source: Indystar.com, "Army Ranger Cory Smith detours from Georgia-to-Indy trek to take message about veterans to Super Bowl Village," William Booher, Feb. 3, 2012