It is often said that coming home from war can be more difficult than the war itself. While deployments are measured in months or years, reintegration is a lifelong event, often away from the battle buddies that watched their back. The pressure can be too great for some Veterans—and may lead to first time run-ins with the law.
That’s why Veterans Treatment Courts, tailored for Vets with first time felonies, have popped up all around the country. Judges offer leniency in exchange of a treatment plan, usually fulfilled at a VA facility.
The courts were highlighted in a recent segment on 60 Minutes, which traced the rise, fall, and rebirth of a Marine Veteran who found himself facing the justice system after a combat tour. The piece also delves into the story behind the bench, and how the treatment program is a tougher yet more promising option for Vets.
The system works for another Marine featured; he avoids jail by graduating from the program and is on his way toward another graduation—this time from college.
WHY DIDNT THEY HAVE HELP FOR US KOREAN VETS.I WAS JUST CALLED A DRUNK AND A F**k UP. I KNEW THEIR WAS SOMETHING WRONG.THE DOCTORS AND THE COURTS HAD NO IDEA I WAS NOT MY SELF. MY SHRINK HAS TOLD ME THAT I DRANK BECAUSE IT WAS THE ONLY MEDICATION AVAIBLE AT THE TIME. MY LIFE WAS MISERABLE,RUINED MARRIAGE AND MANY MORE PROBLEMS
I can understand the veterans problems with getting back into society. My son took a management job,and did not think about having an audit ran when he acceted the job. After doing a great job for over a year the controling board said there was 35,000 dollars missing and since he was the manager he was resposible. He now has a felony against him and can not buy a job, even though he did not take any money. Just an oversight on hos part and mine, thinking everyone will treat a Vet with respect and dignity. God bless and we know where you are coming from.
Describe Felony…I have one Combat Veteran in my Group, maybe 70 years old who allegidly murdered another Vet and got 30 years. On the other hand, there is a Lady in our Group who spent 16 years in the Air Force, going to work at the Air TrafficTowers, who went to work high on various ocassions, never served in a combat zone and is now receiving 170 % disability. There are a lot of Vets waiting to get some minisquel amount to survive on. I never knew you could get 170% unless you are either quadraplgic or in a coma. She totalled her van while under the influence of meds.
She’s still driving and is going to kill someone soon with her attitude. 170%???
As a Vietnam Era Vet, know the difficulties that many combat troops face when returning home. Am sooo happy that today we have more to offer the combat soldier to help him/her return home both physically and mentally/emotionally to their families and friends.
In May of ’70 I was charged with a felony when the police entered my apartment without a search warrant. They came in looking for a guy I had been in ‘Nam with by walking in after they knocked and his wife just swung the door open. To make a long story short, the charge was downgraded after the governors’ son got busted for the same offense, but the judge made the charge stick by telling me in a court of law the only reason is because I was a Viet Nam veteran. as a result of the illegal arrest, I lost my USAF security clearance, had to drop out of college to hire an attorney and have had a police record ever since that day, thank you.
It seems to me that due to the most recent conflicts causing terrible losses and wounds, the previous, older vets, are getting pushed off at times. We have possible agent orange issues ( illnesses etc ) as in my case heart issues, dibetic issues, and rare mussle problems, my doctors won’t even try to check into, or at best half-heartedly.
I am almost useless due to mussle and heart issues at 66 yrs can’t do much at all. I just feel more could be done in many cases like my own, and not just pushed aside because we are old, just my observation. thanks for listening.. ( old V N Vet )
I got into a fight in NJ with a man who came into my sisters house(fact/proven) with the intent to hurt her(fact/proven). I just returned from Enduring Freedom and was so happy to be home with family but my life was forever changed that day! Not only did the court not let my 11 year Military History into the court procedings, they used it against me calling me a “dangerous weapon!” The court charged me with assault and I spent 5 years in prison for protecting my family(fact/proven). I love the military and this country but you dropped the ball when it came to me! And dropping the ball for one is dropping the ball for them all! I fight everyday to forget what happened and move on but its like a having the “Scarlet Letter” attached to your resume. I just received my Associates Degree and I am working on my Bacherlors@CSUSM. I will once again PROVE you should have helped protect me and not that person! Vets have proved their worth by sacrificing “THEIR” LIFE FOR “YOUR” FREEDOM! You should always be there for them!!! To all Vets U R Heroes and I would gladly give my life to further yours!!!