Most veterans are strengthened by their military service, but the combat experience has unfortunately left a growing number of veterans with issue such as PTSD and traumatic brain injury. • One in five veterans has symptoms of a mental health disorder or cognitive impairment. • One in six veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom suffer from a substance use issue. Research continues to draw a link between substance use and combat-related mental illness. • Left untreated, mental health disorders common among veterans can directly lead to involvement in the criminal justice system.

Treatment not punitive action is by far the best course of action. Fortunately Judge Robert Russell from my home town of Buffalo NY launched the first of the nation’s roughly 260 veterans treatments courts in 2008.

The veterans’ treatment court is able to ensure they meet their obligations to themselves, the court, and their community.