ing was great . It was the first time I was able to see I was not alone ; there were other vets who felt the same way I did . My case manager checked on me all the time , and my veteran mentors were a great support system . Once I gave my medication time to work , I saw a change in the level of my anxiety and I felt peaceful .
Going into court to stand in front of the judge was no easy task . At first , it was very intimidating , but the judge really likes to talk to you and see how you ’ re doing . She is very receptive , insightful and fair .
While in Veterans Court , I signed up for school and earned an associate ’ s degree in computer programming . I am currently working on a public administration degree . After I successfully completed Veterans Court , I was able to mentor a veteran going through the program . This was a very humbling and rewarding experience . I realized that there were many other veterans who could benefit from this type of help , so I made it my life goal to help veterans any way I can .
The State of Florida , the Department of Economic Opportunity and CareerSource Southwest Florida allowed me the opportunity to pursue that life goal by hiring me as the Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist for Collier County . Now I am able to help veterans of all types achieve selfsufficiency and career goals .
I want to tell veterans who are struggling that they are not alone . You don ’ t have to hide away from the world . There is help out there for veterans like us . In group counseling you can get a chance to rebuild that brotherhood we all cherished while being in the service .
My message to the community is to be patient with us . The prices we pay are not always seen by the naked eye because they are the invisible wounds of PTSD .
My message to the community is to be patient with us . It ’ s very difficult transitioning from military to civilian life . The prices we pay are not always seen by the naked eye because they are the invisible wounds of PTSD . I cannot speak for every veteran , but I know that most veterans who end up in jail because of PTSD don ’ t do it under their own volition . They need our help and support more than ever . We chose to fight for and defend our country because of our love and commitment to the American people . Even though some of us get lost in the realities of PTSD , our sense of service and duty never goes away . I believe veterans who go to jail because of their PTSD deserve a second chance at life , and this can only be successfully done through the support of the community .
Veterans Treatment Court is a great program and the best thing to ever happen to me . Judge Martin and the David Lawrence Center treatment team go out of their way to help veterans receive the treatment and help they need and deserve . I am proof that this program works .
Because of Veterans Court , I was able to have all my charges dropped . I now have my family back , I have a college degree , I have a career that I love , I am mentally and emotionally stable , and as a result , I am better able to be a good father and husband .
For more information , visit David Lawrence Center at 6075 Bathey Lane , Naples , FL 34116 , with 24-hour access ; call 239.455.8500 ; or go to www . davidlawrencecenter . org . ♦
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