Two years ago, I started a Veterans Support Group at Mountain View Correctional Facility in Charleston, Maine. Why? Because they were still my brothers and needed to know we still are. I had absolutely no background, education, or experience with prisons, corrections, or the criminal justice system. Some might say that made me uniquely qualified to get involved! My reasoning was simple. These men were veterans. At one point in their lives, they raised their right hands and swore to defend our country, knowing they might be called upon to put themselves in harm's way. Most served honorably. Somewhere along the way, things went wrong. That doesn't excuse their crimes. They are being held accountable and paying their debt to society. But does that mean we should forget their military service or abandon them when they need help getting their lives back together?

Over the past two years, I've learned a great deal from the incarcerated veterans themselves. Now I'm just beginning to understand the system from the outside, and there is a lot to learn! For example, did you know that veterans incarcerated for a felony for more than 60 days have their VA disability compensation reduced? Those rated 20% or higher receive only the 10% compensation rate. Those rated 10% receive half that amount. Their actual disability rating doesn't change, and benefits may be restored following release.

Healthcare is another issue. While incarcerated, their VA healthcare stops and receive contracted medical care through the correctional system. This is an important area I need to learn more about. 

Fortunately, organizations are working to help veterans successfully return to society. Easter Seals Maine has an employment program that, as I understand it, can begin 18 months before release and continue 18 months afterward. Preble Street helps eligible veterans facing homelessness find housing, although the timing and eligibility requirements can complicate the process. And there are other organizations that help in the transition. 

The Maine Department of Corrections also offers educational opportunities, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, work-release programs, and reentry planning. Each correctional facility, I am learning, offers programs somewhat differently. 

I'm also becoming involved with the Maine Reentry Network, hoping to better understand how all these organizations can work together. 

Here's what concerns me. A veteran leaving prison may need housing, employment, healthcare, transportation, identification, and restored VA benefits. All at once! Miss one piece and the others can quickly fall apart. At Maine Veterans in Need, we know how difficult homelessness can be to overcome. Imagine facing those same challenges immediately after leaving prison, sometimes without family support or a dollar in your pocket. I certainly don't have all the answers. In fact, I'm discovering how much I don't know. But I do know this: Most incarcerated veterans will eventually return to our communities. Helping them succeed isn't just good for veterans; it's good for their families, our communities, and public safety. 

They served once. They've made mistakes. Let's give them a fighting chance to succeed again.