VetLaw 2014: A Forum for Law Students & Lawyers Serving Veterans Presented by Major General Butch Tate, US Army (Retired) Senior Fellow for Veteran Legal Affairs Justice for Vets “A Resolution To Not Just Say Something…But To Do Something”

"Maybe the thanks of a grateful nation can and ought to be more tangible. Maybe the warm feelings we experience when we shake a Soldier's hand and offer best wishes ought to be accompanied by resolve. A resolution to not just SAY something, but, to do something.” Ken Fisher Chairman and CEO Fisher House

Deployments (Context) More than 2.6 Million have deployed since 9/11 1 Million are eligible for VA services Approx. 142,000 are single parents of minor children 44% of OIF/OEF Servicemembers have served multiple deployments in 9/11 In 2010, an estimated 300,000 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans were suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or major depression. The largest sustained deployment of military service men and women in the history of the all-volunteer force

Challenges (Define the Problem) 22 suicides per day Drug and Alcohol Abuse Sexual Assault and Trauma Unemployment Over Prescription PTSD TBI Divorce Spousal and Child Abuse Behavioral Health Problems Unmet Needs; 3/10 are Legal

Challenges (Define the Problem) Different Era/Different Context/Same Real Challenges Some Veterans turn to drugs/alcohol as result of their service. Traditional community treatment does not meet the unique needs of Veterans. Some Veterans are ending up in the criminal justice system as a result of their service. Instead of Incarceration - Accountability, Treatment, Rehabilitation.

Building Community Capacity to Meet the Need (The Solution) Law School Legal Clinics Veterans Treatment Courts; Justice for Vets Legal Aid Programs and Clinics Web-based support StandDowns Legal Clinics in VA Facilities ABA Programs Operation Home Front Homeless Standdown Pro Bono Project VJOs State and Local Bar Association Programs

Continuing Education  Family Law and Military (1 hour)  Serving Those Who Have Served (35 minute video)  Military Cultural Competence (1.25 hours)

The Way Ahead: Sustainability Impact of withdrawal from Afghanistan What are the long term consequences of over a decade of war? Can we sustain the “sea of goodwill? Will public opinion change? Who will lead the efforts for sustainability? Who will fund? Policies will need to change.

Criminal Administrative Civil VA Benefits Discharge Upgrades Correction of Military Records (awards, credit for prior enlistments, as examples) Security Clearance Revocations Adverse Military Administrative Actions Federal, State, Local ProsecutionsExpungement of Criminal Records Bond Hearing Revocations Probation and/or Suspended Sentence Revocations Driver’s License Revocations Mental Health Involuntary Commitment and/or Treatment Outstanding Fines and Warrants Name Change Immigration Income Tax Family Law—divorce, custody, child and spousal support, guardianships Wills and Powers of Attorney Landlord/Tenant Consumer Protection Employment (USERRA) Assistance for pro se actions by the client Moving to Alignment and Leverage A National Exchange could: Assure better data about needs Build a more reliable pipeline to available services Improve coordination among and between legal system players Identify gaps in services Army OneSource State Bar Associations and Military Law Committees National legal associations, including the ABA and its many related efforts including ABA Pro Bono Project, Operation Home Front and Operation Stand By The local Bar Associations Veterans Treatment Courts Community Partners in Housing, Transportation, Employment, Behavioral Health Prosecutors Public Defenders Veterans Affairs (VJOs and VSOs) Military Legal Assistance offices The National Resource Directory Veterans Legal Aid Clinics Equal Justice Works Legal Aid Organizations