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"After 12 years of war, more troubled veterans are fighting a losing battle, legal officials say.According to the Oklahoma County District Attorney's office, many of these veterans have post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Officials say they're getting out of the military and getting into trouble.Three years ago, the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office created the Veteran Diversion Program to aid them. The program gives troubled veterans an opportunity to wipe their records clean, and also gives them an opportunity to change their life.Officials say District Attorney David Prater got the idea when he worked in private practice and helped a veteran realize his numerous DUIs were being caused by PTSD.\"Once he got him the help that he needed, he was sober until he died,\" said Oklahoma County Assistant District Attorney Catherine Burton, who also runs the Veterans Diversion Program.\"We are awash in guys with issues with PTSD,\" said Tim Wilson with the OKC DA Veteran Diversion Program.\"When these guys start coming back from war, our numbers are going to skyrocket,\" said Burton, referring to a prediction program officials made a few years ago that has come true. The program is organized similar to an infantry rifle company. Wilson, a volunteer and former Marine, refers to himself as the \"Company Commander.\"According to the Oklahoma County DA Office, 500 local veterans have applied for the program to date. Many fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, but other participants fought in previous wars such as Vietnam, even World War II. Officials say after seeing horrible things overseas and being diagnosed with PTSD, many have become addicted to drugs.They're subsequently gotten in trouble for crimes like DUI, substance abuse and domestic violence.\"We interview guys at the most bottom of their lives; when they're in custody, or when they're in the throes of drug addiction,\" added Wilson, wearing a U.S.M.C. shirt and surrounded by pictures of program graduates.To be eligible for the program, the veteran's legal problems must be connected to their service. They sign a strict contract with the DA, agreeing to attend weekly treatment, call in every day and stay sober. They have up to three years to complete the program.\"We attempt to end crime, to reduce crime in the future, that's the secret of it,\" said Wilson.For program officials, the best part is seeing veterans turn their lives around and graduate. Each graduate is required to give a speech at the graduation ceremony.\"They get their certificate of having their honor restored, and they get to walk out proudly,\" said Burton.The veterans are still responsible for paying restitution to their victims before they can graduate. Officials say if they don't graduate, their charges are refiled. So far, 70 veterans have graduated from the program.Officials say the program is run by volunteers, doesn't have a budget, and needs donations. If you're interested in helping, or for more information, contact Catherine Burton or Christopher Gordon at the Oklahoma County DA's Office at (405) 713-1600.Crime footer"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.koco.com/article/restoring-honor-program-gives-vets-second-chance/4299648>