Over 200,000 New York State Veterans Urge Passage of Justice for Our Veterans Act

Speakers include:

Assemblyman Anthony J. Brindisi (D/I/WF, Utica).

Senator Joseph A. Griffo (R/C, Rome).

Captain Stephen F. Coville, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Police Captain. Military Experience: U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major; Served 29 years. Meritorious Service Medal; Two Bronze Stars; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

Art C. Cody, Legal Director, NYSDA Veterans Defense Program. Military Experience: Retired, Navy Captain, recent Afghanistan veteran (2011-2012), Member of American Legion, Veterans for Foreign Wars and Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America.

Mark S. Williams, Cattaraugus County Public Defender, Cattaraugus County Commander, American Legion. Military Experience: Retired, U.S. Navy Reserves Commander and Navy Judge Advocate Generals Corps.

Jonathan E. Gradess, Executive Director, New York State Defenders Association.

Speakers will describe the national mental health calamity for many veterans of the last decade. In New York, a study found nearly one in four returning veterans since 2001 had an unusually high rate of mental health problems, however only 50% of them are receiving adequate treatment according to another study. Untreated veterans with mental health conditions who commit a crime are lost in the criminal justice system. The men and women who put their lives on the line for America’s freedom deserve any needed support upon returning home.