There are tens of thousands of troops across the country who have been kicked out for minor misconduct. When a soldier is discharged in that way, the record may follow them, affecting their chances of getting a job. It may even prevent them getting care at the Department of Veterans Affairs for mental problems and brain injuries they may have received in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Some experts say those wounds could have contributed to the troops' misconduct in the first place. And NPR, in collaboration with Colorado Public Radio and KUNC has reported extensively on this issue before.
Now Kasey Cordell, features editor at 5280 magazine, profiles the University of Denver’s Veterans Advocacy Project.
The DU project is part of a consortium of legal clinics across the country to help such veterans. Cordell spoke with KUNC News Director Michael de Yoanna. Click "Listen" to hear the interview.
- More: “Missed Treatment” and follow up stories at NPR
- Read: Breach of Honor at 5280 magazine
- More on this subject from KUNC here and here.