Kevin* grew up deeply rooted in the military community and was proud to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps and serve in Afghanistan. He found success in the Marines, rising quickly through the ranks—until a brutal mission resulted in the deaths of several of his fellow soldiers and friends. Kevin began experiencing debilitating depression, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts, and was diagnosed with combat PTSD. Like many people suffering from PTSD, he turned to alcohol and drugs to cope and even attempted to take his own life.

Though he tried to get clean, and despite his diagnosis, Kevin was kicked out of the military. With a dishonorable discharge on his record, he struggled to find gainful employment—an important ingredient in his journey to a stable, sober life. Moreover, Kevin’s record carried a stigma that left him feeling ostracized within the veteran community.

Eight months sober and following a robust therapy treatment plan, Kevin was determined to get his life back on track—so he came to LAFLA for help. LAFLA attorney Louis Truong worked with Kevin to show the Naval Discharge Review Board that his past struggles were connected to his condition and ultimately secure a discharge upgrade, allowing him to rebuild his life and continue healing within his community.

Veterans like Kevin deserve the chance to recover and rebuild. Learn more about LAFLA’s Veterans Justice Center, the oldest free legal services program for Veterans in Los Angeles County.