As the war in Iraq winds down, veterans will begin returning home in increasing numbers, often with brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder and other problems related to duty. In Chicago, the Police Department’s crisis intervention program is responding to an increase in veteran-related calls and stepping up efforts to help those whose psychological wounds can harm everyone around them, especially their families. The Cook County courts are also developing a plan that would help keep veterans out of the criminal justice system.

As a law firm that concentrates on helping victims with traumatic brain injuries, Romanucci & Blandin salutes the police and courts for their efforts in this regard. Many returning vets are depressed and erratic. They often turn to alcohol and other mind-numbing drugs to ease the memories of combat. Everyday occurrences such as a police siren can trigger a flashback. In reality, they aren’t themselves – no one with a serious brain injury ever is – and they probably cannot comprehend what is happening.

Sadly, the number of veterans who have attempted suicide has also increased. According to studies, between 4,000 and 6,000 of them have attempted suicide. One thousand people have actually killed themselves, with the U.S. Army recording a record number last year.