While this case may be happening in Pennsylvania, people in the Washington D.C. area - and across the nation - will want to hear the case of a 33-year-old veteran of the Marine Corps who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. He was charged with his second DUI a few weeks ago, and because of that criminal offense, he could lose all of his benefits as a military veteran.

When military service members return home after fighting for our country and proudly serving to protect us, they come home at a personal cost that few can understand. The loss of all benefits would deal a significant blow to the 33-year-old's ability to recover from PTSD, and the case in general puts a spotlight on the criminal justice system's handling of military veterans who face criminal charges.

In addition to the lost benefits, the man could be discharged from the military and be sent to a court-martial because of the DUI charge.

The Veterans Administration provides PTSD programs for military veterans, as well as other general medical treatments. The 33-year-old served had two tours of duty each in Afghanistan and Iraq. An IED explosion hurt the man on one of his tours, as he suffered a head injury from the ordeal. That injury and the 33-year-old's PTSD are covered by the Veterans Administration with his benefits.

The judge handling the man's case is looking at alternative means of rehabilitation for the 33-year-old. A Vietnam War veteran himself, the judge spoke words of support for the defendant when describing a possible probationary program the 33-year-old could enter. "We owe him that much for what he had done for us and this country. To do him out of the benefits is just crazy."

That program would grant the man temporary benefits and also give him the opportunity to see his DUI charge dismissed.

Source: The Tribune-Democrat, "Vets and crime: Judges consider service to country during sentencing," Sandra Reabuck, Feb. 4, 2012