Why are so many Veterans on death row?

2015-11-10T09:31:02-05:00

Across my screen flashed the words, "300 Veterans on death row, some with PTSD." This of course got my immediate attention, the article attached to it was a let down though because it didn't address the issue. It was more about the plight of a single veteran Courtney Lockhart and had a link to another story, "Georgia Vet with PTSD Is the First Inmate to be executed in 2015". This headline like so many other headlines are just attention grabbers.

I couldn't get the headline out of my head though and I started looking for other articles on the subject. There are 3,002 inmates on death row in the United States and 300 of them are veterans. 10% of the inmates on death row are veterans. That number seems kind of high, it's 3 points higher than the number of U.S. citizens that have ever served 7%.

There is a chance that the current climate with respect to ideals, perceptions, and negative reporting about the military, led to Soldiers being convicted not based on the facts and knowledge of the case but on these perceptions?

Many people used the military as a stepping stone to get to a better life through using education benefits. An education led to increased income and the ability to better yourself. Does the current economy and job market come into play here, with many veterans returning and unable to find work? Are veterans failing to use their benefits and falling into poverty?

PTSD - Soldiers returning with PTSD have difficulty getting into programs, they self medicate, they hold onto their anger, fear, ....

Training - Does it play a role in the veterans on death row getting there?

In trying to find out more about why there is such a large number of veterans on death row I came up with many more questions than answers. I think though it's important to recognize that one of these things or combination of them could lead to a Veteran ending up on death row. We need to reach out, to develop programs, to develop personal action plans for those that need help, to find a way to keep our brothers and sisters off death row.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 9:41 AM

2015-11-10T09:41:27-05:00

There's a fine line between disease (PTSD, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction) and personal responsibility for our actions.

I'm convinced most people will do better if they know better. The programs are there. There's literally hundreds of options for veterans in need; and there seems to be just as many barriers for vets in need of these programs.

The question is, how do we remove the barriers so our vets can get the help they need?

I personally believe it's community based programs that provide us with a fellowship with others and we help each other through it. It's in community that we hold each other accountable. It's those of us who've made it through who will provide the help.

Response by SFC Cary Jeffery made Nov 10 at 2015 9:54 AM

2015-11-10T09:54:24-05:00

Caught in the act or inaction! If not criminal, the law violation stem from unresolved issue of the military situation. What was time of servjce? Hell Angels were Vietnam Veterans. They took no prisoners. They foot to the death so they were not survivals of the street games for prosecution in the court system.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Nov 10 at 2015 6:13 PM

2015-11-10T18:13:40-05:00

I think the stat from the article stated that 300 represents about 10% of all death row inmates, which is clearly not proportional to the veteran population or the incarcerated veteran population.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Nov 10 at 2015 6:28 PM

2015-11-10T18:28:29-05:00

I read this article this morning. Couldn't believe it. Had no idea. Clearly something needs to be done.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 8:18 PM

2015-11-10T20:18:32-05:00

Unfortunately we should not be surprised so many vets are in jail or death row. From the time I've been a 1SG and through current time as a CSM I've seen quite a few "Soldier candidates" (that's what I'll call them because they never quite made the change and embraced the calling)....I seen quite a few get separated for inability to be a Soldier 24-7. Way too many want to cling to their roots as civilians, the habits and hobbies they had, the attitudes and demeanors, and frankly some where a product of their upbringing. Parents failed to introduce discipline and decency values, schools are disempowered to "call them out" for fear of law suits. So unfortunately young JOE comes into a watered down basic training that refrains from yelling, or giving them a shock-treatment of a new culture that will test if they are truly willing (and able) to make the transformation into a rule-abiding, self-disciplining, and devoted Soldier. Long gone is the "break them down to build them up again, as Soldiers". So they'll arrive at a unit, quite at first; then slowly bring back their attitudes and in some cases a sense of entitlement. Hard work and long hours added with a no nonsense NCO full of zeal equates to complaints of being offended and a hatred for the somewhat unpredictable life style.....so natural tenancies (never broken or removed) come out and JOE reverts to his pre-Army behavior (drugs, disobey, disrespect authority, crimes, etc...). If the Army is a reflection of society, then I'm not surprised veterans are also in jails and death row.....we have those pieces of society in our ranks too.
Finally, PTSD or alcoholism is not unique to the Army. Firefighters, EMS, Police, correctional officers experience similar traumatic events. PTSD may be a symptoms for the reason they are on death row or jail, it's not the disease.
My 50 cents worth after starting into my fourth decade of service

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Mar 24 at 2016 1:32 PM

2016-03-24T13:32:42-04:00

I had no idea.