Greg Pryor, a former Marine and NYPD officer, struggled with alcoholism after the trauma from his service and the September 11 attacks. Following his retirement in 2015, his drinking escalated, leading to multiple arrests, including weapons and DUI charges. In 2019, he was transferred to the Suffolk County Veterans Treatment Court, which offers rehabilitation and counseling for veterans instead of prison time.
Suffolk Veterans Treatment Court, established in 2010, targets veterans arrested for various offenses, with a focus on providing tailored rehabilitation programs. Judge John Toomey, a Vietnam veteran, created the court with the intention of treating veterans with respect and understanding. It has a 90% success rate, helping many veterans, including Pryor, reclaim their lives.
Defendants must regularly report to court and engage in treatment programs supervised by VA counselors. The program fosters camaraderie and support, exemplified by volunteer groups like the Green Jackets, who mentor participants. Pryor, now 18 months sober, credits the program with changing his life and has become a mentor himself, emphasizing the importance of community among veterans.
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