About 3,700 homeless veterans nationwide served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, according to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans in Washington, D.C.
Experts expect those numbers to grow because of the lag before many veterans actually turn for help. Tammy Wood, a program manager at Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System, said besides housing, many veterans need jobs and mental health services, including treatment for addictions.
Officials stressed that help is available for veterans – and that they hope more are willing to seek the assistance they need.
Glass said he lived in his Jeep or hotel rooms and stayed at relatives' homes after he was discharged from the military in 2004 because of alcohol and other drug-related charges. He then worked odd jobs and tried to avoid people – all while experiencing more nightmares and panic attacks.
"I thought I was going crazy," the 40-year-old said.
On the day we remember the fallen...
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