PTSD Army Veteran's Standoff Puts DOD on Trial in Oklahoma

There is a veteran facing charges after a hostage standoff. He was in the Army for 10 years and came home with PTSD. His family tried to get help for him and they grieve for the way things turned out. When he stands trial, the DOD yet again goes on trial for failing another soldier. #Powerpointcommandoes think they are doing something other than boring the hell out of the troops?

New Details Surrounding Norman Hostage Suspect's Defense
NEWS 9
BY JOLEEN CHANEY
Nov 14, 2014

CLEVELAND COUNTY, Oklahoma - The man who held three people hostage this week inside a Norman office building is being held without bond. His post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) took center stage in his defense. Friday afternoon Devin Rogers went before a judge for the criminal side of his behavior, but because of his mental condition, four attorneys have volunteered to represent him free of charge.

“As a group I think we decided to do it, because the story is just so heartbreaking,” attorney David Smith said.

For the innocent people involved as well as the guilty, but in no way does Devin Rogers' PTSD diagnosis mean he is off the hook for what he did.

“This is absolutely a cry for help, and that's what you heard from Jennifer who was in the room with him,” attorney Sam Talley said.
read more here

This is why we are seeing so many coming home and not getting the help they need to heal. They didn't get it while they were still in to begin with.
Army Vet: Protocol On Soldiers' Mental Health A Factor In Norman Standoff
NEWS 9
BY JUSTIN DOUGHERTY
Nov 18, 2014

The Army also stated it's focused on, "Placement of (behavioral health) providers within Patient Centered Medical Homes, and a network of Embedded Behavioral Health clinics."

Davis just considers those outlets lengthy PowerPoint presentations.

"As a soldier, I can tell you 99% of them classes turn into a big joke," said Davis.

CLEVELAND COUNTY, Oklahoma - The suspect in the Norman hostage standoff, Devin Rogers, is accused of holding three people hostage for over four hours. But we now know Rogers is also a 10-year Army veteran who has been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); a mental health issue the Army calls an important factor in the case.

Rogers' family and friends have repeatedly told News 9 he hasn't received the help he needs. So we contacted the Army for a list of mental health services. However, one veteran News 9 spoke to called that list a joke.

"If you become a big problem we'll just let you miss a few things, count you AWOL and kick you out of the Army," said retired Army Sgt. Dave Davis.

An improvised explosive device (IED) has Davis physically confined to a wheelchair. But it's what he considers the Army's "lack of personal relationship" with its soldiers that has Davis frustrated.

"You can't throw money at a problem and expect it to go anyway," said Davis.

Davis served for 19 years and retired in October. In addition to his physical ailments, Davis has also been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI, or traumatic brain injury, and other mental health issues.
read more here