Veterans are often seen as heroes who have served their country with honor, but an unfortunate reality exists for some: incarceration. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, veterans make up about 8% of the state prison population and almost 6% of the federal prison population (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2021). While this percentage may seem small, it still represents more than 100,000 individuals who once served their nation but now find themselves behind bars.
The Complex Road to Incarceration
The path from military service to prison is complex and influenced by numerous factors. One of the most significant contributors is the mental health challenges many veterans face after their service, especially those who have been in combat zones. Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and depression are common among veterans. The invisible wounds of war often go untreated or under-treated, leading to behaviors that can spiral into substance abuse, domestic violence, or other criminal acts.
The transition from military to civilian life can also be difficult for many veterans. The structured, disciplined environment of the military is vastly different from the civilian world. Veterans often face feelings of isolation, purposelessness, and a lack of community support. Unemployment and homelessness further complicate matters, making it more likely for veterans to engage in criminal behavior to cope with the challenges of daily life.
A Path to Healing and Redemption
For many incarcerated veterans, the challenges they face are not only physical or emotional but also deeply spiritual. After experiencing trauma, hardship, and the struggle to reintegrate into civilian life, some veterans turn to destructive behaviors that lead them to jail. In this context, Bible study programs like Crossroads’ correspondence-based program have become vital resources for many veterans seeking healing, redemption, and a sense of purpose.
The Power of Faith in Overcoming Trauma
Veterans often carry the weight of their military experiences, including combat trauma, loss of comrades, and the moral and psychological burdens of war. For some, these experiences can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and a loss of identity. Bible study offers a space where veterans can explore their faith, find spiritual guidance, and seek answers to the deep questions that linger in their hearts.
The teachings of the Bible provide a framework for veterans to process their struggles. Themes of forgiveness, redemption, and hope resonate with many who feel lost or broken. For those wrestling with guilt or past actions, Bible study can help them understand the possibility of forgiveness—both from God and within themselves. The message of grace and second chances is particularly meaningful for veterans who may feel disconnected from society or have made choices that led to incarceration.
On this Veterans Day, will you join me in praying for incarcerated veterans?
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with humble hearts, lifting up our veterans who find themselves incarcerated. Lord, You know the paths they have walked, the burdens they have carried, and the battles they have fought, both on foreign lands and within themselves. You see their pain, their regret, and their desire for healing.
We ask for Your grace and mercy to surround them in their time of need. Guide them as they navigate the challenges of imprisonment. May they find comfort in Your presence, knowing that no matter where they are, You are with them. Let Your love be a source of hope and renewal in their hearts. Where there is hopelessness, bring a sense of purpose and redemption. Remind them, Lord, that their story is not over and that You can turn all things for good. Surround them with people who can encourage and uplift them, and give them the strength to walk in faith, even in the darkest of places.
Lord, we believe in Your power to change hearts and minds. We trust in Your ability to bring light where there is darkness. Help our veterans know that they are loved, valued, and not forgotten. May they find hope in You, and may they be led to a brighter future, built on the foundation of Your grace.
In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Allis Gilbert (US Army, Captain, Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09 Combat Veteran) joined Crossroads Prison Ministries in March 2024, bringing her passion for service and commitment to mission-driven work. As a former U.S. Army captain who served for five years, Allis understands the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life and the importance of support and healing for those who have served.
With seventeen years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Allis focuses on organizational change and leadership, having earned her doctorate in education from Southern California University. Her background equips her to contribute meaningfully to the ministry’s efforts to support incarcerated veterans and promote their rehabilitation through faith-based programs.
Married to her husband, Allen, for eighteen years, Allis is a dedicated mother to one daughter. Though she has lived in various regions of the country, she considers the Midwest her home. In her free time, Allis enjoys sailing, camping, and hiking with her family. When not exploring the outdoors, she can be found in her garden or engrossed in a good book.