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Quil Lawrence Quil Lawrence is a New York-based correspondent for NPR News, covering veterans' issues nationwide.
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National Security

ACLU Report Documents Deportation Of U.S. Veterans

The American Civil Liberties Union documented at least 84 veterans being deported or already exiled from the U.S., despite honorable service. NPR revisits the story covered last year.

ACLU Report Documents Deportation Of U.S. Veterans

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Health Care

VA Panel Report To Suggest More Private Care Choices For Veterans

The debate over how to overhaul the $10 billion Veterans Choice program is the latest skirmish between those who would like to privatize the VA and supporters of government health care.

VA Panel Report To Suggest More Private Care Choices For Veterans

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For Doctors And Patients, 'Veterans Choice' Often Means Long Waits

Psychologist Diane Adams devotes a portion of her private practice in Renton, Wash., to veterans. But she said the bureaucracy involved in the Veterans Choice program has proved frustrating and veterans have had a hard time getting approval to see her. Patricia Murphy/KUOW hide caption

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Patricia Murphy/KUOW

The Impact of War

For Doctors And Patients, 'Veterans Choice' Often Means Long Waits

The $10 billion Veterans Choice has not cut backlogs, critics say. This problem can be particularly urgent when it comes to mental health cases.

For Doctors And Patients, 'Veterans Choice' Often Means Long Waits

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Politics

Donald Trump Details Donations To Veterans Organizations

Donald Trump held a press conference Tuesday to address questions about charitable donations he claimed to make in support of military veterans.

Donald Trump Details Donations To Veterans Organizations

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New Report Says Pentagon Not Doing Enough For Sexual Assault Victims

Soldiers, officers and civilian employees attend a ceremony for the U.S. Army's annual observance of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in March 2015 in Arlington, Virginia. According to the Pentagon, the initiative is "meant to reinforce a climate of dignity and respect founded on good order and discipline." Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption

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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Parallels

New Report Says Pentagon Not Doing Enough For Sexual Assault Victims

The Pentagon admits a major concern over reprisals against troops who report sexual assault. A Human Rights Watch report says the Pentagon isn't doing enough to repair harm done by this retaliation.

New Report Says Pentagon Not Doing Enough For Sexual Assault Victims

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How Congress And The VA Left Many Veterans Without A 'Choice'

Navy veteran Amanda Wirtz looks through her correspondence with the Veterans Choice program. After the VA couldn't get her an appointment with a specialist, it sent her to the Choice program. But she still was unable to get an appointment for several months. Courtesy of KPBS hide caption

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Courtesy of KPBS

Back At Base: Stories On Veterans Choice

How Congress And The VA Left Many Veterans Without A 'Choice'

The $10 billion Veterans Choice program was supposed to cut down on wait times and let veterans see private doctors, but less than two years later, the faltering program needs an overhaul.

How Congress And The VA Left Many Veterans Without A 'Choice'

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Despite $10B 'Fix,' Veterans Are Waiting Even Longer To See Doctors

"Some days I wake up and go, 'Am I wasting time, when I could be on chemotherapy or getting a surgery?' " asks Tony Lapinski, a Montana veteran who worries about what is causing his severe back pain. Michael Albans for NPR hide caption

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Michael Albans for NPR

Shots - Health News

Despite $10B 'Fix,' Veterans Are Waiting Even Longer To See Doctors

A $10 billion program to eliminate long wait times and other problems for veterans' health care hasn't worked out as planned. More veterans wait even longer for care now than they did a year ago.

Despite $10B 'Fix,' Veterans Are Waiting Even Longer To See Doctors

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Veterans Vow To Fight Suicide With A Sword Forged From 9/11 Tragedy

The Spartan sword was forged from steel that was part of the World Trade Center when it came down on 9/11. The sword was created to inspire veterans to take the "Spartan Pledge" - a promise made between veterans not to commit suicide. Quil Lawrence/NPR hide caption

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National

Veterans Vow To Fight Suicide With A Sword Forged From 9/11 Tragedy

Veterans groups are trying to get vets to take a pledge not to commit suicide. They're using a powerful symbol — a sword crafted with steel from the fallen World Trade Center.

Veterans Vow To Fight Suicide With A Sword Forged From 9/11 Tragedy

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After Combat Stress, Violence Can Show Up At Home

Stacy Bannerman testifies before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs in 2006. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc./Getty Images hide caption

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Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc./Getty Images

Shots - Health News

After Combat Stress, Violence Can Show Up At Home

In a minority of cases, violent behavior accompanies post-traumatic stress disorder. Military spouses can become victims, and there are few resources around to help them.

After Combat Stress, Violence Can Show Up At Home

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After The Battle, The Harvest: Programs Help Vets Move Into Farming
Courtesy of Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture

The Salt

After The Battle, The Harvest: Programs Help Vets Move Into Farming

As thousands of younger Americans leave the military — which has been downsizing lately — the USDA would like them to consider carrying the torch as older farmers start to retire.

After The Battle, The Harvest: Programs Help Vets Move Into Farming

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Economy

Despite Low Unemployment, Veterans Struggle To Find Meaningful Jobs

Unemployment for recent veterans has hit a historic low, but it's not clear how many veterans are able to use their military experience to get meaningful employment.

Despite Low Unemployment, Veterans Struggle To Find Meaningful Jobs

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For The VA's Broken Health System, The Fix Needs A Fix

Irvin Bishop Small at his home in York, Pa. Quil Lawrence/NPR hide caption

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Back At Base: Stories On Veterans Choice

For The VA's Broken Health System, The Fix Needs A Fix

After scandals around veterans waiting too long for care in 2014, Congress pushed through a $10 billion fix to get those vets care, fast. Now it's almost unanimous: The fix is broken.

For The VA's Broken Health System, The Fix Needs A Fix

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For Fertility Treatment, Wounded Veterans Have To Pay The Bill

The Keils play with their twins, Matthew and Faith, at their home near Parker, Colo., in 2012. Ed Andrieski/AP hide caption

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Ed Andrieski/AP

Shots - Health News

For Fertility Treatment, Wounded Veterans Have To Pay The Bill

U.S. military health care covers the high cost of in vitro fertilization, but the Veterans Affairs health system doesn't. The discrepancy is putting vets with combat injuries in a bind.

For Fertility Treatment, Wounded Veterans Have To Pay The Bill

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Service Members, Not Citizens: Meet The Veterans Who Have Been Deported

Former U.S. Marine Daniel Torres stands outside the Deported Veteran Support House, known as the The Bunker, in eastern Tijuana. David Gilkey/NPR hide caption

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National

Service Members, Not Citizens: Meet The Veterans Who Have Been Deported

Military service does not guarantee U.S. citizenship, which has meant a group of veterans has wound up together just over the border in Tijuana, Mexico, at a refuge they've dubbed "The Bunker."

Service Members, Not Citizens: Meet The Veterans Who Have Been Deported

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