SHREWSBURY, Mass. – The Worcester County District Attorney’s Prevention and Support Network held a meeting Tuesday to discuss its work to curb substance abuse among Worcester County veterans.

At the meeting, some veterans reflected on their substance use and their paths to recovery. The DA and supporters of the network say caring for veterans goes far beyond a holiday in November.

"As we come to this Veterans Day, we go to the parades and the pancake breakfasts, but I think we need go just a bit further,” said District Attorney Joseph Early, Jr. “That’s with a year-round thing, not just Veterans Day, to make sure that our veterans get the services we need."

"No one signs up for the military thinking they will come away with addiction,” said Sully Roberts of Veterans Inc., a veterans’ services nonprofit. “Veterans Inc. and this whole group here says they we’re there when we needed them. Now we have to be there when they need us."

Veterans in attendance Tuesday were offered substance abuse services, homelessness prevention and employment opportunities.