Lampasas County Democrats will meet Saturday at 3 p.m. in the conference room of the Lampasas County Office Building to discuss veterans' issues and how cuts have affected veterans' care, said a party spokesman.

Guests will watch a segment from NOW on PBS called "Fighting the Army," which discusses the thousands of U.S. troops being discharged from the U.S. Army each year.

"Many who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries aren't getting the vital care they need," said the spokesman. "The Army claims these soldiers have pre-existing mental illnesses or are guilty of misconduct, but some say it is a way for the Army to get rid of 'problem' soldiers quickly, without giving them the treatment and benefits to which they're entitled."

In the episode to be shown, NOW travels to Fort Hood to meet soldiers fighting a new battle, "this one against the Army they served. Are soldiers being wrongfully discharged for honorable service?" asks the spokesman.

After the film, Carissa Picard and Sgt. Chuck Luther, both featured in the film, will speak about the challenges veterans face and will take questions from the audience.

Luther was sent to Iraq in 2006 as a combat scout. He served in the Army for 12 years with a perfect record, but while in Iraq, he began experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. "When he asked for help, the Army decided he had a pre-existing personality disorder and forced him to sign a discharge despite his passing numerous psychological exams in his years of service," continued the party spokesman.

He is contesting the discharge and other discharges similar to his.

Mrs. Picard, the president and founder of Military Spouses for Change, is the wife of an Army officer who was stationed at Fort Hood. The Georgetown University Law School graduate has fought the wrongful discharges of military personnel and cuts in veterans' care. She also is a political correspondent and op-ed contributor for Military.com.

"I look forward to attending and answering any questions about what is going on when our returning warriors come home and do not have their combat injuries appropriately identified and treated," said Mrs. Picard.

For program information, contact Casey Norman at (512) 305-3866 or caseythedemocrat@gmail.com, or visit www.lampasascountydemocrats.org.