The military and veterans are at greater risk than the general public for developing problem gambling, a serious mental health condition. The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling offers active military and Veterans information on problem gambling and how to get help.

Home - Safe Gambling for Military and Veterans

1986 Enlists in the Marine Corps

1987-1989 Deploys to middle east for two 6-month deployments

1991-1992 Assigned to 1-year tour of duty in Korea. Gambling starts to be problematic

1993-1995 Assigned to MCAS El Toro. Begins visiting casinos in Las Vegas and Southern CA

1995 Starts regularly attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings, however gambling continues

1996 First disciplinary action for gambling

1996-1997 Assigned to Camp Pendleton CA. Finances gambling with illegal actions

1997 Court Martial. Receives sentence three years confinement, rank reduced from E-7 to E-1

1999 Parole

1999 Continues to gamble

1999 Works as a congressional chief of staff in Washington DC, continues to gamble

2000 Enters inpatient gambling treatment

2003 Becomes homeless and has suicidal thoughts

2004 Enters inpatient gambling treatment program

2006 Hired by the VA as a nursing assistant

2008 Hired by the VA as a peer specialist, collaborates with team psychologist Amy

2011 Hired as a gambling counselor by the VA

2013 Marriage to Amy

2014 Begins presenting at national conferences and conducting trainings for gambling counselors

2015 Hired by the VA as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

A decorated and dedicated Marine deployed in middle-east danger zones, Glenn finds his life spiraling out of control when he develops a gambling problem and starts engaging in illegal activities to get money for gambling. With overwhelming financial and legal problems, he loses his security clearance and is subsequently court martialed resulting in incarceration. Losing his career, family and friend, at times he’s homeless, living on the street.

Treatment, relapses, and returns to treatment—his gambling disorder is the most dangerous enemy he’s ever confronted. Finally, in a structured VA domiciliary program, Glenn channels his forceful Marine determination and strength towards recovery. “If I wanted to live, I had to stop gambling.” Today, his career as a readjustment counselor for the VA, brings him great rewards in helping others with gambling problems. With renewed trust in himself, Glenn enters into a relationship. With his marriage to Amy, he continues to grow each day alongside his wife, who admires the victories and courage of her marine.
Click here to see the full-length documentary.

“I think problem gambling is very difficult to recognize in ourselves. Gambling is something we enjoy doing and so we’re going to be the last person to recognize that we may be having a problem. If you have a gambling problem, if gambling is taking over your life, the most important thing to remember is to ask for help. Asking for help will save you, it will save the people you love, and it can also save your career in the military.”

-GLENN
Nationally Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGC-II)
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist