The return to society can be a difficult transition for many veterans, particularly for those who have experienced the trauma of combat and the resultant physical, emotional and psychological damage.

Unable to find work, struggling with unaddressed mental health problems, and set adrift without the structure military service provides, some self-medicate with drugs and alcohol, which in turn can lead to criminal behavior and homelessness.

On Veterans Day, Connecticut should stand proud as a national leader in its efforts to help these veterans in their struggles. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy deserves credit as a trailblazer in this effort.

In late August, federal officials designated Connecticut as the first state to have ended chronic homelessness, defined as being homeless for a period of at least one year or having experienced four or more episodes of homelessness over a three-year period.

Connecticut was among one of just several states that are participating in the Zero:2016 initiative, which has the target of ending chronic homelessness among veterans by the end of next year. In making its announcement in August, the Malloy administration reported all known veterans experiencing chronic homelessness were either housed or on a path to permanent housing.

Connecticut attacked the problem with a combination of veterans' housing, federally backed rental assistance programs, and coordination among various federal, state and social service agencies and the business community to coordinate efforts and attack the root causes of the homelessness. According to the administration, since Gov. Malloy announced in February 2014 the state's plan to address homelessness among veterans, nearly 300 veterans have been permanently housed.

On Monday, Gov. Malloy addressed more than 100 veterans who are now inmates in Connecticut's penal system and participating in a new program to help their reintegration into society. At the Cybulski Community Reintegration Center in Somers, which opened in April, inmates approaching release receive counseling, vocational assistance and other services aimed at improving their chances of becoming productive citizens and staying out of prison.

Part of the governor's "Second Chance Society" initiative approved by the legislature this year, the program for veterans provides assistance from the Veterans Administration to devise a post-release strategy that offers continued counseling and help in lining up work and housing.

An estimated 700,000 veterans are in prison. In Connecticut, about 4 percent of the 16,000-inmate population is made up of veterans. While there are bad apples in all segments of society, including among veterans, we must strive to do better. Connecticut is trying.