Soldiers' Advocates Say Fort Carson Banned Them

DENVER (AP) — Two veterans who advocate for injured or mentally ill soldiers have filed a lawsuit saying they've been illegally barred from Fort Carson.

The lawsuit was filed Monday in Denver federal court by Robert Alvarez and Andrew Pogany. They say they were told in November 2012 their presence disrupted "good order and discipline" on the post.

They say they had been on Fort Carson frequently without problems.

Alvarez and Pogany say the Army later falsely accused them of physically interfering in a personnel proceeding and of coaching a soldier to fake mental illness.

Fort Carson didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Alvarez and Pogany say they help soldiers get medical benefits and avoid being kicked out or disciplined for conduct they blame on service-related injuries or mental illness.

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