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January 5 • 2017 11 experiences that you and your colleagues have gone through," Grant said. One mentor is Clyde Willis of Waterford, a Vietnam veteran who was one of the treatment court's first graduates. According to Grant, Willis is "the most awesome human being," continually helping others as a mentor and through his involvement with other veterans programs such as Operation Care Package. "I enjoyed the program," said Willis, who came into the treatment court after being convicted of assault. "They asked me to help and I was glad to do it. We really try and help the guys out." SEEING A NEED Grant initiated the veterans court pro- gram in 2013, after then-probation officer Marseille Allen told her a certain group of probationers, mostly veterans, were having trouble complying with their probation requirements. After some research, Grant learned many of these veterans were struggling with issues, such as finding housing, accessing VA benefits or dealing with PTSD and other mental health problems because of their service. Grant, a graduate of Wayne State University Law School who is also the chief judge of Oakland County Circuit Court, began meeting informally with veterans in her chambers to help them navigate the system. Realizing that an official structure was needed, the Veterans Treatment Court was launched. According to Grant, the Oakland County program is one of two programs in the country (the other is in California) exclusively for veterans whose military experience led directly to the felonies they are facing. For many, this is their first involvement with the criminal jus- tice system. So far, 11 men have participated. Women are welcome, but none have yet taken part. Grant, who grew up in a Conservative Jewish household and "married Reform," says her desire to help those in need was inspired by her parents; her mother, Lisa, whom she calls her "personal hero," and her father, retired Oakland County Judge Barry Grant, whom she considers "the best judge this county ever had." As a probate/juvenile judge, her father set an example of advocating for those unable to stand up for themselves. "I learned from him about caring for people," Grant said. "The way I was brought up, the definition of maturity was giving back to others and the com- munity." She manifested these beliefs as a prac- ticing attorney in 1990, when she devel- oped a series of free programs called "Removing the Mysteries of the Probate Court," designed to help Oakland County residents with estate planning and pro- bate issues. Earlier this fall, Grant was recognized by the State Bar of Michigan, earning the organization's Champion of Justice Award for her ongoing work with the Veterans Treatment Court. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 11-20 percent of individuals who have served in combat are affected by PTSD, with the number of Vietnam veterans estimated at 30 percent, compared to about 7-8 percent of people in the general popula- tion. PTSD is often accompanied by problems that include drug and alcohol abuse, acute stress disorder, nightmares and other sleep issues, and increased anger as a response to stress or real or perceived threats. Vallone, who suffers from agoraphobia (fear of leaving the house) in addition to PTSD, told the court he did not under- stand why he was arrested for taking out his gun when he felt threatened by an individual at a local gas station. "I'm a little bewildered," he told the judge. "I've carried a weapon for 50 years and I've never had to take it out. I never felt I was in jeopardy [before]. I was told [the gun] was to defend myself, so I don't understand." Grant assured Vallone she would look into his case and get him some answers. She also promised to find him an alter- native to the medical marijuana he had been using to treat his PTSD. Many veterans, she explained, have previously been given drugs that are not in the treatment program or are not recom- mended for PTSD. "No Ambien with PTSD," she said emphatically, explaining that the pre- scription sedative, commonly prescribed for those with trauma-related sleep issues, can intensify the combat-related stress symptoms and can also lead to addiction. As each veteran takes his turn before Grant, it is clear her role goes far beyond administering a judicial program; she is also a caring and nurturing advocate who sees the veterans as individuals rather than case numbers. "They don't get special privileges," Grant said, "but they do get special attention." * Clyde Willis, veteran court graduate/ mentor, and Vietnam vet John Vallone 2140940 Serving Our Community For Over 45 Years! Jeff Stewart Assistant New Car Sales Manager Serving the Community Since 1969 5FMFHSBQI3Et4PVUIýFMEt t 248-636-2736 Glassman Automotive Group CONGRATULATIONS GLASSMAN SUBARU A division of Rated #1 In Best Purchase Experience in the Midwest 2013 and 2014 2143800 MOVING? EVERYTHING GOES from "Cottage to Castle" 30+ YEARS THE AREA'S MOST EXPERIENCED AND TRUSTED ESTATE SALE COMPANY! ANDY AND LINDA ADELSON rFHPFT!BPMDPN Everything Goes Estate Liquidation, Inc. www.EgoesEstateSales.com SALE HOTLINE: 248-988-1077 STYLE . VALUE . 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