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Judge Nanci Grant listens to a veteran tell of his progress in the court’s treatment program.

Veterans Court

Ronelle Grier | Contributing Writer

Judge Nanci
Grant’s unique
court gives
troubled vets
special attention.

V

ietnam veteran John
Vallone did not know what
to expect when he stood
before Oakland County Circuit
Court Judge Nanci Grant for the
first time. Instead of a rebuke,
Vallone, charged with brandish-
ing a gun during an altercation
in a local gas station, received a
heartfelt “Welcome home” from
the judge, who was overcome
with emotion as she thanked him
for his service and for putting
himself in harm’s way for the sake

10 January 5 • 2017

of his country.
Vallone was part of a group of
former soldiers who gather month-
ly in Grant’s courtroom as part of
a treatment program designed for
combat veterans charged with non-
violent felonies that include illegal
drug use, assault and other
offenses. According to Grant,
most of the participants suffer
from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder) or mental health issues
caused or exacerbated by their
combat experiences.
The Oakland County Combat
Veterans Treatment Court, the only
one of its kind in Michigan, is open
to veterans who have participated
in combat and are currently serv-
ing in the military or honorably
discharged. Additionally, the felo-
nies they were charged with must
be a direct result of their service,
such as drug use or other behaviors
caused by PTSD or similar condi-
tions caused by their service.

On this day, the courtroom is
filled with those currently in the
program as well as former partici-
pants, who come for the moral sup-
port and the monthly yoga sessions
that take place in a building across
the street from the courthouse.
While they wait for the judge to
arrive, the veterans express their
admiration for the program and
the judge who presides over it.
“She’s wonderful, very nice,” said
one of the veterans, adding that
Grant is a stickler when it comes to
complying with the requirements
of the treatment court. “She’s got
a program, and you’ve got to stick
with that program 100 percent.”
For many of the veterans, treat-
ment for alcohol and substance
abuse is a major part of the pro-
gram. There are five phases, and
participants can advance to the
next phase only when they have
met all the requirements of the pre-
vious phase, which often include

regular drug testing, counseling
and community service.
Also present in the court-
room is Michigan Department
of Corrections probation liaison
Denise Reeves-Cook, who has her
own docket and also works in con-
junction with the veterans court.

A PERSONAL TOUCH
Once Grant is seated behind the
bench, the veterans stand before
her, one by one, to report their
progress and discuss any difficul-
ties that have arisen since the last
session.
“You’re so not the same person
I saw four month ago,” she says,
beaming with parental-like pride at
one of the veterans.
She talks to each as if speak-
ing to a friend, asking about
jobs, housing, medications, their
spouses’ health and the importance
of attending relapse prevention
groups.

Todd Goff has brought his wife
along, and Grant confirms with her
that things are going well at home
since Goff started the program.
“I’ve only met him twice, but I’m
already a fan,” Grant says. “We’re
on a positive move, and we’ll keep
it that way. If there are bumps,
we know how to deal with them.
You’re being honest with us, and
that’s the most important thing.”
Before Goff returns to his seat,
Grant commends him for partici-
pating in the monthly yoga classes.
“I needed calming,” he smiles.
When Grant learns one par-
ticipant’s wife has been ill, she
expresses concern.
“Stressors like that can be a red
flag,” she says, urging the veterans
to utilize the program mentors, a
group comprised of veterans and
former court participants, with
whom they can speak freely and
confidentially.
“I could never understand the