By AP
EAST LANSING, MI –
David Jordon calls himself an "Air Force brat" who's just trying to "do the right thing" for veterans who show up in his courtroom charged with a crime.
A judge in East Lansing's 54B District Court, Jordon heads one of the five court programs in Michigan focused on treating veterans. Nationwide, there are about 80.
The program works to address veterans' underlying problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse and braininjury.
If veterans complete the program, they avoid serving jail time.
The Lansing State Journal reports the program has about 85 participants.
George Thomas of Grand Rapids serves as a mentor to one of the participants, a former U.S. Army Ranger. He calls Jordon "a very good-hearted man."