Vietnam veterans mentor to other veterans

New Mentor Program Helps Area Veterans Adjust to Civilian Life
Posted: Jan 04, 2010 5:49 PM EST

by Kristen Elicerio
For a lot of veterans combat service, repeated deployments or drug and alcohol abuse make the adjustment back to civilian life difficult.

A new program aims to help soliders adjust and steer clear from troubles with the law.

"This is a mentors program where we have mentors deal completely outside the court system as early as possible when a veteran is identified as having some legal issues. Whether a victim, or a witness or a perpetrator," said Judge Todd Bjerke.

Mentors in the program help further push vets towards getting help.

"This is a way to maybe reach people who have not asked for help or were not aware of help. If we can get them into the VA system, get them some assistance, maybe mediate some legal problems, I see that as a big plus for this community," said Veteran Services Officer Jim Gausmann.

Mentors who were sworn into the program Monday are also veterans.
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http://www.wkbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=11767126