Summary: Servicemen and women place their lives on the line to protect and defend our country, the United States Constitution, and our way of life. Yet many of these brave soldiers return from wars overseas a shell of their former selves, falling victim to drug and alcohol abuse and haunting mental health issues. Enter Veteran's Court. In this podcast, you’ll learn of the Circuit’s efforts to help rehabilitate our veterans so they can once again be productive members of society – and you’ll meet the judge who got the program started. Judge Jerry Brewer was tapped as the obvious choice to preside over Veteran's Court – after all, he is one of their own. An Oklahoma native raised by a single mom, Judge Brewer’s career service spanned decades, beginning as a 17-year-old marine enlistee, then transitioning to a 4-year stint as a firefighter/EMT, and culminating with 21 years of service on the Orange County bench. Before retiring at year’s end, we sat down with the plainspoken judge to discuss his fascinating journey. Let us know what you think about the podcast.
