Lorain County Veterans Court holds 35th graduation ceremony

ELYRIA — The Lorain County Veterans Treatment Court held its 35th commencement ceremony on Monday, graduating a U.S. Army veteran who ended up there after getting in trouble with the law. Probate Judge James Walther presented Michael Bason with a certificate, a framed award of excellence for successfully completing the program. He also received a hat, challenge coins, a $100 gift card for gasoline — and hugs. A self-described "man of few words," Bason, 61, told his fellow participants it wasn't easy for him to enter Veterans Treatment Court the first time. "It was tough but I had to change my mindset," he said. "I had some real people who stood with me." Law enforcement, court and probation authorities identify veterans with substance abuse or mental health issues and low-level criminal offenses who would benefit from the 16-month program. If accepted into the program, veterans are then connected with peer mentors, community and government resources and appear before Walther for regularly scheduled court dates where they update him on their progress with sobriety, jobs and family. The court has five mentors, Walther said, and participants are required to talk to their mentor at least once per week. Veterans Treatment Court has existed in Lorain County since 2013. Special support staff, adult probation officers, court-appointed attorneys, the Prosecutor's Office and the county Veteran's Service Commission all are involved in the progam. Violations of court rules, such as testing positive for drugs or alcohol, can come with consequences including jail time or more harsh restrictions. Sober for more than six months, Bason will have a low-level felony drug charge dismissed according to the Prosecutor's Office. His advice to other veterans in the program? Don't lie, and "be straight up," Bason said. Walther noted that Monday as he gestured to a door that leads out of his courtroom to a holding cell and eventually to the Lorain County Jail. Fortunately, he said, "it's been a long time since anyone has gone out that door, which is the way I like it." Contact Dave O'Brien at (440) 329-7129 or dobrien@chroniclet.com