A number of deployed soldiers return home with severe mental and physical issues. In some instances this could result in criminal actions. The Veterans Court works to find alternatives to incarceration for servicemen and women. We discussed how the program has been working here in Western PA with Ronald Scott, a veteran and graduate of the program as well as David Hickton, US States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Hickton explains that both mentors and mentees benefit from the relationship built by Veterans Court:
"I think they find that the love and support they get from someone they might have never known before gives them the faith they need to trust the society that they're re-entering, and it allows them to shed the anger which causes them to operate off the grid." -David Hickton
Also in today's program, Andy Masich helps us celebrate the 75th birthday of the Jeep (first produced in Butler), and FreeBurgh previews free events in June.
The Jeep Turns 75 (starts at 29:16)
Seventy-five years ago, in 1940, the small Bantam Car Company of Butler, Pa. developed an automobile that helped to change the world – and shape the outcome of WWII. We’ll discover the backstory of the Jeep with Andy Masich, President and CEO of the Senator John Heinz History Center. We’ll also speak with Patti Jo Lambert, director of the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, the upcoming celebration for this iconic vehicle.
FreeBurgh's Top Free Events: June (starts at 44:25)
FreeBurgh is the city's one-stop source for all things free-of-charge. Founder Matthew Spangler gives us the "Free Three:" the top three events happening in the area during the month of June for Pittsburghers of all ages, as well as a spotlight on special events happening in one of Pittsburgh's surrounding counties.
More Essential Pittsburgh segments can be found here.
