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At-risk veterans find help at Operation Stand Down

Make shift court room one of the services
Posted at 5:25 PM, Sep 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-30 17:25:56-04

Inside the recreation center at Veterans Memorial Park. In activity room one. There is a make-shift court room.

“Good to see you sir on better terms,” said Pasco County judge Shawn Crane.

And Vietnam veteran Rocky Rocks is taking the latest step on his comeback.

“Every time I got knocked down, I picked myself up. Because the only person that knocked me down was myself,” said Rocks.

Judge Crane handles court here helping these veterans navigate the system, and in some cases waiving court fees.

The court is just one of many services for veterans at the yearly Operation Stand Down Event in Hudson.

“There’s the haircuts, the dental, medical. The resources are here for the vets,” said Vietnam veteran Maurice Buff.

There are even military style tents for those that want to stay the whole weekend.

Buff was once homeless, but after last year’s Stand Down, he now has a place to live, a job, and new role mentoring other vets.

“Whether they are homeless, down and out, just need a little help,” said Buff.

Back in the veteran’s court, Rocky just had more than a thousand dollars worth of fees waived.

“And I’m glad to see you are doing so well after graduating from veterans court,” said Judge Crane.

“God Bless you Sir,” replied Rocks.

It’s the kind of support that’s allowed him and hundreds of others who have served, to walk proudly again.