Always in service: Henderson man honored for efforts to help vets facing treatment court

Robert L. Lough recalls how Vietnam War veterans were shunned when they returned to the U.S., and now he wants to be there for former military personnel who need a friend in tough times.

Lough served in the U.S. Navy from 1967-73 and is a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Henderson and Boulder City Chapter 1076, among other involvement with local military and community groups.

He also has been volunteering with Henderson Municipal Court's Veterans Treatment Court since it started in 2011, helping veterans get back on their feet after being charged with misdemeanor crimes.

Lough was honored Feb. 4 as February Veteran of the Month by Gov. Brian Sandoval for his involvement with the alternative sentencing program. About 35 people attended the ceremony at the Grant Sawyer Building, 555 E. Washington Ave., including state officials, friends and fellow veterans. The event was led by Kathleen Dussault, deputy director of benefits for the Nevada Department of Veterans Services.

In addition to being a military veteran, Lough was a deputy with the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson, Ariz. He also was a homicide investigator and a sex crimes investigator.

"As I read your bio and what you continue to do, it's really impressive and also inspiring," Sandoval said at the ceremony.

Sandoval presented Lough with a certificate, and Lough and his wife, Barbara Brabenec, also received Veteran of the Month pins.

Created in 2011, the court program includes representatives from the legal system and volunteers helping to rehabilitate veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or drug or alcohol issues.

City of Henderson Judge Mark Stevens, who created the program, said its 30 volunteer mentors play a crucial role in helping veterans get back on track in life. He said Lough was a perfect fit for it.

"He's just a very pleasant guy and charismatic," Stevens said. "When I first started this, I knew how important the mentors were going to be. He's always been with the program and has dealt with high-risk, high-need individuals, and he's been so awesome at it."

Lough said Stevens' offer to help with the program came in the nick of time. Lough said he was at a low point in his life in 2011 after losing a leg due to a motorcycle accident and subsequently obtaining a prosthetic so he could walk.

"The person that the program helped most was me because I was in a very dark place, and I needed it," Lough said at the ceremony.

The program lasts for one to two years and can include community service, random drug or alcohol testing and regular trips to court to monitor progress.

"These guys who come into the system, they've been in the military," Lough said before the ceremony. "They come back, and they make a mistake. And they come into this program, and they're confused; they're upset. Some of them are angry. They feel lonely. And you get to work with them and help them progress through the system. You guide them in the right direction. You go to court with them. When they're called to stand up in front of the judge, you stand there with them, so they don't feel alone. They do the work; they do the counseling; they do the community services. Whatever it dictates. Then, when they graduate, you get to see the pride — the same pride you see when they first put the uniform on. It's important that they get their pride back; it's important that they get their self-esteem."

Lough said his background in the military and law enforcement helps him with his participation in the Veterans Treatment Court.

"It gives me an easier time dealing with prosecutors and judges because I'm more familiar with the system than someone who's never been a police officer," he said.

Lance D. Ryness, a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1970-73, said the program is a big help for veterans.

"Everyone makes mistakes," said Ryness, who attended Lough's ceremony. "That's what Veterans Court is all about."

For more information on Veterans Treatment Court, visit hendersonveteranscourts.com.

— To reach Henderson View reporter Cassandra Keenan, email ckeenan@viewnews.com or call 702-383-0278. Find her on Twitter: @CassandraKNews.