Butler County Veterans Court Judge Tim McCune, left, goes over a court file with Veterans Court Mentor Dave Roberts in Courtroom 5 in the Butler County Government Center on Aug. 23.

Dave Roberts served his country during a tumultuous time in history.

Roberts of Butler Township, who served in the U.S. Army beginning in 1968, retiring as a colonel from the Army Reserves in 2006, now uses his experience to help fellow former soldiers as a mentor in Butler County Veterans Court.

Veterans Court aids veterans who have addictions and/or mental health issues and are facing criminal charges.

Roberts meets with defendants assigned to Veterans Court while they are undergoing its treatment program.

He adjusts the frequency and type of interaction based on the individual and circumstances.

Roberts said he firmly believes in the program.

“Not everybody gets the same shake in life,” he said. “We have an obligation to give a hand.”

For further information about mentoring, visit the state Supreme Court website at: http://www.pacourts.us/judicial-administration/court-programs/veterans-courts/volunteer-veteran-mentor-training-program.

A full report will appear in the Butler Eagle.