In a spiral after three Iraq tours, Marine found help in veterans court

After spending three tours in Iraq as a Marine, Anthony Stott came back to his Northville, Mich. home in 2008 and watched life spiral downward.

Although he had worked all his young life, now he couldn't find a job. He got so behind in his bills, he had to declare bankruptcy. In 2011 he was arrested for drunken driving and possession of marijuana.

He was sentenced to 18 months of probation with random drug and alcohol testing, which meant additional expense for him.

A probation officer suggested he attend something new in Novi called Veterans Court. The judge, Brian MacKenzie, impressed him. So did the probation officer, Mike McGlown.

Stott received counseling and was able to talk about his time overseas with other veterans.

Life's changed since Stott, now 27, completed his first nine of 18 months with the court — this time in a good way.

To read more about Stott and other veterans adjusting to life back home, please visit AmericanHomecomings.com. —

About American Homecomings

AmericanHomecomings.com is devoted to one of the most important issues of our time — the re-entry of members of the military to our cities and towns, our colleges and universities, our businesses, our homes.

The uncommon collaboration involves Digital First Media newsrooms across the country, including The Salt Lake Tribune. The site is following eight veterans for a year to shed light on how Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are faring.

Meet Utah's Jen Carver • An Army veteran of two Iraq tours, single mom, student at Weber State University majoring in social work and criminal justice, Jen Carver is a tireless, passionate advocate for helping other veterans get the most out of their college education.