Erie's Andrew Spicer served just over eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps, and he is the focus of, this week's Remembering our Veterans story.

He participated in the Veterans Treatment Court Program at the Erie County Courthouse and he appeared before a judge on a weekly basis to explain where is life is headed.

That life, is now headed in the right direction.

"I got myself into a jam, and this place gave me, how do I put it...kind of gave me that I'm not in it alone kind of deal," said Andrew. 

The Treatment Court Program is designed to keep individuals out of jail and on the road to law abiding lifestyle.

Each participant is assessed for a variety of supportive services, primarily drug alcohol and mental health treatment, Vietnam veteran Skip Zeiber serves as Andrew's mentor.

"Anytime I was having a rough day, or anytime I didn't think I could do it, he was right there," said Andrew. 

Skip says the most satisfying thing is knowing that he helped Andrew. 

"I helped them," said Skip. "And even along the way they help me." 

The treatment court consists of a judge, lawyers, probation officers, and counselors and the treatment court team works to get the individual as much help as possible.

"A lot of my issues was the people that were around me at the time were enabling me," said Andrew. "They allowed me to do the things I was doing, drinking and other stupid decisions I was making."  

Not being in the Corps led to Andrew getting into trouble, he no longer has his teammates around him and that's where Veterans Court came to the rescue.

"I still miss being active, and I still miss the Marine Corp. It's something I wish everyone would go through," said Andrew. "It's something I am proud of and will never diminish." 

The program certainly helped Andrew, he's the general manager at Comfort Inn and Suites and he's held that position for the last year.