At the first Williamson County Veterans Treatment Court hearing I attended in February, a young male about 25- or 30-years-old stood slouched, arms at his sides and with defiance in his eyes, before Judge Laura Barker.

I watched her demeanor change quickly as he approached the bench. Speaking in a sterner but still warm voice, she admonished him to show respect for the court. Immediately, he straightened up, clasped both hands behind his back, military-style, and his defiant look softened.