Suffolk Prosecutor Who Works With Veterans Promoted To Army Major

BOSTON (CBS) -- Whether he's in court prosecuting a case in Boston or driving a Humvee in Afghanistan, Assistant District Attorney and two-time Bronze Star Medal recipient Brett Walker loves to serve his country.

"I always identified myself as a soldier," Walker told WBZ-TV. "And the soldier makes me the husband and father and prosecutor I am."

On Friday, in front of family, coworkers and veterans, the 33-year-old was promoted to Major in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. The ceremony took place inside Boston Muncipal Court where Boston Veterans Treatment Court sessions are held.

"Your honor, I recognize how many cases happen in this court house everyday," Walker said. "Thank you for allowing to conduct this here in a place that means a lot."

Every Friday Brett Walker dedicates his time to the Boston Veterans Treatment Court helping those who serve their country but find themselves in trouble get a second chance at life.

"It's my job to make them aware of the programs out there for them and provide the impotence to get into those programs," Major Walker said.

He has helped veterans like Michael Burke, who's been in the veterans treatment program for a year.

"I came back with multiple issues like PTSD," Burke said. "Brett Walker and the treatment team saved my life."

"We couldn't be more proud of Brett and seeing him get promoted here. It's fantastic," Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley said.

Maj. Walker has been a prosecutor since 2013, and has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Walker hopes he can give back to others the way the National Guard has helped him.

"It's given me courage and commitment. It's given me character, excitement and education. It's given me so much and I hope I can give back to the Army what it has given to me," Maj. Walker said.