Michigan Judge Stops Border Patrol From Putting War Vet In Texas

BAY CITY, Mich. (AP) - A war veteran seeking to avoid a U.S. Border Patrol assignment in Texas because of post-traumatic stress disorder has won a key ruling from a federal judge in Michigan.

Anthony Gazvoda says the culture and environment in Laredo, Texas, reminds him of his time in Afghanistan while with the Army and triggers PTSD. The 31-year-old would like to be stationed at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in his native state.

Judge Thomas Ludington on Wednesday barred the government from ordering Gazvoda to Texas and marking him as AWOL if he doesn't report. The judge gave the government a month to determine whether any positions have been available in Sault Ste. Marie or Port Huron in the past year.

The government says the move sought by Gazvoda conflicts with anti-discrimination policies.