Rural Veterans Court Growing

Continuing to repay a debt of honor to men and women of the United States Armed Forces, Monroe County Veterans Court on Wednesday confirmed the hard work and recovery of three justice-involved veterans from three East Tennessee counties.

Opening proceedings in the justice center’s General Sessions courtroom, Judge Dwaine Thomas at- tributed the ongoing success of vet court to its volunteer mentors – fellow veterans experienced in overcoming life’s challenges – and addressed the day’s graduates.

“Your commencement is the most important part of our Veterans Court,” he said. “The ultimate goal of this program is to put our graduates in a position to help the next person in line.” A jovial time and a day of celebration for lives mended, relationships re-stored, and purpose regained, graduating veterans approached the bench beside their Vet to Vet TN mentors.

Up first, Daniel McCauley, United States Navy, Monroe County resident, entered Veterans Court treatment on May 12, 2021, with two counselors, two mentors, Blended Recovery program, and 29 days with Veterans Administration Mountain Home VAMC.

“We worked really hard with you Daniel”, the president of Vet to Vet TN Ed Junod said. “You had a great transition from the VA’s Mountain Home and Blended Recovery. McCauley: “I appreciate the program. At first, I was shuffling along, not taking it seriously, took the great change to overcome personal issues, and marital issues. I got better. It worked. This is a great program.”

McCauley’s mentors, Scott Drapo and JD Phillips, Phillips is a 2021 Veterans Court graduate. Drapo: Good things happen to good people. Daniel will be a spark plug for our community. Phillips: It’s been a blessing working with Daniel. If you just make it through it, it changes your life.

Applause from the courtroom, acknowledgment from friends, relatives, county officials, smiles, handshakes, and claps on the back.

Daniel McCauley, a Navy submarine veteran, lifted up by mentors JD Phillipa, far left and Scott Drapo, right, completes Monroe County Veterans Court on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. Judge Dwaine Thomas, center back, rewarded McCauley’s 17-month recovery, freeing him from further involvement with the justice system.

With his wife and mother at his side, Sky Perry approached Thomas, Army service, lives in Polk County, and entered treatment on February 22, 2022. Perry: “A lot of people don’t have the support I have, my son, a beautiful woman.” I understand your mom held your feet to the fire”, Thomas said. “This is not an easy program. It makes you look at things you don’t want to look at.”

Perry’s mom, tearful, joyous: “This is such a great program. I’ve been praying for him.” Mentor Melvin Oggs said he and Perry talk regularly. “Sky’s always got something going on,” Oggs said. “He has a lot of support and he’s done really well.” Judge Thomas: “That’s all we want for everybody. Keep up the good work.”

Image left: Veterans and Mentor Melvin Oggs, Sky Perry, Perry’s wife, Perry’s mom, Judge Dwaine Thomas, Perry’s mom Joyce: “Army Strong!”

The third graduate, Chris Landry, Air Force, Bradley County, accepted the Veterans Court path on March 2, 2022, mentor Phillip. Landry “I appreciate the opportunity to get back on track, to be a role model and provider for my family.” Judge Thomas: “Thant’s all we want for everybody. Keep us the good work.”

Phillips: It was a pleasure working with Chris Landry and McCauley each accepted a commencement certificate, forgiveness from the court, a special Vet to Vet Tennessee “Challenge Coin” and “You’re Worth It” tee shirt, a keepsake “dog tag” pressed on a World War II machine in Madisonville and standing applause.

Veteran and mentor Melvin Oggs, Sky Perry. Perry’s wife, Judge Dwaine Thomas, Perry’s mon, Joyce. “Army Strong!”

Wrapping up, Junod said Veterans Court was “a shining star in Monroe County,” revealing plans in place that include hiring a specialist to present Monroe County’s Veterans Court to the Tennessee Supreme Court as a model for installing similar services in other rural Tennessee.

The goal: show the higher court and Governor Bill Lee how a volunteer-driven mentorship program such as Veterans Court impacts lives to promote the program throughout the state. Thanks extended for the founding and expansion of Veterans Court went out to Monroe County Veterans Service Officer Andy Boyd coordinating vet services, Monroe County Mayor Mitch Ingram and his cabinet for establishing one of Tennessee’s only dedicated veterans’ services buildings, and to the courts, lawyers, and supporters of the program in Monroe and other counties willing to help military veterans. The Monroe County BUZZ. September 10, 2022. Lucas Boring.