Thirty-Nine Court-Involved Vet Served in 2022
Monroe County Veterans Court convened for the final time this year on Monday, asserting its mission to guide veterans ensnared in the criminal justice system to a more positive lifestyle through peer-to-peer accountability and mental health treatment.
From left, Vet to Vet Tennessee Vice President Randall Scott, graduate Brandon Stokes, Stokes’ father-in-law, mentor Bob Goguen, seated General Sessions Judge Dwaine Thomas.
A ceremony in the Monroe County Justice Center termed as a commencement by General Sessions Judge Dwaine Thomas granted justice to two former military men, freeing them of pending charges. The end of one journey and the beginning of another. “We ask you to pay it forward, to help the next person in line,” Thomas said.
Veterans Court is largely comprised of a team of mentors – a group called Vet to Vet Tennessee, fellow veterans, many from the Vietnam War, many with experience as a JIV or justice-involved veteran – who apply a unique approach to a Vet who has been arrested for a crime.
Often a law enforcement encounter comes at a pivotal moment in life, the death of a loved one, divorce, or isolation. A cause is uncovered and a mentor steps in, he or she is a partner for self-improvement. Appropriate medical treatment is arranged. After a lengthy process, six or seven months, at times more than a year, a JIV is presented to Judge Thomas prepared to graduate Veterans Court in lieu of a criminal sentence.
Mentors provide accountability and performance reports to the bench. In December, two out-of-county Veterans were recommended for advancement.
The first, was Brandon Stokes, Navy, Bradley County, mentor Bob Goguen.
“I would like to take some credit for this man’s progress but I would be lying,” Goguen said. Stokes, sober for one year. “I’m thankful and humbled for the program. Thank you for making this a reality. It’s helped me grow.”
Appropriately a happy experience inside a courtroom, Stokes’ father-in-law voiced appreciation and relief. “He received the therapy he needed,” he said. “I didn’t know what I was going to do with him. I can see he will be very successful.”
Vet to Vet Tennessee president Ed Junod introduced the second graduate, J.J. Cline, a single father of two and an Army Veteran from McMinn County.
From left, Scott Randall, graduate J.J. Cline, Judge Thomas, not pictured mentor Melvin Oggs.
“Today’s the end of the judicial system but not the end of your process,” Junod said. Judge Thomas: “I know it’s hard work. I’m proud of you. We appreciate your service.” Thomas continued, he said the purpose of Veterans Court was to assist members of the military, a form of repayment, and gratitude. “Justice is sometimes looking at the problem,” Thomas said.
Cline said McMinn County, and its prosecutors, were unmoved by his commitment to therapy, mentorship, and mental health evaluation. “You helped get this going,” he said to Thomas, “it’s helped me and my kids.”
Both graduates received commemorative tokens to mark the moment, a “You’re Worth It” suicide prevention t-shirt, a Vet to Vet Tennessee “Challenge Coin” to remind them help is available, a “Dog Tag” minted in Madisonville by Monroe County Veterans Service Officer Andy Boyd, a certificate of completion, and most importantly, an invitation to be compassionate in the future and help someone who needs it.
Wrapping up, Junod recapped Monroe County’s unique Veterans Court and its accomplishments for 2022. “This year has been incredible,” he said, thanking the program’s mentors, Monroe County Mayor Mitch Ingram for his support, McNabb Military Services Center, Blended Recovery, and the Department of Veterans Affairs for treatment, and Veterans Service Office Andy Boyd for logistics. Special recognition to Judge Thomas and each Veteran graduate.
For the year, Monroe County Veterans Court et al encountered 39 JIVs in six counties. There were 23 graduates and 14 currently working through the program. Two recruits were terminated and there were no dropouts in the last 12 months.
