May 31, 2023 The Monroe County Buzz, Lucas Boring
Monroe Recovery Group Holds Polk County Graduation
Far from a one-man show, Vet to Vet Tennessee mentors, partners, court officials, advocates, and friends and family arrange for a group photograph in the Polk County General Sessions courtroom on May 24, 2023. Four East Tennessee veterans completed Veterans Court, each supported by a community dedicated to the well-being of United States military veterans.
Four graduates of the mentor-driven rehabilitation program were presented to General Sessions Judge Brooklynn Townsend, Vet to Vet Tennessee commending the court show grace to the men and women who served in the United States military.
Upon returning to civilian life the four had run afoul of the law. Two had been charged in Polk County. Without an established Veterans Court, Judge Townsend sent the pair to Monroe County Veterans Court for treatment. The remaining two became entangled in the justice systems of Monroe and Loudon counties.
The mid-week event served as an outreach as Vet to Vet Tennessee seeks to expand its Veterans Court format.
Monroe County General Sessions and Juvenile Judge Dwaine Thomas, a guest in the court of Judge Townsend, explained the existential goal of Veterans Court. Thomas has seen local Veterans Court decisions from his bench over the past nine years.
“The reason Veterans Court is successful,” he said, “is it engages veterans one on one.”
Since its inception in 2014, Monroe County Veterans Court has recorded less than a four percent recidivism rate. Ninety-six percent of the veterans it encounters are not arrested again after undergoing treatment.
For perspective, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services considers a “recovery court” successful if one in four is rehabilitated. Thomas continued: This program changes lives. When we change lives we change families, we change counties.”
“We’re trying to make sure the people and their families are successful,” Thomas said. “There’s nothing more important than helping your fellow man.”
One of the requirements of the Veterans Court is upon commencement the “justice-involved veteran” addresses the judge and relays his or her experience.
With diverse backgrounds, the four graduating veterans served in different branches of the military. Two were Navy, one Army, and one Marine Corps. Each had partnered with a Vet to Vet Tennessee mentor.
Mentors are recruited from the pool of previous graduates, who after receiving guidance choose to pay it forward and help someone else. They are all veterans who can relate to unique challenges that emerge from the shadow of military service.
Two of the day’s graduates are from the Chattanooga area committed to becoming future Vet to Vet Tennessee mentors.
One, Lee Bacon Jr. entered Veterans Court in November 2022. He was referred to Monroe County by Judge Townsend. Bacon said he struggled with recovery at the time. He joined a support group at the VA clinic in Chattanooga and was working through a program. His partner Roxie stood by his side.
From left, Vet to Vet Tennessee Chaplain Melvin Oggs, Roxie Hurley, veteran Charles “Lee” Bacon, Jr., Mentor Coordinator Randall Scott, Judge Brooklynn Townsend, and Judge Dwaine Thomas.
“I give all the glory and everything to God for putting these good people in my path,” he said. Roxie, tearful: It’s been a struggle for him at times. He’s changed so much in the past year.” Mentor JD Phillips, Air Force.
From left, Vet to Vet Tennessee Chaplain Melvin Oggs, Mentor Coordinator Randall Scott, Kerri Collee, veteran Ronnie “Ron” Collee, Mentor Jamey Sands, Judge Brooklynn Townsend, and Judge Dwaine Thomas.
Another graduate, Navy, 26 years of military service, Ronnie “Ron” Collee experienced issues readjusting as a civilian. “I’d like to thank the Vet to Vet Tennessee program for being there for vets and thank you to the court for hearing this. Vets have it hard to transition out of the service.” Mentor Jamie Sands. Marine Corps.
Collee’s wife, 20 years a military wife: “A lot of people need this program.”
From left, Vet to Vet Tennessee Chaplain Melvin Oggs, Mentor Coordinator Randall Scott, veteran David Gross, Mentor Jamey Sands, Judge Brooklynn Townsend, and Judge Dwaine Thomas.
Third graduate, David Gross, Loudon County, Navy: “This program changed my life. I’ve been sober since joining. Had friends who committed suicide. Glad to be here. This has not been easy. Every day is a fight. Wish more people knew about this program.” Mentor Jamie Sands, Marine Corps.
From left, Vet to Vet Tennessee Chaplain Melvin Oggs, Mentor Coordinator Randall Scott, Mentor Michael McGrail, veteran Timmothy Moses, Judge Brooklynn Townsend, and Judge Dwaine Thomas.
Fourth and final graduate, Timothy Moses, Monroe County, Marine Corps, mentor Michael McGrail. “I’ve learned a lot about myself. These guys really care about you. I’ve done a lot of wrong in my life and hurt a lot of people. Glad Judge Thomas gave me a second chance.”
Thomas: “It’s not about what we’ve done in the past. It’s what we do with that experience in the future.”
Judge Townsend, to the graduates: “Thank you for your service. My grandfather, uncle, and father-in-law served in the military. I’m so proud of all of you. Thank you for putting in the work.”
Each graduate said he wished he had known about Vet to Vet Tennessee mentorship at an earlier point in life.
In closing, President and founding partner of Vet to Vet Tennessee, Ed Junod said half of all the veterans his organization has encountered were suicidal. “Pick up the phone,” he said. “You’re not alone.”
Vet to Vet Tennessee can be reached at 865-336.2624. If you or someone else is in a crisis, call 988.
