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Three graduate from veterans court

Tribune-Star - 8/25/2018

Aug. 25--Three veterans took major steps in their lives Friday when they graduated from Vigo County Veterans Treatment Court.

And they set the tone for other veterans now participating in the effort that helps veterans receive the services they need to be productive members of society.

"It's been amazing to see your transformation," said Judge John Roach in the Vigo Superior 1 courtroom where a large group cheered on the three graduates while others waited for their brief hearings in front of the judge.

This was not the first group to graduate from the program, but it was the first time for three graduates at once.

The men received framed certificates, as well as letters of congratulation from U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly and state Sen. Jon Ford.

Col. Chris Colbert of the 181st Intelligence Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard also spoke to the graduates during a brief ceremony that began with a color guard presentation and Pledge of Allegiance.

Structure is important for success in life, Colbert said, and it often takes comrades holding each other accountable to be successful.

Many people in the community are supportive of the veterans court program, he added.

Roach said the court is not a "pass" for those who have run afoul of the law, and by successful participation, will have their cases deferred and dismissed.

The veterans spend a minimum of 18 months in the program, going to court hearings twice per month and submitting to regular drug screenings and meetings with counselors and others.

The three graduating veterans admitted they have had some bumps in the road toward progress, but they were thankful for the program.

As other veterans stepped forward for their hearings, Roach reviewed successes and emphasized where improvements were needed.

One veteran admitted he had a few drinks recently.

"I'm not happy with myself. I'm disappointed in myself," the man told Roach as he recounted some of the ongoing stress in his life.

After 14 months of sobriety, Roach said, the clock starts over for that veteran, who still has some community service hours to complete.

The mission of Vigo County Veterans Treatment Court is to create a collaborative, proactive effort between the court system and community organizations serving veterans. It is aimed at improving outcomes of veterans involved in the court system who have substance dependency or mental illness, and increases their opportunities for success after military service.

The court is a collaboration with the Veterans Administration, public defender's office, prosecutor's office, probation department, community corrections and other agencies. Veteran mentors also volunteer.

For more information about the program, go online to www.vigocounty.in.gov and search veterans treatment court.

Lisa Trigg can be reached at 812-231-4254 or at lisa.trigg@tribstar.com. Follow her on Twitter at TribStarLisa.

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