November is National Veterans and Military Families Month. To celebrate we ask Georgia judges who preside over Veteran Treatment Courts for success stories.
A recent USMC veteran came into our VTC homeless and had lost everything he had. In the VTC, he was able to go to work with a local utility provider. He dove headfirst into treatment and was able to get stable housing and move up in his job. He even welcomed a baby boy into the world. He recently stated, “This program saved my life and gave me the guidance to better myself. Veterans Court was the turning point in my life and gave me a chance to be a good father to my son”. Upon graduation, he bought his first home and obtained an even better job with a very large utility provider.
“Before entering the Veterans Treatment Court, I was a very selfish and angry alcoholic who had damaged my relationship with one child and was well on my way with my other two children. I was full of self-pity and self-hate. I resisted but gradually learned to trust again and change. Today I am an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous. I care about other people and I am rebuilding relationships with my family. Now they feel my love. I am so grateful for my second chance. I can now find joy again.”
U.S. Army veteran David Cherry entered our program homeless, jobless, disconnected from his family, and in addiction. “When I got out of jail I had nothing but the clothes I was wearing when I was arrested. Now, I live in a home that I purchased and have cleaned up the wreckage of my past. The Veterans Court held me to a higher standard, believed in me, and helped me believe in myself. I will never forget the love, kindness, and hope that I received from the judge and program staff.”
U.S. Army veteran David Cherry entered our program homeless, jobless, disconnected from his family, and in addiction. “When I got out of jail I had nothing but the clothes I was wearing when I was arrested. Now, I live in a home that I purchased and have cleaned up the wreckage of my past. The Veterans Court held me to a higher standard, believed in me, and helped me believe in myself. I will never forget the love, kindness, and hope that I received from the judge and program staff.”
” I was literally a crack baby!” Marine Veteran Sgt. Christopher Suida has overcome life circumstances that filled him with anger which worked when he was a machine gunner in Iraq. His rage ultimately cost him his fatherhood. But in VTC, in the Marine way, he improvised, adapted, and overcame, learning positive new ways of “warfare” leading him to re-gain his daughter. He is one of the most kind and gentle hearted men who loves to serve others and is an asset to our program and the community that he now serves.
Our recent VTC graduate. Mr. Simmons, comes from an accomplished and respected family of public serants. He wanted his parents, siblings, and children to be proud of him so he worked diligently to complete the program and help his fellow participants achieve their goals also. At hjs graduation. Mr. Simmons’ father. a state commissioner, gave a heartfelt graduation address of gratitude for VTC as the remainder of the family looked on with pride and respect.
Bobby has transformed from a challenge to a leader. In our Veterans Treatment Court, Bobby takes new participants under his wing and guides them throughout the court process. Additionally, he is volunteering with a local non-profit and addiction treatment centers. Bobby’s journey has been an inspiration for all the participants in our program and our team is blessed to work with him.
