Vets Corner: Veterans Treatment Court mentors needed

Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 5:18pm

Most veterans are strengthened by their military service, but the combat experience has unfortunately left a growing number of veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. One in five veterans has symptoms of a mental health disorder or cognitive impairment.

One in six veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom suffer from a substance abuse issue. Research continues to draw a link between substance abuse and combat–related mental illness. Left untreated, mental health disorders common among veterans can directly lead to involvement in the criminal justice system.

The Veterans Treatment Court model is an alternative-sentencing program which requires regular court appearances, as well as mandatory attendance at treatment sessions and frequent and random testing for substance use. Veterans respond favorably to this structured environment given their past experiences in the Armed Forces.

However, a few will struggle and it is exactly those veterans who need a Veterans Treatment Court program the most. Without this structure, these veterans will reoffend and remain in the criminal justice system. The Veterans Treatment Court is able to ensure they meet their obligations to themselves, the court, and their community.

Veterans Treatment Courts are successful in part because they link troubled veterans with volunteer veteran mentors. Justice for Vets, a national non-profit organization, is helping local Veterans Treatment Courts harness the camaraderie that exists among members of the Armed Forces by training veterans from the community to volunteer and serve as mentors for other veterans. The Justice for Vets Mentor Corps builds on the undeniable truth; there is no bond as strong as the one that exists between those who have fought for their country.

Kings County has recently established a Veterans Treatment Court and is currently soliciting for veteran mentors. If you are interested or know a veteran who may be interested in being a mentor, please contact the local veteran mentor coordinator, Scott Holwell, by calling 559-852-2661 or emailing scott.holwell@co.kings.ca.us.

The Kings County Veterans Service Office issues Veteran I.D. cards to honorably discharged veterans. Contact Joe Wright if you would like to receive periodic veteran’s information by email. There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents. To find out if you are eligible for any of these benefits, visit or call our office. We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms. You can get information on the Web from the Kings County Veterans Service Office webpage at www.countyofkings.com.
Joe Wright, retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, is the Veterans Service Officer for Kings County. Send your questions to the Veterans Service Office, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA93230; call 852-2669; or e-mail joe.wright@co.kings.ca.us.