Lee Erwin Reporting
lerwin@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Montgomery County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) held a graduation ceremony Tuesday, September 30 at the Montgomery County Courts Complex. The courtroom of General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Ken Goble Jr. was filled with community leaders and supporters of the program.
There were five graduates of VTC, Dale Albarran, Daniel Cruz, Jason Gosz, William Nelper and Muhammad Shahid. The veterans took turns talking about their service in the military, family issues and other problems they have worked to put behind them.
Veterans Treatment Court is for veterans and active duty military who have found themselves in the criminal justice system. The program offers special treatment and services to help restore veterans to their honored status within the community.
Guest speaker for the graduation was Tennessee State Senator Mark Green. Green, also a veteran thanked Judge Goble and all of the volunteers of the VTC for their support of veterans. He also thanked the graduates for their hard work throughout the program and for their service and sacrifice to the nation.
Tennessee State Representatives Joe Pitts and John Tidwell were on hand for the ceremony with Pitts presenting each graduate with a certificate of recognition from the Tennessee general Assembly.
One of the graduates, Dale Albarran, talked about going through the program. “I’m so elated that I was able to do it. Using the tools I have learned in VTC I am confident, clearheaded and sober. This program has saved my life,” said Albarran.
Derek van der Merwe, Athletic Director for Austin Peay State University made a special presentation at the graduation ceremony of 70 tickets to the Governors football game Saturday, October 4. The tickets are for use by the graduating veterans from the VTC and their families.