Veterans Treatment Court volunteers honored by judge

By: 
Steve Chapman

The veteran peer mentors pose for a photo with Judge Scott Sifferman. From left: Walt Mechowski, Chuck Leverich, Bob Clark, Bob Pierson and Sifferman

The Southwest Missouri Veterans Treatment Court at the Lawrence County Justice Center, an alternative to the traditional court system for veterans who run into legal problems while struggling with issues, relies heavily on volunteers to help struggling veterans successfully reintegrate back into society. These volunteers were honored in a brief ceremony at the justice center on Wednesday, Nov. 7.
Judge Scott Sifferman, who started the treatment court in October of 2013, expressed his appreciation to the volunteers as he presented them with Quilts of Honor, cards and certificates. The volunteers also received letters of recognition and gratitude from U.S. Rep. Billy Long. Jake Heisten, field representative for Long’s office, presented the letters.
 The first group of volunteers Sifferman honored were the peer mentors who work with veterans going through the treatment court. He called them a key to the success of the treatment court.
“In serving as mentors, our volunteer veterans find a sense of fulfillment and e m p o w e r m e n t that can only be achieved when one veteran comes to the aid of another,” he said.
Sifferman next recognized the members of VFW Post 3404 Color Guard.
“The VFW Post 3404 Color Guard … have presented the American flag at the start of every one of our 11 Veterans Treatment Court graduations for 20 graduates over the past five years,” Sifferman said. “With precision and honor, they have skillfully and faithfully presented the American flag and Missouri state flag while including our veteran court participants in the posting of our armed service flags. Their presentations are very impressive and make every vet court graduation memorable.”
Finally, Sifferman recognized the Veterans Treatment Court Team, calling them “the best of the best.”
“The mission of the SW Missouri Veterans Treatment Court is to assist veterans and their families to become integral and productive members of the community through a collaborative effort, and to honor them and restore their dignity for their selfless service to our country.”
After the ceremony, Sifferman said he held the ceremony because he wanted to show the volunteers that he values their service.
“I chose to honor them because they don’t get paid for their services, and I wanted them to know how valuable they are,” he said.
Robert Pierson, who volunteers as a peer mentor, said Sifferman went to great lengths to make sure he was there.
“The judge issued me a subpoena to appear,” he said. “He wanted to make sure I’d be here.”
The veterans said they appreciated the recognition, but they also enjoy helping in the treatment court.
“It’s an honor to come down and to see this in action and to see these young men get a chance to start over,” said Al Wagoner, of the VFW Post 3404.
Don Nix agreed.
“It’s a great honor to be honored, but it’s a better honor for us to give help (to the vets),” he said.
During the ceremony, Sifferman recognized each volunteer by name and briefly described what they do. They are:
Veteran Peer Mentors: Bob Clark, Bob Pierson, Walt Mechowski and Chuck Leverich.

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Lawrence County Record

312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
www.lawrencecountyrecord.com

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