‘It’s veterans helping veterans working to rebuild their lives-‘ Criminal Court Judge Zack Walden

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- “We’ve had a need here for a while, in fact, it was part of my platform when I ran for judge,” said Zack Walden, criminal court judge. About six months ago, Walden created the Eighth Judicial District Veterans Treatment Court. “It’s veterans helping veterans who are working to rebuild their lives,” said Walden.

The program is now in place, and the next step is recruiting veterans to serve as mentors. “Mentors play a crucial role in supporting veterans in the justice system by offering guidance, encouragement, and camaraderie. No prior experience is required, just a commitment to making a difference,” said Walden.

In this part of the state, there are programs at Knoxville, Cleveland and Chattanooga. Participants are veterans involved in the justice system and are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSD) or some other disorder or substance abuse, according to Walden. Since being on the bench, the judge has sent several veterans to the Knoxville program. “We definitely have a population here to serve,” said the judge.

To start, a mentor and a veteran will meet often to determine if its a good fit. From there, Veterans Treatment Court meets every other Friday. Mentors will invest two hours a week to meet with their veteran plus attend court, according to Walden.

Veterans Treatment Court is headed up by two mentor coordinators, Daphany and James Prewitt. The Prewitts are hosting their first mentor training session on Fri., April 4 at 9am in the Criminal Courtroom at the courthouse.

“The 8th Judicial District Veterans Treatment Court is open to veterans in Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott and Union Counties. All training is provided, and there’s no legal background necessary. Veterans are simply needed to help a fellow veteran succeed in their recovery journey.

For more information or to sign up, contact Sandy Webber at 423.563.1004 or swebber@chetn.org.

A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.

Below, take a visit through The Grand on Central.

For bookings, email Olivia Lobertini at ohlobertini03@gmail.com. Check on avails HERE.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/31/2025-6AM)

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