Veterans find second chances through Calhoun County treatment court graduation
By Birmingham VA Health Care System, Public Affairs Office
On May 5, 2026, in Anniston, Alabama, the Calhoun County courtroom felt different. Instead of focusing on judgment, the Veterans Treatment Court celebrated two new graduates, honored dedicated mentors, and welcomed back alumni whose lives had changed through the program.
The Veterans Treatment Court was created for Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces dealing with legal issues related to substance use, mental health, or PTSD. Instead of jail, eligible Veterans get a structured path forward that focuses on treatment, accountability, and mentorship. For many, it is more than just a program; it is a second chance.
The Honorable Judge Timothy Burgess, who oversees the court, described the mission clearly: “Veterans Treatment Court serves to divert eligible veterans from traditional incarceration by providing access to treatment, mentorship, and support tailored to their unique needs.” He emphasized the rarity of the opportunity, noting, “It’s an amazingly special opportunity. The majority of people who get in trouble do not get a second chance. This opportunity is made to Veterans who have served our country and made a mistake.”
That second chance can make a real difference. When Veterans finish the program, their criminal records can be cleared. This gives them opportunities they thought were gone for good. Still, the process is not easy.
“Every day is a challenge,” Judge Burgess said. “And it’s just awesome to get to work with Veterans.”
The graduation ceremony was a strong reminder of what can happen. Veterans who started the program came back as graduates and shared stories about their struggles, perseverance, and change. Their words meant a lot to the audience and to the eight Veterans still going through the program.
For Quinton Pickett, Social Work Service, Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator for the Birmingham VA Health Care System, those moments are what make the work meaningful. “It’s an awesome transformation to see it from when a person first comes in, knowing the struggles that they’re dealing with but having a desire to do good and live the right life,” he said.
Pickett also talked about how important mentors are, many of whom are Veterans themselves. “All of the mentors recognized in the courtroom today wrap their arms around these Veterans during the program,” he said. This sense of camaraderie and shared experience is what defines the court.
Having current participants in the courtroom made the event even more meaningful. Seeing other Veterans succeed gives them real proof that change is possible.
“For them to see this graduation recognition will serve as a source of motivation,” Pickett said. “Maybe they say, ‘Hey, they can do it, I can do it.’ That’s a fellow Veteran. They had struggles like I had, but they got it done.”
Judge Burgess echoed the importance of taking time to recognize progress. “It’s important to have this recognition, because there are a lot of people who have put a lot of effort into this program—not only the participants, but the team,” he said. “It’s important to acknowledge everyone, take a step back, and reflect on what’s been accomplished.”
For everyone in the room, the ceremony was more than just a milestone. It showed that even after hard times, a new path is possible. For the Veterans who walked across the courtroom, it marked the start of a new chapter, one shaped by resilience, accountability, and hope instead of past mistakes.