The Power of Change - A Veteran's Journey to Victory

“'2 years ago, if you would have told me about my life today, I would have told you that you were crazy. My life right now is incredible and I would have never imagined it if it wasn’t for help from the VA.”

Veteran David Wallace recently graduated from a very intense Veterans treatment Court that took two years to complete. The program consisted of passing multiple drug tests, community service, and paying off $16,000 in court fees.

It goes without saying that this was no easy task. In fact, the Veteran had previously attempted getting clean and paying off his debts. Unfortunately, it took a few tries before he made the final decision to change his life for good.

“I had been in the legal system for years. COVID hit and I was able to dip and dodge some things. But in early 2021, my attorney asked if I was a Veteran and was then informed about the Veterans court. They connected me with Marion VA Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator, Rocky Peppers, and I decided to try this program.  I actually wanted to change the course of my life.  Jail would not have done that.  The veteran court program would help me overcome my traumas and it has been a god-send,” shares David Wallace.  

Rocky Peppers says that he had been involved since day one, with David Wallace and helping him get on the right path to recovery. David’s public Defender was familiar with Rocky and the Veterans Justice Outreach Program and thought that David could benefit from the program. “And that’s when David Wallace came to see me in person. He wanted help. He wanted to rid himself of his addictions and legal issues.”

At this point, Rocky Peppers was able to secure his release from the court system and helped him access services. Rocky was able to place David into two separate treatment programs, one of which was the intensive in-patient therapy program located at our Marion, Illinois location.

“Once the Veteran was here on our grounds, and he was stable, we were able to find him some part-time work with our Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program. And I believe he was found employment with our CWT program for the last year and a half,” shares Rocky Peppers.

After two years of treatment and an intense court system, Veteran David Wallace was not only able to get clean, and pay off 16,000 dollars in fees, he was also able to re-connect with family and friends that were once estranged due to his drug problems.

“This is definitely a fresh start. It gives you a different perspective because when you are using, you distance yourself, and other distance themselves from you as well.  But to see those same people again and to have them in the court room supporting you again is wonderful - to know that they are once proud of you,” says David. 

He wasn’t alone when he graduated from the program at the Williamson County Court building.  He had family and friends there to support him. His mother, whom he had severed relationship ties during his habit inflicted days was present and proud. Friends from St. Louis, and even fellow co-workers from the VA were present to show their support and how proud they are of his accomplishments.

David Wallace agreed to share his story in hopes of inspiring others and showing the world that it’s never too late to turn your life around.  Every passing moment is an opportunity to make a change for the better.

David has a few words of wisdom that he would like to share with fellow Veterans:

“Lean on your support. It's not always going to be rainbows and skittles.  Things are going to get hard, and you will definitely need to lean on your support.  Don't be afraid to ask for help, it's hard to do it alone.

“One of the most important things that you can do is to talk about your problems. Don't keep them inside. The only way you can get past it is if you talk about it.”

“If you need help, the VA has a lot more services than most people realize. Especially if you are dealing with substance abuse.”