Chief Justice Rush lauds Veterans Court graduates for repairing their lives

Chicago Tribune

14-05-2025

Before entering Lake County Veterans Treatment Court, Derek Akins lost his wife, children and house. After 18 months in the program, Akins found housing, a job, got remarried and is working to reconnect with his children.
'If you would've seen him 18 months ago, he's not the same guy standing here. I am so proud of the hard work he did on himself,' said Lake County Superior Court Judge Julie Cantrell, who leads the county's veterans treatment court.
Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush addressed the 26 graduates — the program's largest ever graduating class — as well as their mentors and families during a Wednesday ceremony, which marked the completion of 18 to 24 months of drug treatment program and expungement of the charges against them.
Veterans treatment courts 'represent the highest ideals in our democracy,' Rush said.
The Indiana Constitution dictates that the criminal justice system 'should be built on principles of reformation not vindictive justice,' Rush said. Further, there's the religious teaching to love your neighbor, she said.
'You put those two things together and you see the justice system using the power of the law to sort of heal a wounded world,' Rush said. 'That's what I see here. Justice tempered with mercy, respecting the individuals who are going through.'
Since its 2014 start, the Lake County Veterans Treatment Court has had more than 300 veterans complete the program, Rush said. That means hundreds more people benefited from the program, Rush said, because with each graduate families, friends and coworkers have also benefited from a more positive relationship with the graduate.
The justice system is the primary referral source to get people who need substance abuse treatment, Rush said. In Indiana, judges have been trained to help people with substance abuse disorders and mental health needs, she said.
'You can not incarcerate your way out of this,' Rush said. 'Substance abuse is a chronic, treatable disease. It's not a moral failure. People that find themselves wrapped up in this, it's not fun.'
Rush thanked Cantrell for leading the county's veterans treatment court. But, the hardest work is done by the veterans in the program, because they have to overcome difficult challenges, she said.
In the end, Rush said it's an honor to watch the veterans in the program repair relationships with their families and friends, find jobs and advance their lives in a positive way.
'I am so proud of you in getting this done. You have walked through the fires of hell for the country. You've walked through a challenging program,' Rush said.
Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter said his office has made referrals to the veterans treatment court because the office officials 'believe in redemption.'
Graduate Kenneth Jackson, of Lansing, Illinois, said he served U.S. Army from 1990-1994. Jackson said he was proud to complete the program because it gave him 'a clean slate.'
The program helps with accountability, Jackson said, because of the daily check-ins, drug tests and working with a mentor. Jackson said the program isn't easy, but after completing it he feels healthier.
'It was a long road,' Jackson said. 'It was tough, but I'm happy to be here.'