“Serving those whom have served” is the guiding principle of the newly formed V.E.T.S. Treatment Court in the City of Bozeman. The court provides Bozeman veterans that were in the criminal justice system a chance to connect with the resources that they’ve earned through their time in service. Started in February of 2018 through a grant, the court now has 9 participants and continues to grow.

For eight year National Guard officer and V.E.T.S. Court Judge J. Colleen Herrington, starting this court was just the right thing to do to serve the veterans of the Bozeman community. “They choose to be a part of the V.E.T.S. Treatment Court. We give them the tools, structure and accountability that the standard criminal justice system cannot.”

 
As part of the program veterans are teamed up with a veteran mentor to act as a “battle buddy” and supporter as they navigate through the process. Mentor Daniel Ritter says, “I think the V.E.T.S. Court provides a great service for veterans that may need a little assistance in adapting to their unique situation.  As a retired Marine, I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to give back to our community by serving as a mentor to other veterans.  As a mentor it is quite rewarding to observe the individual development of all the members assigned to the court.”

The program is in need of community veterans who are interested in becoming a mentor. Anyone interested must be a veteran and can contact Mentor Coordinator Kate Reid at 406-581-3253. Anyone interested in learning more about the V.E.T.S. Treatment Court can contact Court Coordinator Renee Boundy at 406-548-5950.