A second chance in the courtroom: Veteran found healing

By April Eilers, Public Affairs Officer, Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks

August 31, 2026

Once people find themselves in a courtroom with a judge, they typically never want to return. That was not the case for Army Veteran Jimmy Wigington, where the courtroom became a place of hope, not judgment. It became a place where he received a second chance and was inspired to help others find theirs.

Wigington graduated from the Washington County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) in December 2025. VTC offers specialized court programs that provide justice-involved Veterans with opportunities for rehabilitation, treatment and recovery instead of traditional sentencing.

This collaborative approach is made possible through the strong partnership between the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO), the judiciary, and county probation offices. Through their collaboration, they consistently monitor each Veteran’s progress to support adherence to individualized treatment plans.