Veteran Triumphs Through Treatment Court

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A Hamilton County veteran and mother of two, Michelle Meek, is marking a major achievement as the first graduate of the county’s Veterans Treatment Court.

Meek served two tours in Afghanistan and says she joined the military to escape the trauma of a difficult childhood.

She shared that her arrest became a wake-up call, not just a legal consequence, but a turning point that pushed her to rebuild her life for herself and for her children, Preston and Sabrina.

Throughout the program, she learned that even in moments when she didn’t trust herself, others still believed in her. 

She thanked Judge Starnes and Judge Patterson for establishing the Veterans Treatment Court and said the support she found there changed the direction of her life.

Now, Meek is encouraging others working toward graduation and hopes to return to the program as a mentor to guide future participants.