Vet to Vet Tennessee

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Vet to Vet Tennessee

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And that is what we have done for 16 years. Vet to Vet Tennessee is a veteran-led organization dedicated to helping veterans navigate life after service.

We believe veterans are often best helped by other veterans who understand military culture, service, sacrifice, and the challenges that can arise upon returning home. We help veterans and their families find healing, resilience, purpose, and hope through faith-informed support, peer connections, mentorship, education, advocacy, and community partnerships. Our mission is simple:

To connect veterans with the support, resources, relationships, and opportunities needed to build healthy, meaningful lives. Through mentorship, advocacy, education, faith-informed support, and peer connections, we build a community where veterans find encouragement, purpose, and belonging. Welcome Home.

10/31/2026

Relationships Frame Veterans Court Success

Mentors Guide Military Men Through Recovery

Brotherhood and belonging to a caring community strongly motivated veterans navigating the criminal justice system, with several graduates acknowledging the mentor-guided approach to recovery in Monroe County Veterans Court earlier this month.

In all, five justice-involved veterans (JIV) appeared before Judge Dwaine Thomas in Madisonville on October 21, 2026.

“This is a better way than the legal system,” James Haney (ARMY?USMC) told the court, saying he dealt with guilt, anger, and shame from military service, thoughts he used alcohol to cope with before meeting a Vet to Vet Tennessee mentor.

“That’s not a good idea,” Haney said. “Therapy and talking to a mentor helped me find a better way to deal with feelings.”

Jacob Turck USMC), a combat vet and native New Yorker who joined the Marines in 2002, told Thomas he had “a lot of broken pieces” inside that he tried to drown. “Talking to a mentor and therapist have been a point of light I can look to,” Turck said.

Another court graduate, William Ed Doty, said he was unsure of the Veterans Court program, but his mentor encouraged him to give it a chance. “The best thing was getting into therapy,” he said upon graduating.

But graduate Evan Markel (USMC) realized the second chance the court offered was only part of its value. “I’m originally from Oregon. I’ve been on my own without a support system,” Markel said. “Now I have one.”

Markel’s mentor, Rob Myers USMC), said Evan called him one night when there was an incident.
“We worked it out,” Myers said. “I hope you join and become a mentor.”

“You have a family sitting right there,” Judge Thomas said, dismissing Markel’s criminal charges and congratulating him on personal growth. “We need Marine Corps mentors.”

The final graduate, James Gainey (Army), said he was considering becoming a mentor and paying it forward. “The whole Vet to Vet Tennessee program is outstanding,” he told the court.

The idea for Veterans Court began more than a decade ago. A group of veterans approached Thomas and asked him to design a program to repay veterans for military service and get help when the criminal justice system becomes involved in behavior caused by trauma, post-traumatic stress, and the pressures of life.
Thomas oversees the court. He humbly credits the mentors, participants, and therapists who do the work of recovery. “I know this isn’t easy,” he tells graduates, “It draws up everything you’ve worked to push down. It’s not a get-out-of-jail-free card. Some veterans have suffered for 40 to 50 years. I’m proud of you and thankful for your service.”

The court’s role, according to Thomas, is to repay a “debt of honor” owed to veterans who fight for the freedoms that define America.

And Thomas isn’t the only one fighting for veterans. Monroe County Veterans Court is supported by Monroe County Mayor Mitch Ingram and Veteran Service Officer Andy Boyd, court staff, law enforcement officers who refer veterans for treatment, and therapists at The McNabb Military Services Center. Vet to Vet Tennessee provides guidance and mentorship.

Graduation can take as little as six months. In some cases, it can stretch years. But when graduation comes, justice-involved veterans make new connections and leave the court as valued members of an extended family, each looking out for one another.

We would also like to thank our supporters, who have kept this program going for over 11 years. You can help us in several ways: become a Veterans Court Mentor (training is free) or donate @ www.tnvhc.org

God bless America

10/20/2026

Vet to Vet Tennessee Thanks Supporters for Grant

We are excited to announce that Vet to Vet Tennessee has received a $7,500 grant from the John D. Grubb and Louise G. Sumner Fund, managed by the East Tennessee Foundation. This support will help us serve veterans in Monroe County for the next two years.

The John D. Grubb and Louise G. Sumner Fund for Monroe County was established through a generous gift by Monroe County natives, John and his sister, Louise. Louise and John’s desire to help secure advanced educational opportunities for students and leave a philanthropic legacy dedicated to improving the lives of residents of Monroe County became a reality in 1998 with the establishment of a permanent charitable endowment for Monroe County. Grants from the fund are intended to encourage creative use of area resources and contribute to the quality of life of Monroe County residents.

This generous investment will strengthen our continued efforts to provide veteran peer mentorship, behavioral health support, and connections to essential community resources for veterans facing life challenges.

We believe no veteran should face challenges alone. Thanks to our volunteer mentors, professional partners, and community supporters, we help restore hope, build connections, and support veterans as they work toward stability and a renewed sense of purpose.

We sincerely thank John D. Grubb and Louise G. Sumner Fund and the East Tennessee Foundation for supporting those who have served our country.

Together, we are making a difference for veterans, one person at a time.

Each One • Reach One • Teach One

09/28/2026

Veterans Helping Veterans: Repairs for Heroes
If one veteran is having a hard time, they shouldn’t have to go through it alone.

Lately, veteran Ron Snyder has faced serious health issues and also needed repairs to the floors in his kitchen, bathroom, and other parts of his home.

Thanks to Vet to Vet Tennessee’s Repairs for Heroes program, our veteran community joined forces to help.

11 Bravo Construction donated materials and supplies, and Vet to Vet Tennessee provided the funding needed for labor so the repairs could be completed quickly and Ron could have a safer, more comfortable home during an already difficult time.
But this project is about more than just new floors.

It shows what veterans helping veterans really means: noticing a need, reaching out, and stepping up when someone needs support.

At Vet to Vet Tennessee, we believe service doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off. The bonds of service, brotherhood, sisterhood, and community last long after military life.

We’re thankful to everyone who gave materials, time, work, resources, and kindness to make this project happen. Most of all, we’re proud to stand with Ron and remind him he’s part of a caring community.

No veteran should have to go through hard times alone.
That’s what Repairs for Heroes is all about.
That’s what Vet to Vet Tennessee stands for.

We also want to thank Vet to Vet Tennessee Mentor Tyler Moore for donating the materials, Bob McAndrew, Chairman of Repairs for Heroes, and Army Veteran Sean Humble and his family for looking after Ron.

This is the true spirit of the warrior ethos.

Veterans helping veterans.

09/25/2026

Welcome, Slavic Protestant Christian Church, New York, New York.

We are pleased to announce that Slavic Protestant Christian Church, New York, New York, is the newest Veteran and Military-Friendly Lead Congregation member of the VMFC network.

Thank you, Senior Pastor Samuel and Lay Leader Samuel Samir Imamaliyev, for joining our mission—blessings of good health.

Slavic Protestant Christian Church is a fully online, independent, non-denominational Protestant Christian Church. Their entire ministry is conducted in Russian.

We are joining the VMFC program in order to develop a dedicated ministry for veterans, military members, and their families, providing Christian prayer, spiritual support, Bible teaching, fellowship, and encouragement.

As an online congregation, we plan to conduct this ministry primarily through online communication, prayer, Bible study, and virtual fellowship.

We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in the VMFC program and look forward to developing this ministry with our Church. Pastor Samuel.

08/25/2026

Welcome St Paul Episcopal Church, Seymour, TN

We are pleased to announce that St. Paul Episcopal Church, Seymour, Tennessee, is the newest Veteran and Military-Friendly Lead Congregation member of the VMFC network.

Thank you, Father Michael Spear-Jones, Mother Scherry Fouke, and Father Ken Brown, for joining our mission—blessings of good health. Their Lay Leader is Sarah Ferguson, who also serves on the Episcopal Ministry Commission headed by Bishop Ann Ritonia.

08/14/2026

Korean War Air Force Veteran George Blevins Bestowed Ambassador for Peace

Thanks to Mr. Blevins’ nephew, Rusty, and to Monroe County Veterans Service Officer Andy Boyd, a Marine Corps and VC alum, Mr. Blevins receives the Republic of Korea’s Ambassador for Peace medal and proclamation, 62 years after serving in the war.

Mr. Blevins is grateful for the recognition and proud to have served his country in the Korean War.

Family and friends attended as Monroe County Mayor Mitch Ingram read the AFPM proclamation and Vet to Vet Tennessee President Randall Scott presented the medal to Mr. Blevins.

Thanks to Mr. Gilhyun Lee for his support in processing Mr. Blevins' AFPM application.

Click here https://photos.app.goo.gl/S67qPHPvn9Fi2vCT8 to view the presentation photos. Also in attendance to celebrate Mr. Blevins were Monroe County's Stacey Chambers, VTVT Vice President Ted Carter, and Co-founder Ed Junod.

The family appreciated Mr. Blevins' recognition and provided snacks after the presentation.

We are not sure if George will ever remove his medal. He’s Worth It!

God bless America.

08/14/2026

New VTVT Director of Programs Development appointed
Vet to Vet Tennessee has expanded over the past 16 years, so to keep up, we needed to create a new role. On July 29, 2026, the VTVT Board of Directors held a special meeting to discuss creating a new position. The board approved creating the Director of Programs position. Diane McCutchoen is the new Director of Programs Development.

Diane is a certified Life Coach and founder of Warriors Rest Project, whose mission is “A vision to build a self-sustaining community rooted in brotherhood, shared mission, contribution, and purpose for combat veterans.”

Diane joined Vet to Vet Tennessee after attending Tonya Stoutt-Brown’s “Coming Home” play in May. Retired Air Force Lt. Colonel Lou Danner, a licensed therapist and mentor in VTVT’s Veterans Court program, introduced Diane to the VTVT team.

Since then, she has become a Veterans Court mentor and joined our Outreach Program. She says everything she does for veterans is God’s plan, not hers. We are grateful for the love and support.

Please welcome Diane to the Vet to Vet Tennessee family by sending her a welcome message at [email protected].

God bless America.

07/16/2026

US and Panamanian forces kick off the Jungle Operations Training Course.

CRISTÓBAL COLÓN, Panama — After a demanding 19 days, the Jungle Operations Training Course – Panama, class 26-06, has ended. JOTC-P-26-06 brought together service members from the U.S. Army, Marines, and Air Force, alongside Panamanian partners and, for the first time, West Point Army cadets.

Seven future leaders spent the past several weeks in the jungle, learning to survive, navigate, and fight in one of the most challenging environments. Yesterday, they made history as the first group of United States Military Academy West Point cadets to graduate from JOTC-P.

History isn’t just written – it’s earned.

U.S. Army SFC Gabrielle Hamelly and Spc. Aurora Pennington and the other are the first two women to graduate from JOTC, proving to the nation that determination and talent outweigh any obstacle.

The jungle doesn't offer its respect to anyone; it's demanded. Congratulations. Jungles!

This iteration marks significant growth, with increased student numbers and balanced teams that maintain representation from U.S. and Panamanian participants. The course will also see the largest participation by U.S. Army personnel since the revitalized training began in August 2025. The blended teams foster collaboration, build interoperability, and encourage joint problem-solving in challenging conditions.

JOTC-P integrates assets across services and nations, including dismounted tactics and aviation support, to prepare forces for operations in dense, triple-canopy jungle terrain. The training is delivered in three phases.

In phase one, participants master jungle survival fundamentals, such as machete use, firecraft, water purification, and building primitive shelters. Largely led by Panamanian instructors, this phase emphasizes adaptability, endurance, and resourcefulness in austere environments.

Phase two covers small-unit tactics, including movement techniques, ambushes, casualty evacuation, and waterborne operations, largely led by U.S. instructors. These scenarios challenge decision-making under stress and strengthen communication in multinational teams.

Phase three features five combined missions — including attacking a mortar firing point and conducting ambushes and reconnaissance — culminating in the grueling “Green Mile” endurance event and graduation. Instructors assess teamwork, leadership, and sustained performance under demanding jungle conditions.

Congratulations to JOTC-P 26 06 and SFC Gabrielle Hamelly for being the first female to complete the course. SFC Gabrielle Hamelly is VTVT co-founder Ed Junod's niece! Go to https://1drv.ms/a/c/72627925702f26b6/IgBJJnlqMTq3TIVt-2CwY6MXAZzQMi9XmCcxCxfF5Ey9jIkhere to view more photos of the JOTC P 26 06 team in action.

God Bless America.

07/04/2026

U.S.A. 250th Anniversary

…for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor — The Declaration of Independence
Dear Partners in Ministry,

Those final lines of the Declaration of Independence are powerful, reminding us of our reliance on God and our bond as a people. This year, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the document that heralded the birth of our nation.

But a document alone could not win our independence. The year before, on April 19, 1775, our brothers and sisters pledged their honor, fortunes, and lives as they took up arms and began the fight for a free and autonomous country. In that same year, the Continental Congress formed the Army on June 14, the Navy on October 13, and the Marine Corps on November 10.

Then, on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed, inspiring our new nation to continue the fight for our freedom. After eight years and four months of fighting, the United States of America finally secured its freedom, thanks to the tenacity of our brothers and sisters in arms!

As we read that document this Independence Day, we think of today’s military—men and women who, 250 years later, pledge to protect our nation. As they face new challenges and missions globally, they deserve priority in hearing the gospel before they go into harm’s way. But many today do not know how to rely “on the protection of divine Providence”—God Himself! This is our mission—to introduce them to Jesus and help them grow in strength and wisdom in His love.

Your partnership with our ministry enables us to hold Bible studies, distribute Bibles and Spiritually Fit — Ready to Serve® booklets, pray with men and women, hold marriage seminars, help heal trauma in group settings, and so much more! We could not do this without the prayers and financial gifts of partners like you.
I am proud to be an American and so honored to serve in this mission with you! Let’s continue to rely on God to provide open doors for His Gospel message!

06/19/2026

What are the odds of finding one Korean War Female Veteran?

Since 2015, Vet to Vet Tennessee has collaborated with Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs to honor Korean War veterans with the prestigious Ambassador for Peace Medal. This includes roughly 1.78 million US servicemen and about 4,800 servicewomen—such as 700 Army Nurses from MASH, 4,000 Navy Nurses, and 100 Air Force Medevac Nurses.

Vet to Vet Tennessee has presented the medal to Korean War Servicemen in all 50 states and 5 countries, but in eleven years, we have not found any Korean War female veterans.

On June 17, 2026, Vet to Vet Tennessee, with assistance from the Military Women’s Memorial, identified a deceased female World War II Army Nurse and a Korean War Air Force Nurse.

The odds of finding one female Korean War Veteran are 0.00146%! No wonder she was so hard to find.

We are coordinating with Women in Military Service and the family of the Korean War hero to schedule a presentation. We will post the event as soon as the presentation is scheduled.

This veteran nurse received the following awards and decorations: Distinguished Flying Cross; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 battle stars; World War II Victory Medal; Army of Occupation Medal (Japan); National Defense Service Medal; Korean Service Medal with 2 battle stars; Philippine Liberation Ribbon; and the United Nations Service Medal.

Stay tuned for the “rest of the story.”

God bless America.

Address

403 Tellico Street N
Madisonville, TN
37354

Telephone

+18653362624

Website

https://tnvhc.org/

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