CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

First graduate of McCarthy's Veterans Court program expresses appreciation

The Athens Messenger - 2/12/2017

The first graduate of Veterans Court in Judge George McCarthy's courtroom, Clarence Perry of New Marshfield, was gratified knowing that his entire treatment team was in attendance Tuesday, in court, to wish him well upon graduation.

Veterans Court, a statewide program that started last year within Athens County Common Pleas Court, offers military veterans a chance to have their felony charges reduced or dismissed altogether, once they have completed the program.

Perry, 45, an Army veteran who is back at work in his familiar profession - a heavy equipment operator currently employed by Kokosing Construction Co. of Lockbourne - entered the program last year after facing charges of identity fraud.

To hear it from McCarthy, whose Veterans Court recently received final certification from the Ohio Supreme Court, Perry handled the program requirements with aplomb. They included attending all court proceedings, working closely with members of his treatment team, completing 100 hours or more of community service, obtaining work and stable housing, and remaining drug free.

Perry went above and beyond the community service requirement with 171 hours logged helping others, McCarthy said. In addition, Perry was required to complete a project. His was to volunteer his time to work an entire day in the fall of 2016 helping fellow veterans during the Athens County Stand Down event, which provides food, clothing and other services to those in need.

"He (Perry) did a good job getting through all the requirements and we had absolutely no problems with him," McCarthy said. "We are proud of him that he is graduating and getting on with his life and wish him good luck. We will check on him throughout the year to make sure he is still doing well. If he needs any assistance, we will try to steer him toward any additional services that might be available. But right now he is on the right track and standing on his own two feet."

The Veterans Court Treatment Team did not hold back on congratulating Perry. He received a red, white, and blue cake with roses made of icing in each of those colors; a certificate of graduation; a special Ohio University Veterans Program commemorative coin; and a pin with an eagle surrounded by the words, "Ohio University, Honoring OUrs who served."

David W. Edwards, Sr. and Janet Russell of OU's Veterans and Military Service Center presented the commemorative coin, which is part of the Veterans Court program. The eagle pin was a gift from McCarthy.

"I am so appreciative of everyone who came out to support me," Perry said. "It makes me feel good because in order to do well in life, you have to set an example for other people. The people who have helped me know that I want to do things the right way."

"The reason this (Veterans Court) program is so important is that so many veterans like me really don't have anybody to help them and don't know what to do," Perry said.

Perry, who was raised in Chillicothe and later moved with his family to Amanda, Ohio, came from a large family with four sisters and two brothers. He said his father, who was a welder part of his life, also raised thoroughbred horses.

Perry said he was especially close to his father, who told him, "If you go to work every day and like what you're doing, then you never do a day's work in your life."

But about 12 years ago, Perry said, his father took his life. When that happened "we all went our separate ways." Perry has a son, and hopes they can reconnect one day.

Perry said he is still new to Athens County and feels alone at times. He believes he has a good chance of completing his remaining two years of community control without any problems, offering that he does not do illegal drugs and "barely finishes a beer" when out dining.

McCarthy agreed that Perry's lack of a drug history provides another reason he has an excellent chance to remain a law-abiding citizen. If Perry completes his remaining community control without issues, then he can apply to have his entire criminal record removed.

"He has an open invitation to come back and visit and even talk to the other veterans in the program if he is interested," McCarthy said.