Now in its 11th year, King County Regional Veterans Court (RVC) strives to increase effective cooperation between federal, state, and local veteran’s service agencies and the criminal justice system. RVC’s mission is to address the underlying issues that have resulted in veterans being referred to the criminal justice system.

This Veterans Day, RVC is seeking additional veteran mentors to work with RVC participants. “Mentors help to continuously support and uplift the veterans they partner with as each vet undertakes the rigorous RVC program requirements,” says Terrell Carrington, RVC Mentor Program Coordinator for King County District Court. “The most important thing a mentor does for the vet is just being there.”

Terrell recruits mentors from numerous veteran services organizations throughout the Puget Sound Region. He works with RVC participants and mentors to find a match that works for both parties. In evaluating a mutually beneficial pairing, Terrell considers the vet’s and mentor’s ages, gender, military branch and rank, and period they served.

“I know how tough it is to re-adjust to civilian life,” says Terrell, a former Army staff sergeant. “Our mentors show vets in the RVC program that it is possible to overcome any number of challenges – and, the mentor gets to experience the joy of helping a comrade succeed.” If you are a vet or know of a vet who would be a good RVC mentor, you can email Terrell at TeCarrington@kingcounty.gov.