By Jane Scholz
At their June meeting, Voices members learned about support services for the 45,000 service veterans who live in Denton County from the Military Veteran Peer Network. The speaker was Kasey Brown, a former Marine who served five years as a helicopter mechanic and marksmanship coach. He shared his struggle transitioning to civilian life after two deployments to Afghanistan. Brown described a "light bulb moment" in 2016 following an accident that killed 12 of his former unit members, which led him to realize he had become emotionally desensitized.
Becca Hobby, Community Engagement Director, is the wife of a combat veteran. She shared her story of living with her husband who served seven deployments and suffered from PTSD and traumatic brain injury for years before finding community.
Both speakers emphasized the importance of peer support: finding connection through shared experiences, which helps veterans and families realize they are not alone.
Military Veteran Peer Network operates statewide under the Texas Veterans Commission and is supervised locally by the Denton County MHMR Center. Peer support includes one-on-one assistance for suicide prevention, substance abuse and application for veterans’ benefits alongside groups like "Angel Wives" for surviving spouses. There’s also a volunteer force that handles service projects such as helping veterans move, painting RVs, picking up debris, and repairing fences.
Casey also talked about the Veterans Treatment Court in Denton County, where he serves as a mentor. It serves as a treatment-focused alternative to traditional sentencing for DUIs and assault charges. It requires at least a year-long commitment to counseling, monitoring to address root problems like depression or anxiety. Veterans who successfully complete the program can have their legal records expunged, providing a significant incentive for long-term transformation.
The MVPN is funded by a modest state budget item, but they rely on grants and private donations for much of their operation.