Once-Homeless Marietta Vet Plans to Open Wellness Clinic

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MARIETTA, GA -- After joining the Army at age 17 and serving as a paratrooper in the famed 82nd Airborne, Willis Hatfield-Reavis found himself homeless, addicted to drugs and on the wrong side of the law.

But on Friday, the Marietta resident will become one of two veterans who will be the first to complete Cobb County's Veterans Treatment Court (VTC), a program designed to help troubled veterans lead a productive, law-abiding lifestyle.

Also graduating on Friday is Brandon Musser of Smyrna.

Research suggests many veterans suffer from adjustment issues when they come back into civilian life, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. Completion of the program signifies the mens' completion of a minimum 18-month long program.

“This treatment court offers veterans who have sacrificed so much for our nation, an opportunity to address the issues brought on by their military service, that have ultimately lead to their involvement with the criminal justice system,” said program coordinator Flynn Broady. “Now, with all of their hard work and dedication, these graduates have a chance to fulfill the potential they demonstrated when initially joining the military."

Former Marine and VTC presiding judge, Reuben Green, said veterans often will treat mental health issues with different substances to cope.

“Once they are stable, the VTC assists them in identifying stable housing and then requires them to nd a job or enroll in a higher education program,” Green said.

Raised by his grandparents, Hatfield-Reavis graduated from Lassiter High School in 2004. He served two combat tours, but suffered a back injury while serving. He became addicted to Percocet/OxyContin and served two years in a military prison on drug charges. While incarcerated, his father, who was also a veteran, committed suicide.

Upon returning home, Hatfield-Reavis' wife of three years divorced him, and he turned to heroin. On the day he got out of the military, his grandfather passed away, and he spent the next two years homeless. He entered the Cobb judicial system on charges of possession of a controlled substance and credit card fraud.

Now, after two years of sobriety, Hatfield-Reavis the VTC program saved him.

“I’ve found my passion through Veterans Court. I believe the best blessing you can do for your country, outside of serving in the military, is serving our veterans,” he said.

He plans to do by opening Will2Win, a wellness center that will aid veterans in need of guidance and support by offering life coaches, personal trainers and a place to house homeless veterans.

Hatfield-Reavis praises Green saying, “He gives us hope. We come to him homeless and addicted, after doing a great thing for our country, and he gives us the hope we need to keep pushing forward to be model veterans.”

The ceremony will be held at 9 a.m., Friday, May 13, in the first floor jury assembly room of the Cobb County Superior Court.