The Catawba County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) reached a milestone on Friday, November 6, 2026, when it recognized Selena Beebe and Juan Gonzalez as the 10th graduating class since the program’s inception in 2021.
The ceremony also marked the final date of participation for Tammy West, administrative assistant for the Catawba County District Attorney’s Office, who was instrumental in the establishment and implementation of the court.
West, who will be retiring from the DA’s Office at the end of 2026, was the keynote speaker for the graduate recognition. Her father, former Catawba County Sheriff David Huffman, also shared remarks during the ceremony.
Participating in her final graduation from Veterans Treatment Court before retiring, West held a photograph of her son, David West, a United States Marine Corps veteran who tragically lost his life to suicide in 2014.
She often shared that her unwavering commitment to establishing and supporting Veterans Treatment Court was fueled by David’s memory and her desire for a program like this to have been available to him. Through her relentless efforts, West transformed her personal loss into a lasting legacy of hope, providing support and second chances to other veterans and their families.
Catawba County – with a population of veterans approaching 10,000 residents – was the fifth county in the state to have a treatment court for veterans.
The idea of a Veterans Treatment Court in Catawba County started as a vision of 36th Prosecutorial District Attorney Scott Reilly during his campaign in 2018. In early 2019, he appointed West with the task of developing the framework for the program. From there, everything fell into place for its implementation, from securing funds to the formation of the VTC team.
West played a vital role in getting the Catawba County VTC started. She helped assemble the treatment team, coordinated training, developed policies and procedures, and worked through the countless details necessary to establish a successful program.
Since then, the Catawba VTC has helped veterans overcome addictions, address serious mental health challenges, find employment, and stable housing, and perhaps most importantly, reunite with their children and families.
DA Reilly spoke of West’s efforts through the years to make the VTC a success.
“Because of the strong foundation she helped establish, I am confident that the Catawba County VTC will continue serving our community for years to come,” Reilly said. “I believe Tammy’s greatest legacy will be the lives that will continue to be changed long after she retires.
“Tammy, thank you for everything you have done for the veterans and families whose lives have been touched by this program.”