Dedication Ceremony for the First-Ever Regional Veterans Court: RECAP

Most Americans know that a veteran’s transition to civilian life can be hard. Unfortunately, issues such as mental health, anger management or substance abuse can arise when they come back home. However, processes like veterans court can assist in regaining one’s life.

Veterans court helps our soldiers recover from these issues through rehabilitation and regular monitoring nationwide. If treatment is successful, the charge will be taken off of their record. While there are a good handful of veterans courts in Texas, there has never been one that encompasses five counties.

So with the help of Judge John R. Roach, Jr., criminal and county attorneys, elected officials, veterans’ organizations, and many more, the first-ever regional Veterans Court in Texas will be assisting those who risked their lives for our freedom.

The regional North Texas Veterans Court consists of Rockwall, Collin, Kaufman, Fannin and Grayson County. With Texas being the second highest population state with 1.6 million veterans, this is a milestone event for the Lonestar State.

The dedication ceremony occurred Sept. 16, 2016, with many county officials, judges, veterans, police officers and more in attendance. Kenda Culpepper, Rockwall County District Attorney, explained an attorney’s role and perspective in a veteran’s court. Then, Senator Bob Hall spoke as the keynote speaker and Thomas Palladino, the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Executive Director, explained how the program will help assist veterans with varying issues such as substance abuse, finding the right job and filing disability claims.

Army veteran Colt Floyd recounted his memories of being a 12-year staff sergeant. While in Afghanistan, he saw fellow soldiers die or become seriously injured. Since returning home, it was hard to recover from what he saw abroad. Floyd had committed two DWI’s in Oklahoma. After being on probation for suspicion of a third DWI in Grayson County, Texas, Floyd was in Judge Roach’s jurisdiction to participate in the then-pilot program for veterans court.

Rockwall County Courthouse – The regional Texas Veterans court consists of Rockwall, Collin, Kaufman, Fannin and Grayson County.

Finally, Floyd says, “I cannot explain in words how appreciative I am,” of his vet program in Grayson County.

North Texas Regional Veterans Court Goals:

“Our program’s goals are to find JIV’s, assess their needs, offer assistance, manage their care, and provide them with successful treatment options ultimately leading to community reintegration, and resolution of their criminal case(s).” – Fannincountyda.com.

To summarize, Ignition Interlock Devices reduce recidivism in repeat offenders by 67 percent. These are powerful numbers that help save lives every day.

Our veterans deserve the utmost assistance with a reliable and affordable process. As the go-to Ignition Interlock Device provider in Texas, Smart Start is honored to be a part of this program.