howeenterprise.com
Monday, September 26, 2016
Page #5
Five counties unite to assist veterans in need Dedication ceremony honors new North Texas Veterans Court
Joe Brown, Judge John Roach Jr, Kenda Culpepper, Bob Hall ROCKWALL, TX – September 21, 2016 – The dedication ceremony for the first regional Veterans Court in Texas was held Friday, September 16, at the Rockwall County Courthouse. The North Texas Veterans Court is one of 26 Veterans Courts in Texas and the only one that represents more than one county. Encompassing five counties – Collin, Rockwall, Kaufman, Grayson and Fannin – and presided by Texas State District Judge John Roach, the state’s first regional Veterans Court serves as a pilot program for this unique model to assist men and women who have served in our country’s military.
up of Veterans Courts, it is does not mandate or fund them, making it difficult for smaller towns. The regional Veterans Court model is most beneficial in rural areas.
The ceremony began with the Presentation of Colors presented by the Rockwall Police Honor Guard. Senator Bob Hall, a veteran himself, served as keynote speaker Other key attendees were Thomas Palladino, Texas Veterans Commission Executive Director; Joe Brown, Grayson County Criminal District Attorney; Jimmy Petty, Grayson County Veteran Services Officer; Tim Hartley, Rockwall Defense Attorney; Kenda Culpepper, Rockwall County "We couldn't let a veteran, because Criminal District Attorney; Greg of a geographic line, not have a Willis, Collin County Criminal Veterans Court," Judge John Roach District Attorney; Kaufman County said. Judge Bobby Rich, and Army Veteran Colt Floyd. Veterans Courts work to divert veterans with service-connected During his speech, Palladino mental health or substance abuse reminded guests of a quote by disorders out of the traditional court Theodore Roosevelt that defines system and into highly supervised the purpose of the North Texas long-term treatment solutions and Veterans Court: “A man who is supervision. Most Veterans Courts good enough to shed his blood for are operated by county, if at all. his country is good enough to be Although state law allows the set- given a square deal afterwards.”
Lady Bulldogs move to 2-2 in district play
Howe Lady Bulldogs beat Whitewright and are now 2-2 in district volleyball play. Howe's win was in four sets with the Lady Tigers.
The girls will play Leonard on Tuesday night at approximately 6 pm. They are asking for a lot of support from the community in their efforts.
