Five counties unite to assist veterans in need

Dedication ceremony honors new North Texas Veterans Court

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

"We couldn't let a veteran, because of a geographic line, not have a Veterans Court," Judge John Roach said

Veterans Courts work to divert veterans with service-connected mental health or substance abuse disorders out of the traditional court system and into highly supervised long-term treatment solutions and supervision Most Veterans Courts are operated by county, if at all. Although state law allows the set- 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 keyno

Other key attendees wer Palladino, Texas Veteran Commission Executive D Joe Brown, Grayson Co Criminal District Attorn Petty, Grayson County V Services Officer; Tim H Rockwall Defense Attor Culpepper, Rockwall Co Criminal District Attorn Willis, Collin County Cr District Attorney; Kaufm Judge Bobby Rich, and A Veteran Colt Floyd

During his speech, Palla reminded guests of a quo Theodore Roosevelt that defines the purpose of the North Texas Veterans Court: “A man who is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards ”