Veterans court helps with services

We are grateful for a warm reception to our request for a letter of support for standing up a Veterans Treatment Court in District 3 serving Cecil, Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties.

The Talbot County letter of support represents the fourth of the five counties we have requested letters of support from.

Deputy Director Lei Ellingson of the Queen Anne’s Veterans and Military Alliance (“VAMSA”) and Commander Chad Baker of the Delmarva Military Order of the Purple Heart made a brief presentation to the board.

What is a Veteran’s Treatment Court?

Veterans’ courts provide services to those who served in the military and suffer from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, other mental health issues and/or substance use disorders.

Veterans can resolve criminal and traffic offenses, obtain the treatment and services they need and stabilize their lives. A veterans court connects eligible participants to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, long-term supportive housing and other benefits for participants whose service-related disabilities prevent their return to the workforce.

The veterans court can access local resources where the veteran does not qualify for benefits.

This proposition is supported by many legislators, county administrators and local veteran service organizations that recognize the maximum benefit yield direct impact for the five county’s approximate 17,000 veterans. And there is a correlation of direct reduction of veteran suicide ideation as well. Catch them before “they fall through the cracks.” We welcome letters of support if you would like to offer your support for this invaluable initiative to get our armed services personnel lives back.

Our email: hunter10611@gmail.com or executive.director@vamsa.us

After all, who would deny differential justice to a veteran provided their offense does not rise above a misdemeanor?

JOSHUA MARKS

Mount Airy