Veterans Court hosts second graduation ceremony
Star BeaconApr 11, 2024
Apr. 11—JEFFERSON —
Judge
"In 2018, I became judge, and I promised at that time ... since everybody else had their special docket courts, I decided I would begin a Veterans Court, because we needed to recognize that there were veterans with service-related issues, and we want to help them as much as we can," he said. "So far, it's been very, very successful."
The special docket was certified by the
Three men graduated from the program on Wednesday, Specht said.
"They have changed their way of life, and they are on their way to continued success," he said.
Specht thanked his staff, as well as staff from the Erie VA, the
He said no one from the
"When I first became judge, we were not certified as a veterans court," Specht said. "When you arraign people ... you ask certain questions of them: Are you an American citizen, can you read and write the English language? I added the question, are you a veteran of the military?
"When they say yes, and the trouble they got into with the law appears to be something we can help them with, I would ask them if they would like to participate in an unofficial veterans court," he said. "Way, way back, before we were certified, a gentlemen came though by the name of
Bohm said he did not have a lot to say, as he unfurled a sheet of paper that reached the floor, drawing a laugh from the crowd.
He thanked Specht and court executive
"At the start, it was rather overwhelming, but after talking to the counselors, it all came together, and I'm a much better person," Bohm said.
It is nice to have his family having his back, he said.
"I really can't say much more than just stay strong, and take advantage of this program, so good luck, and remember, if you're going through hell, just keep going," Bohm said. "By the way, since being sober, my pockets have money in them."
He said Wednesday marked three years and nine months of being sober.
"This really helped me a lot," Bohm said.
Each of Wednesday's graduates received a certificate, a gift card and an honor coin, Specht said.
"You guys did a good job," he said to the graduates.
"Thank you for saving me from myself," he said. "I'm not in prison. Thank you."
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