CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — Yesterday, the Suffolk County Courts held a special graduation ceremony honoring 15 veterans who completed the Suffolk County Veterans Court program. Held in the Central Jury Room at the John P. Cohalan, Jr. Court Complex, the event marked the court’s 14th annual graduation ceremony, a Veterans Day tradition celebrating former servicemembers who have overcome significant personal challenges and forged a path toward recovery and stability.
The Suffolk Veterans Court provides a specialized alternative to the traditional criminal justice process for military veterans. Established in 2010 as one of the first programs of its kind in New York State, the court connects participants with resources tailored to the unique challenges often associated with military service. The program also works closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans secure the benefits and services they have earned, providing critical support that can often be life changing.
The ceremony was officiated by Hon. Pierce F. Cohalan, Presiding Judge of Suffolk County Veterans Court and a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Judge Cohalan was joined by Suffolk County District Administrative Judge Hon. Andrew Crecca; Supervising Judge of Suffolk County District Court Hon. Karen Kerr, and District Executive Lorie-Ann Bitetti, along with numerous judges, court personnel, attorneys, veterans’ advocates, treatment providers, and family members who all gathered to celebrate the graduates’ achievements.
This year’s ceremony carried added significance, as it coincided with the 251st birthday of the United States Marine Corps. During his remarks, Judge Cohalan invited all former Marines in attendance to stand before leading the audience in wishing the Marine Corps a happy birthday. Cohalan then addressed his fellow veterans.
“You all signed up to put yourselves in harm’s way, knowingly and willingly, because you wanted to help your nation. For this sacrifice, when your time of need came, the Veterans Court was here ready to help guide you.”
The keynote speaker was Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and former Suffolk prosecutor once assigned to the Veterans Court. Returning as keynote speaker, Legislator Lennon praised both the graduates and the collaborative team behind the program.
“I think we have the best Veterans Treatment Court not just in the state, but out of the more than 600 across the country, and that is because of the entire team involved here.” Lennon further encouraged the graduates, “you all pushed a boulder up the hill and today stand at the pinnacle. Now you have to go out and push the next boulder up that hill. That’s part of life. There are ebbs and flows, and our mistakes and low points do not define us. It’s how we get back up and bounce back that defines us.”
The 15 graduates represented multiple branches of military service, including the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Air National Guard. Each veteran was invited to the podium to reflect on his or her journey through the program. Many spoke emotionally about how Veterans Court transformed not only their own lives but also the lives of their families. Among the remarks, one graduate said he now volunteers to help fellow veterans, while another discussed his desire to launch another VA center in Nassau County. One graduate received a standing ovation after sharing:
“The Veterans Court saved my life. I’m so thankful that I am now recycled by this world and not just thrown away.”
Also in attendance were the well-known “Green Jackets,” members of the Suffolk County Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America who volunteer as mentors for program participants and are a familiar presence in the courtroom. Since the court’s inception, the Green Jackets have provided mentorship, encouragement, and support to veterans as they work toward recovery, accountability, and lasting success.
Today’s event served as a powerful reminder of the Suffolk County Courts’ ongoing commitment to helping veterans rebuild their lives while honoring the sacrifices they made in service to their country.
