COLUMBUS, Ind. — A group of local veterans were honored for completing the Veterans Court program and their work to change their lives and create new opportunities for the future.
Bartholomew Superior Court 1 Judge James Worton, who oversees the local program, said if there was anyone who deserved a second chance through the Veterans Court program, “it’s those who signed their name to a blank check that could include giving their lives,” as part of defending their country.
He was speaking to more than 65 people who packed his courtroom Thursday as eight veterans advanced from facing criminal charges to receiving a standing ovation for successfully completing the program.
Due to work and other conflicts, only three of the eight graduates attended the ceremony: Kenneth Evans, Joshua Shabee and Angela Halberstadt. All but one of the eight had been in combat, finding themselves adversely affected by long-term physical and mental conditions, Bartholomew County Chief Probation Officer and former U.S. Marine Brad Barnes said.
Most graduates of the program have suffered from post-traumatic stress, brain trauma, anxiety, depression, chemical dependency, unemployment or homelessness, Worton said.
While the majority of participants take 18 months to complete the program, some finish in as little as 15 months, Barnes said.
For the complete story and more photos, see Friday’s Republic.
