15 Suffolk Veterans Celebrate Second Chances

Fifteen military veterans celebrated a hard-fought victory as Suffolk County Veterans Court held its 14th annual graduation ceremony at the John P. Cohalan Jr. Court Complex.

The Veterans Day tradition honored former servicemembers who overcame personal struggles, embraced recovery, and rebuilt their lives through the specialized court program. Established in 2010, Veterans Court offers an alternative to traditional criminal proceedings, connecting veterans with treatment, mentorship, and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. Presiding Judge Pierce F. Cohalan, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, recognized the graduates' sacrifices.

"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," Judge Cohalan said.

Keynote speaker Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon, a Marine Corps Reserve lieutenant colonel, combat veteran, and Purple Heart recipient, praised 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 said.

Lennon also challenged graduates to continue overcoming adversity.

"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," Lennon told the graduates.

Graduates representing multiple military branches shared emotional stories of redemption, including one who received a standing ovation.

"The Veterans Court saved my life. I'm so thankful that I am now recycled by this world and not just thrown away," one graduate told the audience.

The ceremony also recognized the "Green Jackets," Vietnam veterans who mentor participants throughout their recovery journeys.