[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 21, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1088]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING JUDGE MICHAEL POLLARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 21, 2015

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to recognize the hard work of 
Judge Michael Pollard and his tremendous impact on the Tucson 
community.
  His selfless work for the American people started when he was drafted 
into the United States Marine Corps in 1967. He was assigned to the 
Echo Company 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, proudly serving his country in 
Vietnam.
  Following his time in the military, Judge Pollard graduated from the 
University of Arizona, College of Law in 1972. He then worked 
tirelessly in private practice as a prosecutor and public defender for 
20 years before being appointed as a Tucson City Court magistrate in 
1994.
  Since that appointment, Judge Pollard has worked relentlessly to 
improve his community through his service on various committees, 
including as chair of the Arizona Supreme Court Committee on the Impact 
of Domestic Violence in the Courts, as the state judicial 
representative to the Arizona Full Faith and Credit Team, and as co-
chair of the Tucson/Pima County Homeless Plan Implementation Task 
Force, continuing to direct homeless courts in the region.
  Judge Pollard's most recent contribution to Tucson can be found in 
his honorable and dedicated work with his fellow veterans. In 2009, 
along with a handful of other judges, he developed the Regional 
Municipalities Veterans Treatment Court. This organization works to 
provide veterans an opportunity to avoid jail time and clear any 
misdemeanor charges they may have on their record. In return, the 
veteran must complete court-mandated rehabilitation and support 
courses, many times working with the Southern Arizona VA Health Care 
System and other local organizations that provide those services. Since 
its inception, this program has allowed over 600 veterans to work 
towards a healthy, clean lifestyle without the difficulties of 
possessing a criminal record.
  Thanks to Judge Pollard and his team, countless veterans have been 
able to move past their misdemeanors and progress to non-violent, 
healthy lives. He sees these misdemeanors not as permanent hardships, 
but as potential turning points for those who accept them. He provides 
a second chance for those who have fought for our country, and for this 
I am grateful. Judge Pollard demonstrates an individual who truly works 
for the betterment of his community, both among Tucsonans and his 
fellow veterans.

                          ____________________