[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 168 (Friday, October 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E972]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAMPA DIVISION OF VETERANS 
                            TREATMENT COURT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 13, 2023

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to 
congratulate the nationally renowned Tampa division of Veterans 
Treatment Court (VTC) and the Veteran Mentor Program on their 10th 
anniversary. It is my honor to express my deep appreciation for this 
incredible milestone and for the impact that this team of mentors, 
judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys continues to have on helping 
veterans to recover from challenging times and the criminal justice 
system.
  Started in 2013 by retired U.S. Army Colonel DJ Reyes, the Tampa VTC 
was formed to approach and mitigate the gap on many veteran 
requirements and needs often unavailable by the courts, local 
government or community services. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to 
build a platform to support, advocate and train veterans who find 
themselves in trouble with the law due to substance abuse disorders or 
conditions incurred during military service.
  The Tampa VTC launched with six veterans and one mentor. Limited to 
about 25 veterans at any time and created with existing resources 
without additional funding from the county, state or federal 
government. The Tampa VTC soon overcame adversities, such as no 
additional funding or staff, to provide support to this vulnerable 
community. The initiative established strong roots and the trust of the 
community grew. It now operates with a consistent budget and small 
judiciary support staff. I am proud of the more than 900 veterans who 
graduated over the last 10 years and of Tampa VTC's graduation rate of 
88 to 92 percent, making it one of the most successful among the 623 
divisions throughout the Nation. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic and 
other legal procedure issues, when numbers decreased, 50 mentors are 
actively serving and around 60 veteran defendants are on the docket. In 
addition. with the passage of the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination 
Act, the Tampa VTC was able to access grants and technical assistance 
from the Department of Justice.
  I would also like to honor two Tampa Bay veteran leaders for their 
unwavering dedication to serving our community: Retired U.S. Army 
Colonel DJ Reyes and the Honorable Judge Michael J. Scionti. Colonel 
Reyes and his contributions, commitment and invaluable work with the 
Tampa VTC have shined light in the life of many of my neighbors. Judge 
Scionti, a highly decorated military officer and advocate for this 
vulnerable community, brings his own military experience to the bench 
to help address the unique challenges that our veteran community faces 
with a fair and impartial administration of justice. I am proud to have 
Colonel Reyes and Judge Scionti as allies in our commitment to 
improving the quality of life for those who sacrificed so much for our 
country. They exemplify the spirit of public service and represent the 
best of Florida.
  Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, on behalf of the Tampa Bay community, I want 
to extend my heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude to the 
service of the Tampa division of Veteran Treatment Court and its 
passionate leader, Colonel DJ Reyes, for their meaningful contributions 
to ensure no veteran is left behind. I want to congratulate this 
courageous organization on its 10th anniversary of public service and 
offer my sincerest wishes to their future.

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