Kings County Courts honor veterans with first-ever commemoration ceremony

November 12, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

From Left: George Farkas, Gary Port, Michael Farkas, Steve Cohn, Hon. Barry Kamins, Anthony Vaughn Jr. and Hon. Matthew D’Emic at the Kings County Supreme Court’s first Veterans Day commemoration. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

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The Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, hosted its inaugural Veteran’s Day commemoration on Friday, Nov. 8.

The event, held in collaboration with the Brooklyn Bar Association (BBA), the Kings County Criminal Bar Association (KCCBA), the Kings County District Attorney’s Office and the law firm of Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins, highlighted the unique contributions and challenges of veterans within the justice system.

The NYS Courts Pipes and Drums performed during the opening ceremony. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

Hon. Michael Farkas, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and former military judge, served as the master of ceremonies. Farkas, a past president of the KCCBA and a trustee at the BBA, guided the program, which opened with a presentation of colors by the NYS Courts Ceremonial Unit and a musical performance by the NYS Courts Pipes and Drums.

Hon. Lawrence Knipel speaks at the event as administrative judge of the Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

Administrative Judges Hon. Lawrence Knipel and Hon. Matthew D’Emic delivered opening remarks.

“It’s an honor to stand with you in this place of justice and service to honor those who have dedicated themselves to protecting the principles and freedoms that we strive to uphold here every day,” Justice D’Emic said.

Hon. Melissa DeJesus, presiding judge of the Kings County Supreme Court, Veterans Court, discusses the unique challenges faced by veterans. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

The event featured presentations on the Brooklyn Veterans Treatment Court (BVTC) by Judges Melissa DeJesus and Frederick Arriaga.

Judge DeJesus addressed the unique challenges veterans face, noting, “A critical part of honoring our veterans is acknowledging not just their service, but their unique experiences, needs, and challenges that many of them face when they have finished their service.”

Hon. Frederick Arriaga, presiding judge of the Kings County Criminal Court, Veterans Court, emphasizes the importance of peer mentorship. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

Judge Arriaga, who oversees the BVTC, explained the court’s mission and introduced peer mentor Lee Adison, an Army veteran. Adison shared his experiences as a mentor, and explained the program’s impact on lowering recidivism rates among veterans.

Lee Adison, peer mentor for the Brooklyn Veterans Treatment Court, a Bronx native and Army veteran, shares his experiences supporting fellow veterans as they navigate challenges like substance abuse and mental health issues. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

Keynote speakers included Gary Port, U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador for New York City; Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association; and Anthony Vaughn Jr., president of the Brooklyn Bar Association.

Gary Port, U.S. Army Reserve ambassador, reflects on the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

Port, a retired lieutenant colonel, leads the Divorce and Family Law Group at his firm and also oversees its Military Law and Veterans Rights practice. With over 37 years of legal experience, he has represented service members and veterans in both state and military courts. Port has been recognized for his pro bono work for veterans and currently serves as an advisor to the commander of the U.S. Army Reserve.

During his keynote, Port reflected on the unique bond shared by veterans.

From left: Nancy Hoppock, chief assistant district attorney; Maria Doti, co-chair of the Brooklyn Bar Association's Military and Veterans Affairs Committee; Hon. Michael Farkas, former military judge and past president of the Kings County Criminal Bar Association; and Hon. Jeffrey Gershuny, acting Supreme Court justice, at the Veterans Day event. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese — From left: Nancy Hoppock, chief assistant district attorney; Maria Doti, co-chair of the Brooklyn Bar Association’s Military and Veterans Affairs Committee; Hon. Michael Farkas, former military judge and past president of the Kings County Criminal Bar Association; and Hon. Jeffrey Gershuny, acting Supreme Court justice, at the Veterans Day event. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

“When you raise your hand and take that oath, something unique happens,” he said. “The veterans took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution with their lives, and some of them have even paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association, and Anthony Vaughn Jr., president of the Brooklyn Bar Association, at the Veterans Day event. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

He added, “That oath does not end until we die. The veteran takes on a sacred responsibility and, in exchange, gives up some of their civil rights. Families are separated for months or years… the family, in my opinion, are also veterans.”

Acting Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully and KCCBA President Darran Winslow conclude the ceremony with a show of support for veterans. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

The BVTC, established to address the unique needs of veterans within the justice system, offers court-supervised programs for veterans struggling with substance use disorders. Participants receive comprehensive support, including substance abuse treatment, mental health services and peer mentorship.

The court operates with a focus on trauma-informed care, recognizing the significant impact of service-related trauma on veterans. Through partnerships with community organizations and the VA NY Harbor Health Care System, BVTC ensures that veterans receive holistic care tailored to their individual needs.