Here is the text we could read:
November 2019
newsletter of the administrative office of pa courts
Honoring veterans in the
Pennsylvania judiciary
SPECIAL EDITION (l to r): Problem-Solving Courts
Administrator Angela Sobol Lowry, Judicial
Programs Administrator Andy Simpson,
Supreme Court Justice Debra Todd, York
County Common Pleas Judge Craig
Trebilcock, Lycoming County President
Judge Nancy Butts, Philadelphia Municipal
Court President Judge Patrick Dugan,
Widener Law School Dean Christian
Johnson
that VTC participants struggle with –
especially issues with transportation.
“Being in a very rural county,
transportation becomes one of the
biggest struggles for our participants –
many of them either don’t have access
to public transportation or have driver’s
license suspensions stemming from
previous DUIs. We really try to pair
mentors who have licenses with those
participants who don’t so they can
drive them to and from court,” Judge
Butts said.
Judge Trebilcock went on to address
the third problem, saying that York
County has even begun providing
financial counselors and setting
up cooking classes for those VTC
participants struggling with financial
problems.
“We found that some of these guys,
because they never learned to cook,
were blowing all their money on fast
food, so the goal is to try to show them
how to make their money go further,”
he said.
For people who say these aren’t cost-
effective solutions, I would argue that
they are because the alternative is jail,
which costs roughly $100 taxpayer
dollars per day per inmate.”
Karen Baer, a VJO specialist from
the Wilkes-Barre VA, explained that
if a county doesn’t have adequate
funding or staffing to have a full-blown
VTC, creating a veterans track within
their existing treatment courts could
potentially be another option.
“These veterans track programs have
to follow the same standards and
protocols as other Veterans Courts
and counties are now able to utilize VA
resources and funding,” she explained.
Making
the case for
Veterans
Treatment
Courts
Widener University Commonwealth
Law School held the 3rd Annual
Veterans Court Symposium, “Making
the Case for Veterans Treatment
Courts” in September.
During the morning sessions, panels
of judges, county commissioners
and veteran justice outreach (VJO)
specialists from the federal Veterans
Affairs (VA) spoke about their personal
experience with the significant positive
impacts of veterans courts on the lives
of individual veterans and communities
as a whole.
In her opening keynote remarks,
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice
Debra Todd explained that Veterans
Treatment Court (VTC) participants
often look to the judge as their
commanding officer, leading to a
sentiment later repeated throughout
the program – “Judges are the
glue that hold our Veterans Courts
together.”
York County Common Pleas Judge
Craig Trebilcock, an army veteran,
moderated the judges’ panel, where
he offered some words of advice to
judges interested in setting up a VTC
in their county.
He said there are three main problems
that cause participants to fail the
program – housing, financial and
transportation. He explained some of
the ways that his county has helped
their VTC participants try to overcome
these barriers.
“We stole the idea from Lancaster to
set up a veteran housing unit and it
actually helps address two of those
problems,” said Judge Trebilcock.
“Providing participants with stable
housing makes transportation easier
because participants can now carpool
to court appointments.”
York County has also tried to help
address the transportation problem
by loaning bikes from the sheriff’s
department that participants can ride
to the bus stop – and partnering with
Rabbit Transit, who are sometimes on-
call to pick up participants and take
them to court appointments.
President Judge Nancy Butts also
discussed the ways Lycoming County
has tried to address some challenges
1
Dauphin County Commissioner, Jeff
Haste, emphasized that point saying
they initially anticipated there would
be funding issues, but their county has
actually seen a cost-savings due to the
funding through the VA.
“All of these Veterans Court programs
will resemble the judge who presides
over them. When it comes to trying to
solve these problems, it’s really up to
the judge’s creativity – no program is
identical by any means,” Judge Butts
said.
When discussing how VTC program
specifics can widely differ based on
the county and judge, Philadelphia
Municipal Court President Judge
Patrick Dugan, a U.S. Army veteran,
explained that the judge presiding over
a VTC doesn’t necessarily have to be a
veteran themselves; they just need to
be someone with empathy.
Dugan encouraged judges who
don’t have that service experience
to surround themselves with people
who do because in order to make
VTC a success, you have to tap into
the participants’ military culture and
service.
Veterans Treatment Court awareness
and mentor recruitment
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Justice Debra Todd
delivered a powerful message in two new videos
highlighting Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) as well as
stressing the importance and critical need for volunteer
veteran mentors.
The videos provide the opportunity to hear directly from
participants and graduates how VTC has given them their
life back. One of the common themes participants cite along
their journey is the critical role a veteran mentor plays in
their success.
The videos were produced by AOPC/Communications
with the cooperation of several county courts, participants,
graduates, mentors, probation, judicial staff and treatment
court coordinators.
Mentors are veterans who share common experiences
with the Veterans Court participants, and who volunteer
their time to support VTC participants navigating the court,
treatment and Veterans Affairs systems.
“The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is committed to doing
everything we can to support the men and women who
have served our country as they transition back to civilian
life,” said Justice Todd.
This rehabilitative court helps veterans by combining
treatment and personal accountability, with the goal of
breaking the cycle of addiction and criminal behavior.
According to Justice Todd, “Veterans deeply value their
military experience and share a bond with their fellow vets.
The mentor component builds upon this camaraderie; it is
unique, and it is one of the key ingredients to the success of
our Veterans Courts.”
Watch the videos now or learn more about volunteering as a
mentor at veterans.pacourts.us.
“Veterans Courts truly help our veterans find their way back
home,” added Justice Todd.
2
3
3
Veterans
Treatment
Court
participant
pays it forward
as a mentor
When Ally Murr was honorably discharged from the U.S.
Army in 2010, she found herself unable to cope with her
severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), turning to
drugs and alcohol to try to numb the pain.
Racking up a lengthy list of charges, she found herself in
and out of jail. After receiving her worst charges, she landed
before Huntingdon County President Judge George Zanic.
“That’s when Judge Zanic heard that I was a veteran - no
one had ever bothered to ask that before. He had sympathy
for me.”
“As a veteran, it’s hard to
explain the bond, no matter
what branch you were in, there
is this deep bond you have with
each other. I don’t know how to
put it into words.”
Ally was transferred from Huntingdon to Dauphin County
where she was enrolled in their Veterans Treatment Court
(VTC) program.
Last month, Judge William Tully and her former probation
officer, Brian Wagner, watched with pride as Ally recounted
her journey during an interview in the very same courtroom
she used to sit in as a participant as compared to now as a
mentor to other participants.
“Being a mentor is more rewarding than anything money
could buy…to see another veteran in a dark place and be
able to help them grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually
is incredible,” she said.
Ally Murr, program paritcipant and Veteran Treatment Court mentor
I have a mentee and she is actually a mom too, and I’ve
been able to use what I’ve been through to give her hope
and strength.”
When talking about the profound, life-changing impact that
her probation officer and Judge Tully had on her life, she
was asked why that program worked when nothing else did.
“That was also the first time in my life an authority figure
looked at me and had hope, and that means the world to
people like me who were struggling so much,” Ally said.
When asked what advice she would give to other veterans
struggling with addiction, she said, “In training, we are
taught we have to control the situation… and you can apply
that to your recovery by taking control of your own life, no
matter how bad the situation you’ve gotten yourself in.”
Not only has Ally turned her life around, but she’s now made
it her life purpose to help other veterans and addicts who
are struggling like she was.
Celebrating three years in recovery, Ally also works for
a nonprofit, Just For Today (JFT) as a veteran services
coordinator and is currently working towards getting her
bachelor’s degree in social work - which she hopes to use to
become a therapist for other veterans struggling with PTSD
and addiction.
4
Pennsylvania Veterans
Treatment Courts
Veterans Treatment Courts (VTC) are rigorous
“As Americans, we owe
12-24 month programs that assist justice-involved
a debt of gratitude to
veterans struggling with addiction, mental health
issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder or
co-occurring disorders as a result of their service
to this country.
VTC participants –
• Appear before their judge on a regular basis
• Receive support and guidance from veteran mentors
• Are intensely supervised by specialized probation officers
• Receive treatment from Veterans Affairs or local treatment providers
Veteran mentors are volunteer veterans who act as role models for the
veterans in the program by coaching and guiding them throughout the
process. The shared experiences of another veteran is critical in helping
the participant connect to and maintain treatment, regain control of his/
her life and successfully complete the program.
our military veterans.
Veterans Courts help
veterans by combining
treatment and personal
accountability, with the
goal of breaking the
cycle of addiction and
criminal behavior.”
Pennsylvania Supreme
Court Justice Debra Todd
5
5
Why do we need Veterans treatment Courts?
• With nearly 800,000 veterans, Pennsylvania has the fourth-largest population of veterans in the country.
•
“They are our best citizens, they raised their right hand and swore to protect and defend our country.
It is our duty to help make them become our best citizens once again.”
– Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Patrick Dugan, Army veteran
Pennsylvania currently has 25 VTCs throughout the state.
Benefits for the veterans:
Benefits for the community:
• Becoming clean and sober
• Saving costs on law enforcement and jail
• Reducing their chances of reoffending
• Receiving treatment for PTSD, addiction
services
• Maintaining a safe community
and/or other issues
• Preserving the family unit
• Gaining employment and skills
• Keeping children and spouses safe
•
Improving relationships with families and
friends
• Becoming a positive contributor in the
community
expunged
• Possibly having charges dismissed or
• Reducing homelessness
Learn more or volunteer
to be a mentor at
veterans.pacourts.us
6
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania recognizes
the contributions of jurists who have served in the
United States military and who continue to serve
in the Pennsylvania Judiciary.
Judge Craig Trebilcock
York County
Judge Richard Thomas
York County
• Served as a JAG officer from 1988–2018
• Retired in 2018 after 30 years of service
• Stationed in West Germany
• Deployments to the Balkans in 1997, Iraq in 2003, Congo
2012–2013 and deployment from the bench 2015–2016
to Afghanistan
“Military service has made me a better judge, as it taught me
to not take for granted the rule of law that characterizes our
system of justice. A system like ours where legal outcomes
are based purely on law and facts, rather than favoritism,
discrimination, bias and bribery is a rarity in the world.”
• Retired as Lieutenant
• Stationed on the USS John Marshall (SSN-611) submarine
• Served as a nuclear trained submarine officer during the
in the early 1980s
Cold War
• Mission was to observe and monitor Soviet submarines
and ships in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean
Sea while remaining undetected
“Being in the military shapes you for a lifetime; it certainly did
for me. You learn discipline, but more importantly, you learn to
take responsibility for your actions.”
Judge Michael McCarthy
Allegheny County
Judge David Howells
Lehigh County
• Served as a Combat Engineer with the Navy Seabees
• Received the Navy Combat Badge and a Bronze Star
• Deployed to Vietnam from 1970–1971
• Served from 1977–1983
• Presidential Security Marine for President Carter
stationed at Camp David
7
Judge Wade Kagarise
Blair County
Judge Leonard G. Brown, III
Lancaster County
• Served as an Army Reserve Infantryman
from 1990–1996
Benning, Georgia
• Completed basic training and infantry school at Fort
engineer
• Retired in 2019 after 28 years of service
• Served during his early years as an airborne combat
• Transitioned to the Army Reserve Judge Advocate
• Ended career working with the U.S. Africa Command
General’s Corp (JAG)
in Stuttgart Germany
“My military service was the initiation of a lifelong
commitment to public service. I urge young adults to consider
military service as a way to give back to our country or
alternatively to find other ways to serve their communities.”
President Judge Edward Reibman
Lehigh County
• Served in the U.S. Army Reserves from
1969–1975
Judge Christopher Kalacinski
Potter County
• Served as a U.S. Army Military Police Officer and
Investigator from 2008–2016
• Stationed at Schofield, Hawaii 2008–2013
• Deployed to Afghanistan from 2012–2013
Senior Judge Allan Tereshko
Philadelphia County
• Served from 1963–1967
Judge Michael H. Sholley
Snyder and Union Counties
• Served in the Military Police Corp from 1975–1978
• Commissioned a Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Infantry 1981
• Served in the National Guard and Reserves as an Infantry,
Armor and JAG officer until 1995 and resigned as a Major
8
Judge James Anthony
Lehigh County
Judge Cheryl Austin
Montgomery County
• Commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine
Corps Reserve in 1981
• Retired at the rank of Colonel in 2009
• Served in both active duty and reserve capacities,
including service in Okinawa from 1984–1985 (one
year), and Iraq from 2004–2005 (seven months) and
2006–2007 (two months)
• Retired as a Captain
• Served for 24 years–seven active duty and 17 in Reserves
• Entered the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps in its first
class of women while she was an undergraduate student
at Northwestern University
Judge Miles Bixler
Lancaster County
• Served from 1976–1981
• Rank: Hull Technician 1st Class
• Made four deployments aboard the aircraft carrier
USS Saratoga to the Mediterranean Sea
Judge Michael Toomey
Northumberland County
• Retired from active Army and Army Reserve duty in 2004
• Military Police Corps
• Rank: Master Sergeant
• Deployed to Iraq for 12 months
• Served in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and in
Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003–2004
Judge Daniel Wallace
Mercer County
• Graduated from West Point in 1988
• Served from 1988–1992
• Deployed for combat during Operation Desert Storm
Judge Tim Kreiger
Westmoreland County
• Served from 1985–1989
• USS Pensacola (LSD-38)
• Rank: Lieutenant
9
Senior Judge Gene Cohen
Philadelphia County
Judge James Lillis
Berks County
• Served in the Military Police Corps from 1964–1968
• Rank: Captain
• Retired from PA Air National Guard as Brigadier General
after serving in the Guard and U.S. Air Force from
1974–2004
• Served five years active duty as Minuteman Missile Crew
Commander
• Deployed as a NATO Commander for Operations Allied
Force during the Kosovo conflict and for Operation
Decisive Endeavor, Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Served as Vice Commander, 193d Special Operations
Wing, Middletown, during Operation Enduring Freedom
and Operation Iraqi Force
Judge Timothy Rowley
Berks County
• Served in the U.S. Air Force Military Police Corps
from 1974–1980
Judge Michael Morris
Clearfield County
• Served from 1973–1977
• Stationed for two years on the aircraft carrier Saratoga
including deployments to the Mediterranean, Northern
Africa and the Middle East
• Stationed two years at Camp Lejeune
Judge Mark Martin
Cumberland County
• Retired as a Colonel after 30 years of service
• Served in active and reserve duty from 1985–2015
• Served as infantry officer during nine years active duty
• Military Police and civil affairs assignments during
21 years reserve time
• Stationed three and one half years in West Germany
during the end of the Cold War and was there when the
wall came down
• Served in the Global War on Terrorism, deploying twice to
Iraq and twice to Afghanistan
“My military service and years abroad has significantly shaped
and refined my world view, as I have had the opportunity to
learn about and interact with people from dozens of cultures
throughout the world, from regions such as Central America and
Europe, to the Middle East. I believe that my experiences with
people from so many diverse groups have helped me to better
relate to those from other countries who have business in my
court, and hopefully put them at ease while in my court.”
10
Judge Daniel McCaffery
Philadelphia County
Judge Michael Thatcher
Allegheny County
• Served on active duty from 1983–1986
• Joined the Army at 18 years old and proudly served
with the 1st Cavalry Division
• Selected to attend West Point Prep
• Served in the Army Reserves in the 304th Military
Intelligence Unit from 1987–1989
• Graduated from the Naval Academy in 2006
• Served as a U.S. Marine Corps Infantry Officer for 13 years
• Deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 and 2010 in Helmand
Province with 1st Battalion 6th Marine Regiment
• Served as Company Commander for Kilo Company 3rd
Battalion 25th Marine Regiment, a reserve unit based in
Pittsburgh
• Currently the Battalion Executive Officer for 3rd Battalion
25th Marine Regiment
Senior Judge Mazzoni
Lackawanna County
• Served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1970–1976
• Rank: E4
Judge Matthew Wolf
Philadelphia Municipal Court
• Currently serves as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve,
JAG Corps
• Joined the Army Reserves at age 35 in 2003
• Deployed to Iraq in 2006 and Afghanistan in 2008
• In Afghanistan, he served as the Rule of Law adviser to
the sole lawyer overseeing the Afghan National Police
“The Army has enriched my life. The first big thing the Army
teaches you is about doing things for more than just yourself.
You think of others. There’s no place for ego. Leadership comes
from that. You have the back of your fellow soldiers and they
have yours. As a judge, you continue to work as a team with
the staff, the parties, attorneys and witnesses to achieve
justice. It is a wonderful thing if it works right and just like the
Army, justice is not about me being the judge, it is about being
a member of a team. A judge is like a high-ranking officer and
that judge has to guide people through a challenge. It is about
ensuring a fair process and a fair result.”
Judge Tom Burke
Luzerne County
• Served from 1969–1971
• Deployed to Vietnam 1970–1971
• Rank: Specialist 5
• Unit: Medical Command
• Received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service
11
Judge Daniel Davis
Mercer County
• Served in the Navy Reserves for 24 years
Judge Thomas Gehret
Philadelphia Municipal Court
• Served as Corporal in the U.S. Army
• Stationed in Vietnam 1971–1972, serving in Qui Nhon, Phu
Bai, Cam Ranh Bay and Long Binh
“While I opposed the war, I felt it was my duty to serve. Military
services instills discipline and a sense of accomplishment which
can benefit you in any future career.”
Senior Judge Terry Grimes
Greene County
• Rank: Major
• Artillery Branch
• Active duty 1966–1969, Reserves 1969–1975+
“It was my experience in the military that inspired me to
pursue a legal career. It provided me with leadership skills
and the necessity to be able to assess a situation and make
instantaneous decisions. This training has served me well as a
jurist.”
Senior Judge Louis Farina
Lancaster County
• Served from 1969–1973
• JAG Captain
President Judge Patrick Dugan
Philadelphia Municipal Court
• Joined the Army in 1981
• Reenlisted in 2003 after a 14-year break in response
to 9/11 attacks
• Served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Panama and South Korea
“I felt that it was my duty to go back and assist in our war
on terrorism. My military service is who I am. The military
instilled in me the confidence to do anything, to do what
is conceived as impossible. My military background has
assisted me greatly every day on the bench; the leadership
taught in the Airborne Infantry is guiding me in leading
Philadelphia Municipal Court as President Judge. I have been
able to continue to assist my fellow service-members as I lead
a dedicated team in Veterans Courts. I am blessed to be in the
position I am today – and the road I traveled is who I am.”
12
Senior Judge Michael Dunlavey
Erie County
Senior Judge David Klementik
Somerset County
• Served as a Captain
• Served six years active duty, 20 years reserve
• Flew the A-6 Intruder aboard the USS Forrestal for two
deployment cruises with over 200 carrier landings
• Entered active duty in the Army serving in Germany and
Vietnam and joined the Army Reserve during law school
• Commanded soldiers at multiple levels and was selected
as Deputy Commanding General (DCG) of the Army’s
Intelligence and Security Command and the Army’s
Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff (CoS) for Intelligence
• Promoted to Major General and chosen by NSA Director,
Mike Hayden, to be his assistant at NSA headquarters
• Recalled to active duty after 9/11 and was chosen by
Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, in 2002 to
create and establish an interrogation system and center
at Guantanamo Bay
• Concluded his distinguished military career in April
of 2004, following a tour at the CIA as the Associate
Director for Homeland Security
Judge Rich Knecht
Columbia County
• Served in the Military Police Corp from 1974–1977
• Stationed at Fort Ord California with the 7th Military
Police Company, attached to the 7th Infantry Division
• Received advanced training in the guarding of high
ranking personnel and providing security for major
troop movements
• Participated in two of the first joint military exercises
conducted in the Mojave Desert
Senior Judge James Gardner Colins
Superior Court
• Served in the U.S. Army Reserves for eight years
• Honorably discharged with the rank of Captain in 1983
• Assigned to various civil affairs units during his service
Judge Jeff Conrad
Lancaster County
• Served from 1985–1990
• Rank: First Lieutenant
“Serving my country as a United States Marine Corps Officer
was a dream come true. As a child, I met an uncle of mine who
was a Marine and his walk, talk and bearing was different;
he moved with confidence and took life in stride. The training I
received as a Marine helped me to realize that the human body
is made to do so much more than we think and that groups
of hard-charging Americans infused with esprit de corps,
and God’s blessing, can conquer any enemy. Civilian world
translation: there is no problem too big to handle.”
13
Judge Daniel Bowman
Adams County
• Joined the Army at 17 years old in 1969
• Served in Vietnam as a Sgt. E-5 with 9th Inf.,
25th Inf. and E Troop 17 Cav. 173 Airborne Brigade
• He was motivated to serve by the service of his
father, seven uncles and two aunts who served in
World War II
• He believes that his Catholic education and the
words of President John F. Kennedy inspired him to
serve: “And so, my fellow Americans-ask not what
your country can do for you-ask what you can do for
your country. My fellow citizens of the world-ask not
what America will do for you but what together we
can do for the freedom of man.”
“I have learned to never discount anyone. Everyone has
strong and weak points. Work with whomever you have to
deal with, form a relationship in a joint effort towards the
goal you seek. Be fair, be civil but don’t be afraid to use any
tools that you need to make good and fair decisions.”
We also wish to say a special thank you
to employees within the court system
who have served or continue to serve,
in the United States military:
John M. Skocik, Army, 1988–1994
Mark Whitworth, Air Force, 1981–1985
Barbara A. Sleva, Army, 1981–2003
Rich Ammons, Army, 2003–2004
Steven L. Yeager, Marine Corps, 1982–1986
Daryl Wilson Walker, Army, 1980–2012
Steve Sondheimer, Navy, 1980–1987
Mike Sponsler, Air Force, 1977–1981
Jake Presley, Army, 2000–2013
Mark Franklin, Marine Corps, 1984–1987
Jennifer A. Horn, Navy, 1995–1997
Brian Darbrow, Air Force, 1992–1999
Jennifer J. Love, Air Force, 1999–2001
Richard Long, Army Reserve, 1989–2019
Leo Zuvich, Marine Corp Reserve, 1984–1990
Sharon Rogers, Army, 1984–1992
B. Jon Sherman, Marines
John Witherow, Army National Guard, 1984–1991
Suzanne M. Creavey, Army, 1981–1983
Jeffrey M. Wasileski, Navy, 1985–2011
Bruce J. Ferguson, Air Force, 1981–1985
Daniel A. Durst, Army National Guard, 1989–1993
AOPC/Communications thanks the judges
featured in this issue for responding to requests
for information about their military service.
14
