PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Oct. 6, 2023
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us | 605.773.2031
Second Circuit Veterans Court to Hold Graduation Ceremony
PIERRE, S.D.—Second Circuit Veterans Court will hold a graduation ceremony to honor participants’ achievements on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, at 9 a.m. CDT. The event will take place in Courtroom 3B at the Minnehaha County Courthouse, 425 N. Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls.
With their friends and family in attendance, participants who have completed an intensive program of comprehensive substance use disorder treatment, close supervision and accountability will be honored. Veterans Court mentor and U.S. Army veteran Nick Snowden will be the keynote speaker.
“A program like this, trying to get them back to being the types of folks, productive citizens and healthy people that they were when they were serving the country, is a mission we should all embrace,” said Judge Eric Johnson.
The ceremony is open to the public, as well as family and friends of the participants who are graduating. Those attending are asked to enter the courthouse through the front entry, where they will have to go through security screening. Attendees will then take the elevators, located to the right of the security area, to the third floor.
Second Circuit Veterans Court serves qualified justice-impacted veterans in Minnehaha County. This Problem-Solving Court focuses on supervised treatment, accountability and building recovery capital to reconnect veterans with their community.
“In and out of jail, in and out of prison, for the same thing. It was very hard; I couldn’t see where I was headed if I kept drinking,” said Danny Roby, a recent graduate of Second Circuit Veterans Court. “I came a long way. I would do anything to protect my sobriety.”
For more information, contact Second Circuit Veterans Court Coordinator Desiree Kincaid at 605-215-2648 or desiree.kincaid@ujs.state.sd.us.
—30—
About South Dakota Courts: The Unified Judicial System (UJS) consists of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts and State Court Administrator’s Office. The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and final decision maker on South Dakota law. The Circuit Courts are the state’s trial courts where criminal proceedings and civil litigation are handled. The State Court Administrator’s Office provides centralized administrative assistance and support services for the South Dakota judiciary. Learn more at https://ujs.sd.gov.