The District Court in Baltimore City is set to commemorate Veterans Day and the seventh anniversary of its Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) with a luncheon and program. The event will feature Brigadier General Peter J. Whalen, Deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command, as the keynote speaker. Whalen has an extensive 33-year military career, having served in multiple leadership roles.
On Tuesday, November 15, local veterans will be honored for their service and participation in the VTC program at a celebration led by Senior Judge Halee F. Weinstein. Participants will include judges, court staff, family members, friends, prosecutors, and community partners. It is noted that Veterans Day falls on November 11 when Maryland courts are closed.
Judge Weinstein founded the VTC in October 2015 as a voluntary treatment-based program aimed at veterans charged with misdemeanors or concurrent jurisdiction felonies. Since its inception, approximately 100 veterans have completed the program. The mission of VTC is to enhance public safety by offering coordinated treatment for veterans dealing with substance use disorders or mental health issues.
The event details are as follows:
- Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2022
- Time: Luncheon at 12 p.m., media photo availability from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., VTC docket starts at 1 p.m.
- Location: Eastside District Courthouse, Courtroom 7, Baltimore
Prominent figures expected to attend include Honorable Matthew J. Fader, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals of Maryland; Honorable John P. Morrissey, Chief Judge of the District Court of Maryland; Honorable Geoffrey G. Hengerer; and Senior Judge Halee F. Weinstein.
Photographers attending must follow specific guidelines regarding courtroom photography due to restrictions during court proceedings.