SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane County Veterans Court began more than a decade ago. Since then, more than 60 veterans have told the court the program saved their lives.
All involved attribute the incredible success of the program to the people in it.
Three of those key players are Judge Patrick Johnson, Probation Officer Tom Squires, and Public Defender Steve Horst. They are a resource and support system for their fellow veterans, in and out of the courtroom.
On Thursday, the three men were presented with a tremendous honor, a Quilt of Valor. The Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003, and local volunteers keep it thriving in our community. Their mission is ‘to cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.’
“As history has shown, only a select few cross the threshold into an arena where you sign a blank check to the American people for up and including your lives,” Dianne Waters said during the presentation.
Judge Johnson, Squires and Horst have more than three decades of combined years of military service. And they continue to serve daily through their tireless work in Veterans Court.
“Each of you has honored your family, your community and your country with the choice you made and the path you continue to walk,” Waters said.
A Memory Quilt was also presented to Judge Johnson Thursday in appreciation for his son’s service. Preston Bradley Johnson had an admirable military career before his death last year.
We have much more on Judge Johnson, Preston, and Veteran’s Court in our special report, ‘The War Within.’
Spokane County Veterans Court works hand in hand with the nonprofit the Spokane Veterans Forum. If you’re interested in donating to the work they do, visit: https://spokaneveteransforum.org/
