Stokes honored for Veteran’s Court service
Before taking his seat on the bench for Veteran’s Court Oct. 1, Delaware Superior Court Judge Richard Stokes got a big surprise from his fellow war veterans.
Stokes, a veteran of the Air Force, was presented an award by the Delaware Veterans Awareness Center for his work with the Veteran’s Court, a Superior Court program that looks to divert veterans accused of nonviolent crimes and misdemeanors away from the criminal justice system and into treatment.
Stokes was also honored for his participation in the Delaware Veterans Stand Down, an annual event in Dover that helps bring awareness of social services for veterans in need.
“I’m very taken back,” Stokes said upon receiving the award. “I did not expect this. I appreciate it. It means a lot to me.”
In addition to fellow vets, the surprise presentation was attended by fellow judges T. Henley Graves, Jane Brady and Jan Jurden.
Presenting the award to Stokes was Elizabeth Byers-Jiron, executive director of the Delaware Veteran Awareness Center.
Ryan Mavity covers Milton and the court system. He is married to Rachel Swick Mavity and has two kids, Alex and Jane. Ryan started with the Cape Gazette all the way back in February 2007, previously covering the City of Rehoboth Beach. A native of Easton, Md. and graduate of Towson University, Ryan enjoys watching the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Capitals and Baltimore Orioles in his spare time.
