The Big Island Veterans Treatment Court held its 20th graduation ceremony on July 11 to celebrate former Navy SEAL David Riehle’s completion of the intensive court treatment program. He was joined by family and loved ones, along with Kona Veterans Treatment Court Judge Wendy DeWeese, and Third Circuit Chief Judge Robert Kim.

Riehle grew up in Kona where he participated in football, basketball, and track at Konawaena High School. After graduating, he joined the Navy and completed the rigorous training required to become a SEAL, serving honorably in the special forces.

The Navy Sea, Air, and Land Teams (Navy SEALs) require recruits to meet high standards of character and moral integrity. If these individuals encounter serious hardships after military service, their experiences often fall well beyond the scope of issues that conventional treatment programs are equipped to handle.

The Big Island Veterans Treatment Court is specifically designed to hold veterans accountable for their conduct, while coordinating support services through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and partnerships with various community-based substance abuse, mental health, and veteran-specific service providers.

Each veteran undergoes extensive treatment and counseling, including frequent urinalysis, meetings with probation officers, and court appearances. Many services rendered to these veterans are provided by the VA at no cost to the state.

Veteran mentors from every branch of military service provide additional support. These volunteer mentors understand the difficulties veterans face, and offer their time and assistance to program participants.

This holistic approach helps veterans and their families recover and regain prospects for a successful future, while also saving taxpayer dollars.

For more information on the Big Island Veterans Treatment Court program call 808-443-2201.