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.