Last week, the annual Maricopa County Veterans’ StandDown brought community partners, government agencies, and service organizations together at the Arizona State Fairgrounds to support military veterans across the valley.  The two‑day event is designed to connect veterans with resources such as healthcare, housing assistance, employment services, legal support, benefits counseling, and more — all at no cost.

Attorney Tait D. Elkie was on-site at the StandDown as Presiding Judge for the East Valley Regional Veterans’ Court.  Veterans’ Treatment Courts like this one take a rehabilitation‑focused approach, addressing underlying issues tied to military service — such as mental health challenges, substance use, or trauma — rather than relying solely on traditional punishment.

These courts work in partnership with probation officers, treatment providers, and community resources to help veterans successfully complete assigned programs, resolve outstanding legal matters, and reintegrate into their communities.

Participating Cities

The East Valley Regional Veterans’ Court staff facilitated the processing of cases for a number of participating cities, which included:

• Buckeye
• Carefree – Cave Creek
• Chandler
• El Mirage
• Gilbert
• Goodyear
• Paradise Valley
• Peoria
• Scottsdale
• Tempe

It’s a testament to how wide‑ranging and collaborative the effort has become — bringing much‑needed services to our region’s veterans in an efficient, impactful way.

Local Media Spotlight

The event was featured on Channel 12 News, highlighting how hundreds of valley veterans connected with vital support and information at the StandDown.  You can watch the story here:  News Story.