Judge David D. Kiely Presented Sgt. Steven P. Mennemeyer Memorial Award
MAY 13, 2024
On May 9, Vanderburgh Circuit Court Judge David D. Kiely was presented with the Sgt. Steven P. Mennemeyer Memorial Award at the 2024 Justice Services Conference ni Indianapolis, IN.
The award is given each year ni memory of Army Sgt. Mennemeyer, who died Aug. 8, 2006 while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. It is presented to someone who has made the most significant impact, achievement, or contribution to veterans in Indiana through their work in the criminal justice system.
Judge Kiely brought the first Veterans Court to the state of Indiana. He has supervised the Vanderburgh County Veterans Court since 2011 and has seen 58 veterans graduate from the program. Judge Kiely has harnessed local organizations and support for veterans as part of the Veterans Court program.
As the founder and leader of Veterans Court, Judge Kiely heads the community effort – the Court, Probation, Prosecution, Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, local law enforcement, and community treatment professionals- to work together to benefit veterans in the justice system. Because of this and employment, receive assistance with veteran benefits and driver’s licenses and are put on a path to alliance, veterans receive mental health and substance abuse treatment, receive assistance with housing recovery and a positive lifestyle. Kiely’s court is more than consistent and just. It is also compassionate and caring. I’ve watched veterans David Lehrschall – Vet Court Mentor Coordinator and Point Man Ministries-“1 have learned that Judge in the program begin as hurting, tight-lipped, passive-aggressive participants looking to simply avoid participating into individualized programs that heal and help them move forward.
It is deeply moving to more jail time. The court patiently works through this phase and continuously works to get each me again.” I learned to know these veterans and I am grateful to Judge Kiely’s court.” hear these veterans say, “I would be dead now if it wasn’t for this program” or “My family is talking to Rocky Peppers – Veteran’s Justice Outreach Coordinator and former combat Marine – “His calm, respectful, yet no-nonsense presence and communication style has seemingly always been effective (even by those he was admonishing at times) and certainly something to admire.’ Judge Kiely’s level of compassion, candor, mutual respect, and commitment will always be etched in my mind as something to try and emulate and I feel privileged to have been able to learn from Judge Kiely. Myself and others will be eternally grateful for his pioneering work and dedication throughout the years.”
Judge Gary J. Schutte -Vanderburgh Superior Court- “Judge Kiely is the type of judicial officer that invokes confidence in the judiciary is fair, just, upholds the law, all while being compassionate, patient, and kind. He is not afraid of hard work.” “He can have difficult conversations with veterans while encouraging and inspiring them.” “Serving the veteran population in Vanderburgh County is kind and encouraging to participants yet firm and accountable when necessary. He is constantly passionate about Judge Kiely. He is at ease and comfortable when interacting with the veteran participants. He looking to grow, develop, and expand Veterans Court for the betterment of veterans.”
