Cuspis Vir

SERVANT LEADER

National , state and local / COMMUNITY AWARDS AND RECOGNTION

SERVANT LEADER

Retired US Army Colonel with over 33 years of faithful service to our great Nation. Earning his bachelors, masters, and juris doctor degrees from the University of Notre Dame, the US Naval War College, and Temple University School of Law, DJ’s leadership resume also includes key command and staff positions in special forces / special operations, military intelligence, infantry, airborne, air assault, Joint/Interagency, and Multi-National organizations. His combat and contingency deployments included tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, North Africa, Bosnia, Kosovo, Haiti and Korea.

ADVOCATE

National , state and local / COMMUNITY AWARDS AND RECOGNTION

SERVANT LEADER

Post military retirement, DJ helped establish in Tampa FL the Volunteer Veteran Mentor Corps that directly supports the In nationally acclaimed Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) in 2013. The VTC assists veterans in trouble with the law due to a disorder or condition incurred during military service. DJ is a national veteran advocate who has briefed in the White House and on Capitol Hill, who assisted in the passage of HR886 – the VTC Coordination Act of 2019 (national funding for all VTCs), and HR3967/S3373 PACT Act (Toxic Exposures/Burn Pits). He sits on various national, US Congressional, and State advisory boards.

DJ supports the Heart Dance Foundation and is an advocate in combatting human trafficking in the Tampa Bay region. From 2020-2023, he served as a Tampa Mayoral appointed member (and Vice-Chair) on Tampa’s Citizens Review Board which oversees Tampa Police and community interaction and issues.

Finally, DJ and his wife Julie are community advocates on various social issues and are active members with various military bases and organizations (MacDill AFB, VFW, American Legion, Marine Corps League, local National Guard and Reserve units), and interact with local business, civic and non-profit organizations (ie, Tampa Business Chamber of Commerce, Hiring Our Heroes Foundation, United Way’s Mission United, etc).

National , state and local / COMMUNITY AWARDS AND RECOGNTION

In 2024, the CEO, Volunteer Florida - officially recognized as the Florida Commission on Community Service - bestowed the “Champion of Service Award” (established in 2013) to DJ for his outstanding efforts and contributions in the realm of volunteer service and passion in service to the local community.

In 2023, DJ received the University of Tampa’s Ethics Award. Additionally, the US Secretary of Veterans Affairs appointed DJ to the US Veterans Affairs' Committee on Homeless Veterans. In 2022, DJ received the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Distinguished Service Award and the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) National Citation for support to both veteran and community service programs. In 2021, DJ was inducted by the FL Governor and Cabinet into the FL Veterans Hall of Fame. In 2020, DJ received the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) Community Hero Award, the Lieutenant General James Peake Award for Community Service to Veterans in the Judicial system, and the University of Notre Dame’s Reverend William Corby Award for Distinguished Military and Community Service. In 2018, WFLA (NBC) recognized DJ as Tampa’s “GR8 Inspiration” for his life saving work in the VTC. In 2016, DJ was awarded with the Hillsborough County Bar Association’s highest award – the Liberty Bell Award – for his exemplary efforts in promoting, and advocating for, the legal judicial system and process as it supports the local veterans and special needs communities.

IN THE NEWS

2025

25 March: MHCV 501c3 on WFTS ABC's Morning Blend: https://www.abcactionnews.com/morning-blend/mentors-for-hillsborough-county-veterans-helping-turn-lives-around

15 February: VA dismisses 1K employees:

https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-hillsborough/tampa-veteran-community-shares-insight-on-va-dismissing-more-than-1-000-employees

20 January: Veterans Voice Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBSsDH10FZM

2024

20 December: Federal VTC and Mentors Program Initiative coming the Tampa Bay: 2 Men on a Mission: How a veteran and attorney fight to leave no soldier behind

06 November: Veterans Day Interview, Feeding Tampa Bay: https://open.spotify.com/episode/34N6mMK7ebCYVXAs6ElKAx?si=AmSGIWpfSjqBqPS_7dN-ag&nd=1&dlsi=762e420d683b4044

15 August: WFTS ABC interview on 2d Anniversary of PACT Act: https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/national-politics/va-says-pact-act-helping-thousands-exposed-to-toxic-fumes-during-military-service?fbclid=IwY2xjawEsL_VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHUAvkl1mx3mWPbWrvIV4IyWraEX6n6kBkSPPYOOKRneGILtl7pgNgk_qHg_aem_wiOhpPCpERcibw44F6vovw

14 August: Podcast Interview with "Veteran Voices", Pinellas County Chamber of Commerce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBSsDH10FZM

17 July: Celebrating recent successes of the 988 Veterans Crisis Hotline Line: https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-hillsborough/more-veterans-in-crisis-are-calling-for-help-since-the-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline-changed-its-number-to-988

04 July: Tampa VTC and Mentor Program - and support to the ongoing pilot program at the US Federal Court level (US Middle District of FL): Many thanks to ABC investigative reporter Mike Paluska for lending a "foxhole view" of the Veterans caught up in the criminal justice system and who fortunately find themselves in the Veterans Treatment Court (VTC). Mike was able to show the human side of this issue and, in addition to the Veterans, the VTC team led by Judge Michael Scionti who fight the Good Fight every day. Special thanks for noting that there is an effort to expand this proven program up to the US Federal District Court level: https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local-news/helping-a-fellow-soldier-expanding-the-veterans-treatment-court-to-federal-court

07 June: The Riverside Recovery of Tampa Bay's VALOR program is in the VA Community of Care Network and has been supporting the nationally acclaimed Tampa FL Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) since 2017. "Leave no Veteran behind. Until they all come home."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk7kHc97Q6c

28 April: Interview with Ed Narain, 101.5FM the Vibe, VTC Judge Michael Scionti and Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez. Session starts at 19:43 mark, Frontpage Tampa Bay April 28 2024.

https://www.1015vibe.com/

24 February: Thanks to Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera for sharing this Bay News 9 segment on one of our success stories in the Tampa VTC program. Leave no Veteran behind. #tampavtc

https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2024/02/16/veteran-treatment-court-dui-

02 February: Recent local media interview on the Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) and Veteran Mentor Program on Tampa Bay Arts and Entertainment with host Kim Droege.

Additionally, I make note of collateral initiatives as a result of issues observed in VTC - such as current efforts in low cost, affordable Veteran housing, and potentially establishing a federal level, VTC and Mentors Program in the Middle District of FL:

https://watch.tbae.net/m/VRR9YSYR/colonel-dj-reyes-us-army?list=y18jnWvr

2023

01 December: TBAE Kim Droege interviews Tampa VTC Judge Michael Scionti: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0xoriXsBqM

02 November: 2023 UofTampa Ethics Award: https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local-news/retired-florida-veteran-wins-tampa-bay-business-ethics-award

13 October: 10 Year Anniversary and Awards Event, Tampa VTC and Mentors Program: https://www.wtsp.com/video/news/national/military-news/veterans-treatment-court-helps-service-members-get-back-on-track/67-26fb8f0b-3cc2-4492-9f0b-f528a860208b

09 August: (Bay News 9): Reminder for PACT ACT filing suspense for retroactive benefits: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2023/08/09/deadline-to-file-for-pact-act-benefits

05 August: (WFLA NBC): VetFest at Tropicana Field to help local Veterans with PACT Act benefits and other health services https://www.wfla.com/news/pinellas-county/vetfest-helps-bay-area-veterans-learn-of-benefit-expansion/?fbclid=IwAR1GvmearoBf7PqM4j4Miyx3cv5IQdK0gF1tzoEDL8ShzvgfUXNMhmuGANU

03 July: (WFTS ABC): Focusing on Fireworks: https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-hillsborough/how-fireworks-may-negatively-impact-local-veterans

16 June: (FOX 13 Tampa) Tampa prosecutors, defense attorneys, and Tampa judges come together to help veterans:

https://www.fox13news.com/news/hillsborough-state-attorneys-office-holds-training-day-for-veterans-treatment-court

12 June: US Secretary Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans - Bio: https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/achv/Bio-DJ-Reyes.asp

29 May: Tampa VTC Mentors program support to Memorial Park Cemetery upkeep, while focused on expanding its program at the Federal Court level: https://www.fox13news.com/video/1227364

03 February: US Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14) announces the selection of Colonel DJ Reyes (USA retired) to attend the 7 February 2023 POTUS State of the Union Address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE9epMJd0og

27 January: Combat Stress Magazine: Leveraging the Power of Community to help our Veterans

https://www.stress.org/leveraging-the-power-of-community-to-help-our-veterans?fbclid=IwAR2QslV1QCK5nFCiPDc6kIXJHu19sErx2gEAOr-PKmp_E-2QyPUN4z_Ggfg

2022

11 December: Recent interview snippet supporting Bay News 9 coverage of the PACT Act (Toxic Exposures) and this weekend's VA information sessions held in Bay Pines and Haley VA centers:

https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2022/12/10/bay-pines-host-pact-act-sessions-

24 November: Fox 13's Gloria Gomez coverage of Tampa Veterans Treatment Court Judge and Veteran Mentors providing Thanksgiving Turkey meals to its Veterans and families in need:

https://www.fox13news.com/news/legal-program-for-veterans-in-hillsborough-county-delivers-thanksgiving-to-those-who-served

07 November: Veterans Day Interview with Bill Murphy, Bay News 9: https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2022/11/07/veteran-s-mission-is-to-make-life-easier-for-other-vets#

04 September: Veterans Corner Radio Interview. Veterans Treatment Court Interview 5 of 5 - Perspectives from the Senior Veteran Mentor Program Coordinator, Tampa VTC. https://www.buzzsprout.com/952243/11247260-veterans-treatment-court-mentor-number-one-gives-a-little-background-on-the-start-of-the-court-but-more-importantly-how-he-has-worked-to-spread-the-program-across-the-nation-retired-colonel-dj-reyes-has-much-to?t=0

03 September: Commentary on the recently signed PACT Act (Burn Pits/Toxic Exposure) in "Combat Stress Magazine Summer/Fall edition: https://www.stress.org/wp-content/themes/Avada-child/lib/3d-flip-book/3d-flip-book/?mag_id=63543&token=58030

22 August: WFLA/WTTA Bloom TV interview with host Gayle Guyardo and the PACT Act (Toxic Exposures): https://www.wfla.com/bloom/the-most-comprehensive-veterans-health-care-bill-that-addresses-toxic-exposures-is-now-law/

17 August: "The Leadership Void" Veteran Podcast with Vince and Enrique: Thoughts on the Veterans Treatment Court (VTC), veteran legislation, leadership and advice to our next Greatest Generation of military leaders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVlwkxy4-2Y

29 July: WFTS - ABC 28 interview on the recent failed US Senate vote (S3373 PACT Act / Toxic Exposures) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyAg33tHpHM

14 July: Tampa City Council recognizes COL DJ Reyes with City Commendation: https://www.facebook.com/1537098978/videos/pcb.10228207162954407/1110778293119535

27 June: WFLA/WTTS 38 Bloom: Status of HR3967 "Toxic Exposures/Burn Pits" legislation and the impending approval and POTUS signing into law:

https://www.wfla.com/bloom/leave-no-veteran-behind/

17 June: WFTS ABC interview with Wendi Lane on the impact of HR3967 PACT Act: https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-sarasota-manatee/bill-to-help-with-burn-pit-care-moves-forward-could-help-millions-of-impacted-veterans

16 June: Senate passes historic Veterans Health legislation (HR3967 PACT Act) - House anticipates final vote enroute to POTUS for signature: https://www.politico.com/news/2022/06/16/senate-burn-pit-bill-biden-00040195

27 May: Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony:

https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/4-27-22-florida-veterans-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony/

19 April: James Haley VA Consolidated Mental Health Clinic Ground Breaking Ceremony, Temple Terrace FL: https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2022/04/19/new-facility-in-tampa-to-provide-mental-health-care-services-for-veterans#

11 March: US Congresswoman Castor and Veterans Legislation Update/Roundtable: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=notif&v=1161512287987404&notif_id=1647017770181845&notif_t=live_video_explicit

04 March: US House passes Toxic Exposures (Burn Pits) PACT Act: https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403796&fbclid=IwAR1mkRz5HzynmCsqHPipLWCHVb3W7hAbZNpGUqY30hdIv4sN9ZkXu17ATsA

12 January: Recent signing of Burn Pits Legislation (Burn Pits Health Provider Training Act) : https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2022/01/11/burn-pit-legislation

2021

22 November: WFTS ABC segment on Tampa VTC Judge and Mentors supporting the Annual Thanksgiving Meal Delivery to VTC veterans:

https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-hillsborough/veterans-deliver-turkeys-and-hope-to-troubled-vets

11 November: WFTS ABC segment on Tampa's VTC: https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-hillsborough/special-hillsborough-veterans-court-provides-treatment-instead-of-sending-troubled-vets-to-jail

11 November (from 2019): Tampa Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) Salute to Veterans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPp4J8nb_bY

11 November: University of Notre Dame Annual Veterans Day "Salute to Veterans" Interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4g0ZeczWDs

20 October: University of Notre Dame Reverend William Corby Award Dinner Remarks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=394Z-ejT8og

13 October: University of Notre Dame Press Release Reverend William Corby Award: https://news.nd.edu/news/alumni-association-announces-2021-corby-and-cavanaugh-award-recipients/

12 October: (Video) University of Notre Dame Reverend William Corby Award for Distinguished Military Service, 2 October 2021, Notre Dame Stadium: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=655211478796066

06 October: Real America's Voice Interview on Veterans, PTSD, and the Veterans Treatment Court (VTC): https://youtu.be/xz3H6mtbEz0

20 September: WFLA Bloom interview with Gayle Guyardo on the Tampa VTC and the MHCV 501c3: https://www.wfla.com/bloom/tampas-veterans-treatment-court-grabs-national-attention/

08 September: Pictorial of Commemoration Ceremony, VTC Fallen, 13th Judicial Circuit VTC: https://youtu.be/syYMt5zbl7g

30 August: Real America's Voice Interview on Afghanistan Withdrawal: https://youtu.be/rkVIW0E7GeQ

26 August: Address to Tampa City Council on honoring our local veterans / military support to the Afghanistan Campaign: https://youtu.be/VbEuCLRouuI?t=5222

26 August: https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/retired-tampa-colonel-reacts-to-kabul-attack-that-killed-us-troops/?fbclid=IwAR3M-JiLJmoZg8OjsgP1o8equTd1GC0scGjVGCV_1g8E79QeGh39P0PstX4

23 August: https://www.wfla.com/news/perspectives-concerns-and-feelings-veterans-have-on-the-two-decade-war-in-afghanistan/

19 August: https://www.tampabay.com/news/military/2021/08/19/tampa-bay-military-veterans-react-to-taliban-takeover-of-afghanistan/

17 August: WFLA 8 (Tampa) interview on the Afghanistan Withdrawal: https://www.wfla.com/news/international/tampa-veteran-reacts-to-chaos-in-afghanistan-during-taliban-takeover/

16 August: https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local-news/tampa-veteran-reacts-to-the-situation-in-afghanistan

14 April: WFLA 8 (Tampa) interview on recent POTUS announcement to withdraw troops from AFG:

https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/local-veterans-react-to-pres-bidens-decision-to-withdraw-troops-from-afghanistan/

13 April: FOX 13 (Tampa) interview on recent POTUS announcement to withdraw troops from AFG:

https://www.fox13news.com/news/bay-area-afghanistan-veterans-recall-painful-war

11 March: Tampa FL's Haley VA "PREP" program another means to help local SOF warriors with reintegration, resiliency:

https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/85533/coming-home-real/?utm_source=VRlink&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=VetResources

22 February: Veterans Corner Radio (Podcast):

https://www.buzzsprout.com/952243/7956091

15 February: University of Notre Dame "We Are ND" - https://weare.nd.edu/stories/bringing-support-and-treatment-to-veterans-in-need/

2020

December 2020 Winter Edition, Combat Stress Magazine: https://www.stress.org/soldier-for-life-one-veterans-perspective-and-beliefs-in-why-service-to-the-nation-is-important

01 December: Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) "ChangeMakers": https://www.moaa.org/micro/changemakers/changemakers/

26 November: Fox13 Gloria Gomez covers VTC Mentors' Annual Thanksgiving Meal Program for its VTC veterans:

https://www.fox13news.com/news/veterans-get-free-thanksgiving-dinners-with-a-side-of-gratitude

12 November: StepUpAmericaProgram.org Podcast "The Franklin Project": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYFUzlqt8jY

11 November: LTG James Peake Community Service Award (Bay Area Legal Services):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYiwOCjVSwM&feature=youtu.be

21 August: Radio Interview 1180AM WFYL (Phila, PA) on Tampa's VTC and Mentor Program:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyE2ykpZLeg&list=PLrb1ux_dsaHXMWQTpSBsY7takJfH570lR&index=2&t=0s

21 August: Pandemic Poses Challenges For Veterans Treatment Courts

https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/2020-08-21/pandemic-poses-challenges-for-veterans-treatment-courts

13 August: Tampa City Councilman Viera hosted panel with VTC Judges Michael Scionti and Gregory Holder, and senior veteran mentors DJ Reyes and Jim Fletcher:

https://www.facebook.com/councilmanluis/videos/2993244120786096/?vh=e&extid=qUYuL1GJT1uZnLwl&d=n

8 August: POTUS signs VTC Legislation into law:

https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/national/military-news/president-trump-signs-veteran-treatment-court-coordination-act-into-law/67-

67253e3c-76cc-42f3-a8c5-15a7282b813f

28 July: WFLA Bloom 38 TV Interview with Gayle Guyardo on VTC and HR886

https://www.wfla.com/bloom/community-voice-on-veterans-issues/

21July HR886 VTC Bill Passed:

https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-military/2020/07/21/congress-approves-bill-giving-federal-support-to-veterans-treatment-courts/

15 July Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Award (Video):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNXysBdnI3E

https://www.nhl.com/lightning/news/col-dj-reyes-honored-as-lightning-community-hero/c-317452512tcid=fb_news_content_id&fbclid=IwAR3u9P4mcZtSfdVvvyU_uYif8luFWEBm4yUuk41lspR2eUjtoWP8TU2iNw (press release)

22 April VTC legislation commentary: