Happy Veteran’s Day to all my brothers and sisters in arms. Technically, this may be my 1st Veteran’s Day. It was truly an honor to serve from 1994 to 2024. I honestly had almost no idea what I was doing when I took that 1st oath of office. I did not know how to salute or shine boots. I didn’t know the rank structure. I was barely a lawyer, being sworn in 3 months before I left for OTS. Yet, from jump, I was excited. For the next 30 years, I did so many things and held so many titles: prosecutor, recruiter, director, inspector, instructor, senior advisor. I worked from a base office to the Pentagon. I was the senior attorney 3 times, totaling 13 years. At one point, I had more than 100 JAGs and paralegals in my command. I was a Director of TRIALS for 9 years. I helped others find better assignments/promotions, advised pilots on bombing targets, drafted rules of engagement, played war with NATO allies, briefed dignitaries. The list goes on and on. I meet absolutely wonderful people of all walks of life, who sacrificed over and over again. I met my bride and traveled the globe. So, from humble beginnings, living on a dirt road in a 2 bedroom/1 bath house in the desert to a life of advising generals, commissioning junior officers, and officiating at retirement ceremonies. It has been the American dream. It has been an honor. Thank you, America, for being the beacon of hope. Thank you for allowing me to serve this great nation. God Bless the USA.
