10/23/2023
Happy National Paralegal Day!!!
National Paralegal Day is Monday, 23 October 2023. This year we asked the field who inspired them to become a paralegal. The responses were exceptional. Each of us have a different story on why we became paralegals and why we continue to serve as paralegals in the Air Force. I continue to be inspired by all of our paralegals and am so appreciative of the contributions they make to the JAG Corps every day! Below are some snippets of their stories.
“Serving in the Air Force as a paralegal is a calling that goes beyond the ordinary. It is an opportunity to embark on a journey that is both challenging and rewarding, filled with moments that will shape your character and inspire you for a lifetime. What has kept me going over the last 20 years, and keeps me energized, are the people who have inspired me to serve (my father, a prior Marine and Vietnam Veteran, and my sister, a prior Air Force Chief and paralegal); and those who inspire me to continue to serve. Your dedication to service instills a sense of pride in me and fuels my purpose every day. Whether you can see it or not, you all make a difference. In your communities, in our Airmen, in yourselves and in me. Serving as a paralegal in our Air Force is a noble and inspiring choice. It is a commitment to something greater than oneself, and a chance to serve a cause that is bigger than any individual. It is because of you all, that I am fulfilled and take great pride in being an Air Force paralegal.” CMSgt Holly Bambarger, HQ AF/JAX, Career Field Manager, Pentagon, Washington DC
“…it truly took a village to shape my journey. Pinpointing a single person as my inspiration proved challenging, as many have played vital roles in both my personal and professional life [Brig Gen Gail Crawford, CMSgt Katrice Mueller and Capt Magdala Norton] …The Air Force has not only allowed me to chase my dreams but has also provided an invaluable support system every step of the way.” TSgt Zakkiyah Young, 87th Air Base Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey
“Being the best paralegal, Airman, and person I can be is for the childhood me. To let her know that the circumstances of the chaos she grew up in don’t have to define her and that no matter what obstacles life throws at us, we can always overcome. Although this road I am on has been paved with many hands, I will continue to walk it for myself.” SSgt Sarah Barrera, Special Victims’ Counsel, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
“… a fantastic supervisor and mentor of mine, MSgt Andrew Darnell, … pushed me and knew I could do bigger and better things if I tried at it. After roughly four years in the Air Force and as a maintainer I was ready to move on and experience something else. TSgt Melanie Stoer and TSgt Kelsey Cartmill saw the potential I had and the addition to the JAG Corp I could be. They encouraged me and helped me navigate the new world I was in. Due to those NCOs I strive to continue to learn and do my best no matter where I may be within my Air Force career.” SSgt Mickie Cooper, Labor Law Field Support Center, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas
“Much of my leadership philosophy comes from the teachings of my father ‘lead with charisma, passion, selflessness, and integrity.’ He said, ‘you need charisma because you can’t lead people who don’t like you.’ He said,’ you need passion, because if you are not passionate about what you do you will not give it your all.’ He said, ‘you need selflessness, because the people matter more than you’. And lastly, he said, ‘you need integrity to not only lead, but to be a man of character; a father; a husband.’” SSgt Trevor Hermosillo, Special Victims’ Counsel, Aviano Air Base, Italy
“My inspiration to be a paralegal is the people. This includes past leaders like Chief Swigonski, a transformational leader and cornerstone for the paralegal career field and JAG Corps. I’m equally inspired by the leaders I’ve met so far in my career: my recruiter, Military Training Instructors, Military Training Leaders, supervisors, officers, and countless others I’ve met and worked with in the Air Force. These people inspire me to be a better person and to grow in the paralegal career field.” SrA Chadwick Kang, 87th Air Base Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey
“My boss at the time, a retired attorney, now owner of a company, talked with me about my enlistment and becoming a paralegal. He was the one who pushed me to this job as he had high expectations for me and knew what the job entailed. At first, I was hesitant due to all the stories of the mountains of paperwork and high stress, but I was determined to make a difference, and this is my way of doing it.” Amn Christian Windsor, 341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana
Senior Enlisted Advisor to The Judge Advocate General, headquartered at the Pentagon.
