A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.  Lao Tzu

Independence Day is a special day for every American.  This year it will be even more special for Scott because he enters the Army JAG Corps on July 4th and takes his commissioning oath! 

The following are some thoughts he shared with us about why he decided to take the oath and serve our Nation:

     "It will be a different sort of Independence Day this year for me and the other members of the 182nd Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course.  On July 4, 2010, we will report to Fort Lee, Virginia to accept our commissions in the U.S. Army.  Over the course of almost five months of training -- at Fort Lee; the JAG School in Charlottesville, Virginia; and Fort Benning, Georgia -- we will learn how to be lawyers and soldiers.  I can’t wait." 

     "Many people in my life ask me about my decision to join the Army JAG Corps.  I do not come from a military background.  I have also spent almost my entire life about as far on the civilian side of the civilian-military cultural divide as one can get.  So I understand when the question comes flavored with a hint of surprise: “Wait, why are you doing that?”  I try to answer in two ways."

     "First, I want to serve.  It is something I have always wanted to do.  It sometimes sounds almost too cheesy to say, but there is no better way to say it.  I have received much from my country, and I owe much in return.  My ancestors fled oppression and religious intolerance abroad to find a better life in the United States.  They found it, and a few generations later I enjoy freedoms and privileges that they probably could not have imagined.  So I feel a duty to serve, mine as much as anyone’s, to do my part in defending this country."

     "Second, I want to learn.  Before applying for a commission, I interned at Fort Campbell to see what being a Judge Advocate was all about.  I was sold from the start.  No law firm in the world gives so much substantive responsibility to its new attorneys.  No other lawyers are as motivated, excited, and devoted to their work as are Judge Advocates.  A Judge Advocate approaches his or her work with a sense of purpose, a love of the law, and a devotion to fitness -- both physical and mental -- that makes the job more than work; the job is a mission.  I want to practice law like that."

     "So, I am buying uniforms and breaking in my new boots.  I am getting in shape and seeking advice from friends who have been through this transition before.  And the long haircut I have enjoyed since high school is about to go.  I am thrilled to begin training and honored by the opportunity to serve.  I know there will be significant challenges and adjustments, but I have the support of everyone I know and love.  I’m ready."

Good luck Scott!