AF Deputy JAG visits Grissom Published March 20, 2012 By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- The Grissom legal office hopes to make a motion of a good impression as the number two Air Force lawyer visits the base this week. Maj. Gen. Steven Lepper, Air Force Deputy Judge Advocate General, will visit Grissom today through Thursday examining the combined 434th Air Refueling Wing and 951st Reserve Support Squadron legal office here. Per Article 6 of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice, The JAG of the Air Force, or delegated members of his staff, is supposed to routinely inspect field units, such as Grissom's legal office. This visit will accomplish that requirement and also give Lepper a chance to see first-hand the many successful practices in place here. "He'll check up on how we're doing and how our relationships are with others including the commanders, security forces and (the office of special investigation) to insure justice is being properly administered," explained Lt. Col. Stephen McManus, 434th ARW Staff Judge Advocate. While some may shy away from the spotlight, the Grissom legal team welcomes the attention as an opportunity. "We're excited," said Senior Master Sgt. Wes Marion, 434th ARW Law Office Superintendent. "This is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase exactly what we do here and what makes this office so great." One of the biggest items the Grissom team plans to highlight is the teaming relationships the JAGs and paralegals have here. "Teaming is where we have the paralegals work as the JAG's alter egos, by allowing the paralegals to do as much as they legally are allowed to do, which makes us a great team and provides a better service," explained McManus. "We have the paralegals do things such as draft wills and give briefings, matters a JAG would normally have to do, and this, in turn, frees us up to assist other customers." While the Grissom team not only plans to showcase their collective efforts, they also said they're excited about the personal interaction they will get with Lepper. "It's always an honor to have one of our leaders come see what we do and meet with us individually," said Capt. Maria Delimata, 434th ARW Deputy Staff Judge Advocate. Accompanying Lepper are Col. Jeffrey Wilcox, Air Force Reserve Command staff judge advocate; Lt. Col. Mark Fitzgerald, 4th Air Force deputy staff judge advocate; Chief Master Sgt. Steven Wallace, senior paralegal manager to The Judge Advocate General; and Chief Master Sgt. Imelda Johnson, AFRC paralegal manager. The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the AFRC. Airman and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
