Photo By Spc. Allison Churchill | Sepc. Matthew Duras, paralegal specialist, Headquarters and Headquaters Battalion,...... read more read more
By Spc. Allison Churchill
41st Fires Brigade Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – Specialist Matthew Duras decided to join the Army because he wanted to serve his country. Since becoming a Soldier, he balances helping his fellow Soldiers and reaching out to the community.
After earning an associate's degree in paralegal studies from Harcum College, Bryn Mawr, Pa., in 1994 and a bachelor's in the same field from Widener University, Wilmington, Del., in 2001, Duras held a variety of jobs.
Duras worked as a paralegal for DuPont and the Division of Youth and Family Services, New Jersey, but he didn't initially consider the legal field for his Army career.
Instead, after working at a truck assembly plant as a fire marshal, a combination security guard and fire inspection and volunteering as a firefighter, Duras intended to use his prior job experience and join as an Army firefighter.
"It seemed like the next step," said Duras, who's deployed with Headquarter and Headquarters Battery, 41st Fires Brigade.
His recruiter looked at his educational background and told him of a different option, recommending being a paralegal.
"I was fortunate to have a really good recruiter," said Duras, a native of West Deptford, N.J. "I've always been the type of person who likes to help someone out. The Army has helped me reach that goal."
Before the brigade deployed, Duras' normal day included preparing Article 15 paperwork for non-judicial judgments, separations from the Army and assisting the brigade lawyers during court-martials. Now deployed, he also writes power-of-attorney documents and processes damage claims from Iraqis.
Duras' superiors said they're impressed with his work.
"He is a dedicated Soldier with an incredible heart and an excellent paralegal," said Capt. Patrick Gilman, command judge advocate, 41st Fires Bde. Gilman administered the Oath of Enlistment when Duras re-enlisted in November 2007.
When Duras isn't in the office helping Soldiers, he's often representing them in public arenas. He said he was especially happy to take part in a Veteran's Day ceremony before a race at Texas Motor Speedway.
"It was like Christmas morning," said the NASCAR fan on getting to walk up and down "Pit Road" before the race.
Duras also took time during his pre-deployment leave to reach out to his hometown. He was invited by a friend to throw the first pitch at a Lakewood Blue Claws game May 5. He said seeing his Army Combat Uniform sparked patriotism in the fans.
"A bunch of people thanked me, and a (father) and his daughter shook my hand," said Duras.
Duras also made a video for the congregation of Gloucester County Community Church, which will be played over Veteran's Day weekend.
When the 41st Fires Brigade completes its deployment, Duras is scheduled to relocate to Germany.
| Date Taken: | 07.04.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.04.2008 12:32 |
| Story ID: | 21189 |
| Location: | AL KUT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 98 |
| Downloads: | 56 |
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