Photo By Master Sgt. Jenifer Calhoun | Lt. Col. Natalie D. Richardson, staff judge advocate for the 380th Air Expeditionary...... read more read more
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At a deployed unit such as the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia, all sorts of legal issues can be raised. However, Lt. Col. Natalie D. Richardson and her staff are on hand to make sure those things don't become an "issue" in getting the mission done.
Richardson, the 380th AEW staff judge advocate, handles all legal issues great or small.
"These include preparing and notarizing powers of attorney, advising clients on personal civil legal matters, advising units about fiscal law and ethics issues, advising investigating officers about giving rights advisements, and advising commanders about action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice," Richardson said.
The base's only staff judge advocate is a native of Orange County, Calif., deployed from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. She said her deployed duties are critical in maintaining good order and discipline.
"Militaries will fail without good order and discipline," Richardson said. "We help commanders maintain good order and discipline within their units. Personnel will fail if they are distracted by legal problems. We help our clients deal with those problems and focus on the mission. I'd say that's pretty important."
A 14 and a half year veteran of the Air Force, Richardson said she is proud to be able to serve in the Air Force and the military in a deployed environment.
"Three words come to mind -- proud, honored, fortunate," Richardson said. "I think the playing of 'Taps' is a good example. In the evenings, we may have some of our folks at the outdoor pavilion taking a brief break from their busy mission here and at 10 p.m., 'Taps' plays.
"If there is other music playing, it is silenced," she said. "Everyone stops talking, stands up, faces the U.S. flag and stands at parade rest. No one hesitates. No one complains. We listen to 'Taps,' and remember why we're here and those who have fallen. It makes me proud to be an American Airman."
The 380th AEW is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia.
| Date Taken: | 01.16.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.16.2010 03:28 |
| Story ID: | 43942 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 253 |
| Downloads: | 182 |
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