NAVY LAWYERS
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It had been a few days since Sam had met everyone at JAG. She was sitting in her apartment writing her column and thinking about her flight that was leaving the next morning. Finally, after a year writing the mundane, her editor was giving her a real story, a column on the military in Saudi Arabia.
The World According to Me by Sam Danaher
"Navy Lawyers"
When we think Navy lawyers, we think of the movie A Few Good Men. That's all we've got. Too bad, Tom and Demi didn't do them justice.
I had the chance to meet the real men and women of the Navy's Judge Advocate General's Office and let me tell you, they are the most interesting and eclectic group of individuals out there. Case and point:
The team is headed by no nonsense Navy Seal. Admiral AJ Chedwiggen, this is one man who is at home in the jungles of Viet Nam as well as the courtroom. Nothing gets by him. If it did, his staff would catch it and throw it back at you quicker than you can blink. His team a pilot, a Marine, a Naval Lieutenant and a submariner, a better front line defense a person could not ask for.
Commander Harmon Rabb – A top gun in every sense of the word. With gold wings on his chest, this former aviator brings a passion to his legal strategies. He is a leader among his peers and a positive role model to those coming up after him. Commander Rabb has proven his creativity both in the air and the courtroom. Whether representing the prosecution or the defense, there is no question that he takes his job at JAG seriously.
Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie – The Chief of Staff. The words beautiful and marine usually don't go hand in hand, but when you are speaking of this marine they do. Colonel MacKenzie is not only beautiful; she is intelligent and tough. Walk into a courtroom where she is trying a case and there is no question as to who is in control. She takes command of the situation and never lets you forget that she is out for justice whether she wins or loses.
Lieutenant Bud Roberts – What can one say? While in Afghanistan, this is a man, without regard to his own safety, he put himself in danger while saving a child from a landmine. In the process Lieutenant Roberts lost his leg. His dedication and desire to remain a part of the Naval World never faltered. His positive outlook and demeanor serves as a reminder to all that it is not what happens in your life that matters but what you do with your life that counts.
Commander Sturgis Turner –This former submariner traded in his bubblehead berth, for the courtroom. Cool and collected at all times, he tries cases effortlessly. His range and wealth of knowledge on any topic is astounding. When speaking with him, there is a confidence and assurance you get. He believes in the Navy and in what he does. A finer officer would be hard to find.
As with any good team, they have support. JAG's second line of defense is as impressive as its first.
Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galindez – In civilian terms he is the office manager. He isn't your ordinary office manager, he just returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Looking at him, you can see the pride he has wearing his country's uniform and we should all be honored that he is protecting us.
Petty Office Jason Tiner, a nicer guy out there you won't find. He is the Admiral's Yeoman. Some might think he is merely a secretary, but he is so much more. Tiner is studying to become a lawyer. He serves his country by day and takes classes at night, another Naval lawyer coming up through the ranks.
Lieutenant Harriet Sims is with the Inspector General's office and assigned to JAG. She is the soul of the office. Lt. Sims assists everyone at JAG. She is responsible for maintaining efficiency, integrity and moral. Spend thirty seconds with Lt. Sims and you will see why she is the perfect person for the job.
So there you have it, a brief look at the men and women of JAG, yet another reason why we should be proud of our armed forces.
As always, when you see a member of the military, active or retired, thank them. They are the reason for your freedom.
Sam ended every column with the same tag line, regardless of the topic. She truly believed it. She hit send and off the column went to her editor.
TWO DAYS LATER – JAG OFFICES
Everyone was sitting around reading Sam's column.
"I wonder if the Commander and Colonel have seen this." Tiner asked.
"They do have papers in Norfolk." Gunny laughed.
"I thought they would be back by now." Harriet said.
"Apparently, the investigation is taking longer than expected." Sturgis said.
"Guess it wasn't as simple as anyone thought." Bud commented.
"Is it ever?" Sturgis replied.
"Has anyone spoken to Sam?" Harriet asked, "Do we thank her?"
"She left yesterday." Tiner said. "She won't be back for a week."
"And how do you know that?" Gunny asked.
"I talked her before she left." Tiner said proudly. "She's my friend."
"Doc didn't mention that she was leaving." Gunny said.
"Ashlyn didn't know, Sam didn't tell her because she was afraid she would get upset." Tiner said.
"Where did she go?" Gunny asked.
"Saudi Arabia." Tiner said. "Her editor gave her a story."
"Ashlyn's not going to like this." Gunny said.
"So don't tell her." Tiner replied.
"I have to tell her, now that I know." Gunny said.
"Did you say Sam Danaher was going to Saudi Arabia, Tiner?" AJ asked.
"Yes, Sir. She's working on a story." Tiner said.
"Interesting, Clayton Webb is over there as well." AJ smiled.
"You think that country is big enough for the both of them, Sir." Sturgis said.
NORFOLK
Mac and Harm poured over the list of Ensigns that were from the class of 2002. Luckily, most of them were not in port.
"Mac, how about we order a pizza?" Harm suggested.
"Ok, I could eat." Mac said. "Don't even think about saying it."
"I wasn't going to say a word." Harm smiled as he placed the order.
"Harm, were there any secret societies when you were at the Academy?" Mac asked looking over the papers.
"No, but then I wouldn't know would I?" Harm laughed.
"Come on, seriously could these Ensigns have been part of a group?" Mac asked.
"I doubt it, why risk everything for a secret group?" Harm replied.
There was a knock on the door. "That was fast." Harm said getting up.
"It hasn't even been 10 minutes." Mac said. "Harm, it's my room, I'll get the door."
"Sorry to disturb you ma'am." The Petty officer said. "The CO asked me to get you. There's been another beating."
"An Ensign?" Harm asked.
"Oh, yes Sir." The Petty Officer replied.
"Let's go." Mac said.
They went to the base infirmary to find Ensign Michaels dazed but not seriously injured.
"Can you tell us what happened, Ensign?" Harm asked.
"Sir, I was returning from a night of liberty and someone struck me from behind." Michaels said.
"Did you see who it was?" Mac asked.
"No Ma'am, although the person ran like a girl." Michaels replied.
"Are you saying a woman did this?" Harm asked.
"No Sir, I'm saying who ever it was ran, like a girl." Michaels reiterated.
"Lieutenant," Mac turned to the nurse on duty. "Were the other victims returning from liberty?"
"I can check that for you ma'am." She replied.
A few minutes later she returned with the files.
"Yes, ma'am. All of them had liberty and had been at the same establishment." The Lieutenant said.
"There's our link." Harm said. "I think we need to check this place out."
"I hate to say this, but I think we need to restrict all Ensigns to base." Mac said.
"You're right." Harm replied. "You call the CO, I am going to go to this bar."
"Harm, don't go alone." Mac said.
"Aww you care." Harm joked.
"Commander, I don't think it's wise you go alone." Mac said.
"Colonel, I'll be fine." Harm said and took off.
ASHLYN'S APARTMENT
Ashlyn had just gotten home and taken off her shoes when there was a knock at her door. Who could that be? She wondered, she was tired and wanted to sleep.
"Gunny. What brings you here?" Ashlyn asked. "This is nice, come in."
"How are you?" Gunny asked.
"After another 36 hour shift, I'm exhausted." Ashlyn said. "But seeing you just gave me a burst of energy."
"That has to be the nicest thing that anyone has said to me." Gunny smiled and gave her a hug. Ashlyn quickly turned that hug into a kiss.
"Now what brings you here?" Ashlyn asked.
"Did you know that Tiner and Sam have become pretty fast friends? Gunny asked.
"Yes, Sam told me he's like the little brother she never had." Ashlyn said. "Why, is it a problem?"
"No, it's just that. Well, it's like this." Gunny stammered
"Gunny, is Jason falling for Sam or something?" Ashlyn laughed.
"Oh, no not at all. He sees her like a big sister. I think he gets a kick out of her drinking and smoking." Gunny laughed.
"Is she still smoking?" Ashlyn laughed. "She said she quit."
"Tiner said it's only when she drinks. I guess there's a lot she doesn't tell you." Gunny added.
"Victor, are you trying to tell me something?" Ashlyn asked.
"Tiner mentioned that Sam was out of town." Gunny stated.
"Yes, she went to England. She's doing a story on the best places for fish and chips or something like that."
"She told Tiner she was going to Saudi Arabia." Gunny said nervously.
"She's where?" Ashlyn yelled. "I'll kill her!"
"I think that's why she didn't tell you." Gunny said. "She'll be safe; she's going to be Prince Sultan Airbase."
"You don't know, Sam. Somehow she'll get into trouble. We didn't nickname her Lucy for nothing." Ashlyn said.
"I am sure she will be fine." Gunny said putting his arms around her.
"I can't believe she did this." Ashlyn said shaking her head. "And she told Jason."
"Maybe I shouldn't have told you." Gunny said.
"No, I'm glad you did. Why did you tell me?" Ashlyn asked.
"I don't want to keep secrets from you." Gunny said.
"Thank you. At least someone isn't keeping secrets from me." Ashlyn said getting up. She started pacing around her apartment, mumbling things Gunny could not understand.
"Hey Doc, you are going to wear a hole in the carpet. Come sit down." Gunny said.
"I can't believe this." Ashlyn said still pacing and throwing her arms in the air. "I am going to be a wreck until she calls."
"Doc, calm down." Gunny said getting up and holding her still. "She'll be fine; I know someone who is there right now. I will get word to him." He was thinking of Webb. That should be cute.
"You will?" Ashlyn said.
"If he can be reached," Gunny said hugging her.
Ashlyn sat down on the couch and exhaled. Gunny walked over, gave her a kiss and started towards the door. "Get some rest."
"Gunny, could you stay a bit." Ashlyn asked.
"Yeah, I can." Gunny smiled and sat down with her.
Ashlyn cuddled up next to Gunny and rested her head on his chest. Gunny instinctively wrapped his arms around her and sighed contently. They didn't move until morning.
