ADC offers help when needed

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Facing reprimands, legal punishment or being accused of committing an offense can be stressful, especially if it seems there is nowhere to turn for help.

However, there is a place where Airmen can go to get assistance without fear of reprisal or jeopardizing their career.
The Area Defense Counsel at Eielson Air Force Base is a detachment separate from the 354th Fighter Wing and is available for military members to seek advice and gain representation to ensure their constitutional rights are protected.

"Our goal is to help every Airman facing any type of adverse action or criminal proceeding," said Capt. Tyson Kindness, Area Defense Counsel. "Commanders rely on the advice of JAGs (Judge Advocate General) before taking action in our military justice system. We believe each Airman deserves the same type of individualized representation when confronted with administrative or criminal proceedings."

The ADC provides checks-and-balances to the military justice system, similar to the United States justice system. All JAGs are licensed attorneys and many have practiced as civilian attorneys prior to entering the JAG Corps.

"The military justice system is arguably one of the most fair justice systems in the world," said Captain Kindness. "We provide the same services as civilian defense attorneys do and we make sure that our clients are served as best as possible, regardless of what the client is facing."
"It's important that military members not only know their rights, but also have the right to exercise them without fear of reprisal," he added.

Some of the common things the ADC helps clients with are: letters of counseling, letters of reprimand, administrative demotions, administrative separations, dereliction of duty, false official statement, failure to go, driving under the influence, underage drinking, non-judicial punishment actions and military courts-martial.

"If you are notified that you're under investigation or have been accused of committing an offense under the UCMJ, contact our office," said Staff Sgt. Nikki Fratzke, Defense Paralegal. "We'll set up an appointment to meet with you and help you through your legal proceedings and help you understand your options."

The ADC doesn't just help Airmen assigned to Eielson; they also assist Airmen from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, McChord AFB, Wash., Malmstrom AFB, Mont., and Fairchild AFB, Wash. on a case-by-case basis.

Since Captain Kindness arrived in the summer of 2009, more than 200 clients have been assisted by the ADC's staff.

"I love my job and I'm always eager to help people with their legal problems," said Captain Kindness. "However, the best piece of advice I can give a military member is to try to be responsible for your actions and think about the consequences of those actions before you make a bad decision. The best way to have a successful military career is to avoid getting in trouble in the first place. If you do find yourself in a bad situation, come to our office and we'll support you."

Airmen are encouraged to contact the ADC if they have questions or would like to set up an appointment, walk-ins are also welcome.