Legal Office earns outstanding awards Published April 13, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Three Airmen from the base legal office were awarded major command level awards this past March for their stellar performance and work dedication here. Among the recipients were Lt. Col. Eric J. Werner, 5th Bomb Wing staff judge advocate, who was named Air Force Global Strike Command's Outstanding Senior Attorney Award and Master Sgt. Dana L. Cummins, 5th BW law office superintendent, awarded the 8th Air Force Outstanding Young Paralegal of the Year. "I am very proud of the exceptional work performed by the entire legal team here at Minot AFB," said Colonel Werner. "Our judge advocates, paralegals, and civilians have an incredible challenge in supporting two active duty wings." He added that overall the Senior Attorney award is a reflection of the dedication of the entire office staff. Captain Michael Kirkland, 5th BW assistant judge advocate and the 8th Air Force's Outstanding Young Judge Advocate of the Year attributed his accomplishment to the great staff he works with as well. "It's nice to receive an award, but I would not have earned it without the work and dedication provided by people I work with," Captain Kirkland said. "The great caliber of the paralegals, both non-commissioned officers and junior enlisted we have here is outstanding." Captain Kirkland stressed the importance of having co-workers that are not only supportive but reliable at all times as well. "The Judge Advocate General Corps has a very collaborative process established," said Captain Kirkland. "We have a lot of experts here we can rely on." He explained that the office is like a family and at any moment in time they can easily reach out to one another for help without hesitation. "There isn't really anything we don't do here where we aren't bouncing ideas off from one another," Captain Kirkland said. "While ultimately attorneys make final decisions on cases, we try to gain input and engage with our paralegals and fellow attorneys." The captain also gave props to leadership for the support they provide on a daily basis. "Working as an attorney is a unique, fun and challenging experience where every day brings about something new," explained Captain Kirkland. "At times we'll encounter situations we've never seen or dealt with before, but we have great leadership that mentors and guides us through it all." Captain Kirkland said he feels fortunate to be part of an elite JAG Corps comprised of the best Airmen the Air Force has to offer.