Keesler paralegal attends JAG summit

Published Oct. 22, 2009
By Angela Cutrer
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Gregory Lewis, a paralegal with the 81st Training Wing's Judge Advocate General, is headed to Dallas Monday through Oct. 30 for the fifth annual KEYSTONE summit.

"I think it's a positive and productive (event) and it's a privilege to be able to attend," he said. "I'm really honored and proud."

The purpose of KEYSTONE, the JAG Corps' annual senior leadership summit, is to discuss and evaluate current and future leadership, and organizational and legal challenges facing the Air Force and JAG Corps. Each year a few individuals outside senior leadership are selected to attend the event, said Lt. Col. Charles Wiedie Jr., the wing's staff judge advocate.

"Such a selection is a reward for hard work and dedication," Colonel Wiedie said. "It will give Mr. Lewis an opportunity to interact with the JAG Corps' senior leadership to learn the direction the JAG Corps is heading and (to) offer his own unique insights to help guide the direction of the corps."

KEYSTONE is one way the Air Force's legal corps develops future leaders at all levels, active duty and reserve. The summit brings together more than 700 senior and mid-grade leaders, including staff judge advocates, civilian attorneys and paralegals from all levels of command, along with representatives of sister services, foreign countries and other invited guests.

KEYSTONE provides a singular forum to communicate essential information face-to-face. One-on-one exchanges are possible that can't be done by video teleconferences, computer-based learning or e-mail. Interactive breakout sessions and informal gatherings help build communities and shared understandings in ways that digital means can't.

Mr. Lewis has been a member of the legal office staff since 2000 through Keesler's stay-in-school program.

"During this time, I've earned two degrees -- in the paralegal field and criminal justice," he said. "I've learned and experienced a great deal from the many attorneys who rotate through our office in the numerous areas of civil and labor law, which can encompass as many as 60 different subject areas. Since one of the functions of KEYSTONE deals with the legal challenges facing the Air Force and identifying ways to maximize our readiness to support the mission, I believe that KEYSTONE can offer me valuable insight and knowledge to assist me in being an outstanding paralegal for the corps."

"I'm very impressed by the KEYSTONE name and its meaning," Mr. Lewis added. "Architecturally, the keystone is the central stone at the top of an arc that locks the other stones in place. This stone is pivotal and crucial in any organized structure or unit. As such, effective leaders are crucial in unifying and keeping a force or corps strong, thereby accomplishing the vision and mission of the JAG Corps."

In addition to participating in many legal seminars and conferences, he's also been asked to assist in the manpower pool, escorting distinguished visitors to other areas in the conference when he's not in a session himself.
Mr. Lewis hopes his time at the summit serve him well, as well as benefits the Air Force.

"While I'm not currently serving in a leadership role, one must develop himself so that when the time comes, he'll be able to lead effectively and courageously," he said.