FORT IRWIN, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2014) -- The National Training Center and Fort Irwin recognized the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps 239th birthday with a celebration here, July 29.
The Office of the Staff Judge Advocate here hosted a meal with personnel and family, and a cake cutting ceremony. Capt. Ryan Keeter, a judge advocate here, explained the inception of the JAG Corps. During the American Revolutionary War, the second Continental Congress elected John Adams' law pupil William Tudor to be the Judge Advocate of the Army, which was commanded by Gen. George Washington; thus, on July 29, 1775, the JAG Corps was created. Eventually, about 15 judge advocates served during the war.
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Miller, the SJA here, remarked to the audience that they belong to a long and distinguished history.
"All of you are part of this legacy that pre-dates the birth of our nation," Miller said. "You should be very proud of it -- proud of being part of this legacy."
Attending the event as a distinguished visitor and speaker was Lt. Gen. (R) Scott Black, who served as the Army's Judge Advocate General from Oct. 2005 to Oct. 2009. When promoted to lieutenant general in 2008, he became the first Army JAG in that rank.
"It's good to be back here at Fort Irwin," said Black, who recounted being in "the box" some years ago and having a remarkable time.
Black paid tribute to fallen Soldiers of the JAG Corps. Referring to a shadow box memorial at the SJA courthouse here, he described two of the Soldiers as good friends. He talked about his memories of four Soldiers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq. He remembered Chief Warrant Officer 5 Sharon Swartworth, Sgt. Maj. Cornell Gilmore, Maj. Michael Martinez and Cpl. Coty Phelps.
Black gave his appreciation for those who serve.
"You're making a difference," Black said. "Thank you for your service. Thanks for taking care of retired people like me and my family; thanks to all of you that I got to serve with on active duty."
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