Law Day airborne jump

FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Attorneys, paralegals, and staff members from legal offices from across post, gathered just before sunrise on St. Mere Eglise drop zone, May 1, to celebrate Law Day in a way only paratroopers could; jumping out of a helicopter at 1,000 feet above ground level.

"In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Miranda v. Arizona, the 2016 theme is Miranda: More than Words," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Angie Akacki, a senior legal administrator for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Staff Judge Advocate Office. "This historic decision resulted in what is known today as the Miranda Warning that instituted the requirement to warn U.S. citizens, prior to any questioning, of their right to remain silent, anything said can be used against them in a court of law, the right to the presence of an attorney, and that if they cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to them prior to any questioning."

"One of the biggest contributing factors to maintain a functioning, civilized society is the rule of law. Without it, there would be nothing but chaos, anarchy, and disarray," said Staff Sgt. Darren Peterson, a senior paralegal with 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). "Our laws guide absolutely everything we do, and we care about our laws. Law Day is a celebration of what (ultimately) unites us, and provides order for us to lead peaceful lives."

"People are always welcome to come out here to watch and support us, it's a pretty cool thing, because it's rare that we have folks here from Joint-base Lewis McChord, Fort Benning, and some scattered reserve units, all united and jumping to celebrate Law Day," Peterson said.

Some Soldiers were afforded the opportunity to receive their jump commands from a German jumpmaster, which earned them German jump wings. The Soldiers were dropped from UH-60 helicopters.