ADC defends troubled Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Carbajal
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --   Letter of counseling, letter of reprimand, Article 15, court-martial. These are terms Airmen don't want to hear when they're in trouble, but there is help.

Area Defense Counsel staff Capt. Seth Rundle and defense paralegal Staff Sgt. Jessica Larsen provide free legal defense services to Airmen.

The ADC will take on a case and defend it to the fullest extent of the law, said Rundle, who came into the position in June.

"It's important for Airmen to come to see us sooner rather than later," said Rundle, who has been an attorney for nearly five years. The captain stressed that people can't "unmake" an official statement. "Once you make a statement, you're stuck with it. It can't hurt an Airman to consult with me before making statements about something he may be in trouble for," he said.

The ADC office is the one place in the Air Force where a servicemember can talk with an attorney with complete confidentiality.

The wing legal office staff works for the wing leadership and will initiate adverse actions against a member on behalf of the commander. The ADC office is independent from all other base agencies and reports to the Air Force Legal Operations Agency.

The ADC staff does, however, maintain a working, professional relationship with the legal office, said Larsen.

Rundle and Larsen worked together in the 3rd Wing Legal office for more than a year before moving over to the ADC. Rundle, as the ADC, is responsible for researching a case, counseling clients, handling routine legal actions and managing the entire office. Now, as the defense paralegal, Larsen performs the same duties, but cannot provide legal advice to members.

ADC is a tool to assist Airmen when they're in need, but avoiding legal trouble is always suggested, the captain said. They can also offer advice on areas that may seem beyond military justice.

"Many people don't know that something as small as an LOC can keep you from re-enlisting," Rundle said. "Likewise, referral EPRs can negatively impact an Airman's career."

Airmen who seek the services of the ADC can make an appointment by calling 552-3887. The ADC is located at 10480 22nd Street, Suite 330 in the old library building.