DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. — The 355th Wing Judge Advocate Military Justice team supports mission readiness at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base by advising commanders, maintaining good order and discipline, and ensuring the military justice process is carried out fairly and effectively.
Military justice is only one of the JA team’s many contributions to the wing. The office also advises on legal matters affecting the base community, including administrative and operations law. One notable contribution is the Civil Law Section’s provision of legal assistance to service members, veterans and their families by helping clients with a variety of matters, including drafting wills, obtaining powers of attorney and filing claims.
Matters involving misconduct, unsatisfactory performance or good order and discipline infractions are routinely coordinated through the legal office’s Military Justice Section, allowing commanders to make informed decisions while maintaining mission effectiveness.
The team recently demonstrated that responsibility during a summary court-martial involving multiple charges. After the accused pleaded guilty, government and defense counsel presented their sentencing cases and arguments.
“There’s a lot of hard work that goes into every case, from attention to detail to coordinating with victims, witnesses and defense counsel,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Maria “Elle” Topacio, 355th Wing chief of military justice and lead prosecutor in the court-martial. “Our team works hard to ensure justice is achieved throughout the process.”
With a large caseload covering various forms of military legal actions, military attorneys partner with their team of paralegals to move cases through the legal process while keeping victims and witnesses informed of case statuses.
“I’ve always enjoyed the idea of helping people,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Colton Engle, 355th Wing noncommissioned officer in charge of military justice. “Holding someone accountable isn’t about torment. It’s about accountability and doing what is right for the community.”
Courts-martial are generally open to the public, allowing units, commanders, first sergeants, and military and civilian members of the base community to observe trial proceedings firsthand and see how the military justice process balances the perspectives of those involved.
“There are many voices and interests involved in the military justice process,” Topacio said. “You may not be able to please everyone, but at the end of the day, you have to do what is right.”
“JA’s role is to be a guardian of justice,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Fabiani Duarte, 355th Wing deputy staff judge advocate. “When we achieve justice for one person, we are advancing justice for all. Therefore, our JA team is dedicated to seeking just, fair and timely outcomes, however big or small a case may be.”
From advising commanders to litigating cases in the courtroom, the JA team provides legal support across the installation. Their work helps uphold accountability and good order and discipline, providing commanders and Airmen with the legal foundation needed to remain focused on the 355th Wing mission.
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