Photo By Sgt. Danielle Rodrigues | Lt. Col. Robert G. Bracknell (middle), the staff judge advocate with 2nd Marine...... read more read more
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CHICAGO - He has an uncanny ability to talk around his own accomplishments, but a laundry list of military, legal and academic achievements are hard to hide on a résumé.
More than 20 years of service ranging from Bosnia and Afghanistan to the halls of Harvard Law School have finally caught up with Lt. Col. Robert G. Bracknell.
Bracknell, the staff judge advocate with 2nd Marine Logistics Group, received the American Bar Association’s 2012 ABA Outstanding Military Service Career Judge Advocate Award in Chicago, Aug. 3.
The ABA selected a single service member from each branch of the military to receive the award. The award recognizes service members for their excellence in the law profession as well as their involvement in serving their communities.
“I’m proud of it,” admitted Bracknell, setting aside any sense of self praise. “At the risk of sounding cliché, I’m a little embarrassed by it too. The celebrating me thing is a little embarrassing.”
The legal expert, and at one time a tank platoon commander, has a powerful voice and stocky build and is by no means shy. Strong devotion to duty and respect for his peers drives Bracknell to gratefully fill roles that demand the courage to honestly advise the leadership of the Marine Corps.
“I value being the guy that commanders can call,” said Bracknell. “Helping them trim the rough edges of their units and helping them achieve some sort of justice for victims is gratifying to me. I believe it helps sharpen the MLG’s knife.”
Bracknell served as a sharpening stone for commanders while in such geographically dispersed areas as Cuba, Germany, Afghanistan and two tours in Iraq before coming to 2nd MLG. His expertise and advice helped them to refine operational plans with regard to issues such as international boundaries, sovereignty and policy.
It is a career of service which leaves little personal time and has physically separated Bracknell from his family. He normally visits on short periods of down time like weekends, most of which he dedicates entirely to his wife and five children.
“We’re not in it for the money,” said Bracknell, who jokingly admits that he didn’t even realize the military had lawyers when he joined. “I’m really in it for the respect of my peers and my subordinates. It’s really a hard working and dedicated profession. You would almost have to be nuts to work as hard as we do for the pay.”
Accepting praise for his performance amongst such dedicated professionals is a sensitive point for Bracknell. He views his years of education, deployments and tireless working hours as chances and not burdens. His selection is more than a reflection of his personal effort.
“Half of being nominated is serendipity,” said Bracknell as he commented on his luck amongst his peers. “The other half is recognizing opportunities and exploiting them. You work as hard as you can because you believe it is your duty to do so. You generate good results, and people recommend you for selection.”
Events such as the award ceremony in Chicago are usually a learning opportunity for Bracknell. The lasting friendships and people that make up the Marine Corps convinced him to continue his career year after year. He said he is just glad to be considered highly amongst his peers.
| Date Taken: | 08.10.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.10.2012 09:52 |
| Story ID: | 92982 |
| Location: | CHICAGO, IL, US |
| Web Views: | 231 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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