Assistant District Attorney Helps Troops in Iraq
By
Cory Angell
AFPS
|
U.S. Army Capt. Jason S. Frankenfield talks with a local
citizen when reimbursing him for damage to his home. Frankenfield,
a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, serves
as the deputy command judge advocate for the 2nd Brigade
Combat Team in Al Anbar, Iraq.
U.S.
Army Photo |
RAMADI, Iraq
— When Capt. Jason S. Frankenfield decided to go to law school
he could have never guessed that
someday he would be practicing
law in a combat zone. That is exactly where he finds himself today, in Al
Anbar, the largest province in Iraq.
“Being away from home has been challenging,” said
Frankenfield. “But I am tremendously proud to be a part
of this mission and a member of the Pennsylvania Army National
Guard.”
Frankenfield grew up in Towamencin Township, Montgomery County,
and was commissioned as a second lieutenant from Valley Forge
Military College then served as a tank platoon leader. He graduated
from Villanova Law School in 2002 and went to work as an assistant
district attorney in Berks County.
He was mobilized and deployed with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team
to Al Anbar, one of the most dangerous provinces in Iraq. Eight
days before deploying he was married to Melissa Kulp, a high
school history teacher at Central Bucks East High School in Doylestown.
While he was home on leave, he had the chance to speak to about
175 high school students and tell them about the mission in Iraq
and the progress that they are making.
“In Iraq, I’m the deputy command judge advocate for the
2nd Brigade Combat Team and have a multifaceted law practice,” said
Frankenfield. “I’ve represented soldiers as a legal assistance
attorney on a variety of issues and have enjoyed helping soldiers
through difficult situations and giving them a sense of peace
of mind. Earlier today, I taught a tax class to a group of soldiers
and have even helped some of our soldiers apply for U.S. citizenship.”
Frankenfield said as a claims attorney, he investigated and
paid claims due to incidents involving soldiers and Iraqi civilians.
He also had the chance to use his experience in criminal justice
to advise commanders on various aspects of military justice and
he prosecuted court-martial cases in Iraq as well.
The most rewarding aspect of his deployment has been as an operational
law attorney. He said that’s where he has had the greatest effect
on the mission by interaction with the troops.
“I’ve advised commanders on the rules of engagement and
a host of operational issues and I’ve also taught the rules of
engagement to our soldiers,” said Frankenfield.
“We reviewed incidents in sector with them
as they continually encounter an incredibly challenging environment
and provide security
to the Iraqi people by defeating insurgents.
“These insurgents, routinely violate the law of war and
often use civilians as shields and even as targets,” said
Frankenfield. “It’s an honor to teach our soldiers, who
conduct themselves with dignity and honor in such a difficult
and complex environment.”
“As an attorney, an Army officer, and most of all a U.S.
citizen, I am profoundly impressed with the care and concern
of our military in following the law of war,” said Frankenfield. “They
show respect for human life, and help the Iraqi people build
a free, just, and democratic Iraq.”