Q&A: Meet Student Veterans at Stetson Law
Stetson University College of Law has more than 50 student veterans enrolled. We are honored that they have made our campus home. Read below to learn about a few of them and use the links to learn more.
Andrew J. Schillace
Service Branch: Marine Corps
Military Rank: Captain
Stationed In: Parris Island, South Carolina; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Quantico, Virginia; Monrovia, Liberia; Tel Aviv, Israel; New Port, Rhode Island; Twenty Nine Palms, California; Camp Pendleton, California; Fort Benning, Georgia; Crystal City, Virginia; Tampa, Florida; Afghanistan and Iraq.
What do you think civilians should know about those in the service?
First, everyone in the service was a civilian before they were in the service. Furthermore, service members are also serving not only for those citizens that cannot serve, but also because they have a deep love for their country. Our country has been at war for close to 15 years and is still at war today. I think too many civilians have forgotten about our war on terror.
Were there particular military service experiences that heightened your interest in the law?
My military career was one in the combat arms field, so my military experiences were the complete opposite of what I expected from the legal field and law school. However, as I learn more about the nature of law I’m finding more and more similarities between the military and the legal world. In both the military and in the court of law, one must be prepared because someone’s life might be on the line.
Javier Ojeda Chenard
Service Branch: Army
Military Rank: E4/Specialist
Stationed In: Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri; Osan AB, South Korea; Ft. Lewis, Washington
How did military service prepare you for the study of law or for life in general?
Military service enhanced my leadership skills and team work. It taught me to work in adverse and stressful environments, how to keep focus on my objectives, and how to adapt to new circumstances. It exposed me to people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Were there particular military service experiences that heightened your interest in the law?
As a foreign attorney, I practiced law in Cuba before coming to the United States. As an immigrant, I was not sure if I wanted to go back to practice law. After becoming a citizen, I joined the U.S. Army, and it was then that I experienced first-hand the sacrifice that the men and women of the armed forces make, and how difficult life is for them after going back to the civilian life. That’s when I decided that I wanted to go back to law school, not only because it’s what I know, but also because I want to help other veterans and make a difference.
Linda Kay Brown
Service Branch: Navy
Military Rank: E4
Stationed In: Charleston, S.C.
How did military service prepare you for the study of law or for life in general?
The military gave me the dedication and work ethic to put in a long day’s work. Everything that you do in the military is all about communication and team work, and I know these same traits are what make a lawyer great.
What do you think civilians should know about those in the service?
That everyone goes into the military for different reasons. There are always those who go into the service to improve themselves and then, sometimes, there are others who go in to help the lives of their loved ones. Whatever the reason is that you find yourself in the armed forces, you come out a completely different person. You transform into a soldier, a marine, a sailor, or a coastie. That training never leaves you. You become dependable, more responsible, and overall a completely different person. The most important thing that you can give a member of the armed forces as a civilian is support even though they are different than you remember them being before they enlisted.
Z. Caleb Lopez
Service Branch: Navy
Military Rank: Petty Officer 2nd Class (E5)
Stationed In: Naval Medical Center, Bethesda; EMF 20 Horn of Africa, Djibouti
What do you think civilians should know about those in the service?
It’s a hard job. It isn’t always glamorous like in the movies or television. People sacrifice everything for the uniform. But it’s also an amazing experience. The bond you make with the people you work with is unrivaled.
Why did you select Stetson Law? Is the atmosphere supportive of military veterans?
The military support was definitely one of the main factors in selecting Stetson Law. Knowing that there were former JAG officers as faculty really appealed to me. The location played a large part as well.
Post date: Nov. 11, 2015
Media contact: Kate Bradshaw
[email protected] | 727-430-1580