Paralegal NCO receives Bronze Star

  • Published
  • By Connie Hempel
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A 17th Training Wing Staff Judge Advocate Office technical sergeant was presented with a Bronze Star Feb. 22 for his achievements during a year-long deployment in Afghanistan.

Tech. Sgt. Thomas Hamilton, a former weapons loader, had just five years under his belt as a paralegal when he was hand selected by the Air Force Deputy Judge Advocate General and AF JAG Senior Paralegal Manager, to serve as the first paralegal in the U.S. Forces-Afghanistan Commander's legal office.

Gathered in the Wing Conference Room for the presentation ceremony, wing leadership and co-workers stood awestruck as his list of accomplishments were read and the medal was pinned on by Col. Thomas Geary, 17th TRW Commander.

"Never in my mind did I think I would be honored with such a decoration," said Sergeant Hamilton, a Foothills High School graduate from Sacramento, Calif. "There are thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines in Afghanistan who sleep in dug out holes and are constantly taking fire from insurgents who, I feel, deserve it more for the sacrifices they are making. Compared to what many of them are going though, my year there was easy."

During his deployment, Sergeant Hamilton worked with attorneys from two nations and all four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces as the NCO-in-charge in the Senior Legal Advisor Office. By managing the office's day-to-day operations, attorneys were able to provide legal support throughout the command. He created and maintained a user-friendly Share Point site allowing coalition members to quickly gain access to critical, up-to-date information, and served as the claims NCO, meeting with locals and adjudicating 436 claims, paying out $45,000 in compensation.

Having reviewed and approved more than 1,400 Visa exemptions letters for coalition members while deployed, he was known throughout the country as an expert in that field. One evening he was called upon to expedite a Visa exemption for the escort and body of a British contractor who was killed during an insurgent attack; local authorities were not allowing the body or the escort to leave. Thanks to his expertise, Sergeant Hamilton attained exemptions for both within 20 minutes, ensuring the body returned home to loved ones.

He was also responsible for the travel and security of all legal advisors throughout Afghanistan, and found himself spending many days outside the wire.

While in the foothills of Kabul, Sergeant Hamilton conducted a dismounted patrol with Macedonian Security Forces reinforcing the Rules of Engagement and Use of Force. He also planned, executed and participated in more than 40 missions, transporting key legal personnel to various places; missions which required travel through congested and dangerous downtown Kabul areas.

Sergeant Hamilton was notified of a suspected Taliban who was identified through biometrics and waiting to file a claim. He quickly coordinated efforts of intelligence assets, ISAF Special Operations Forces, U.S. Special Operations Forces and the Senior Legal Advisor. He worked with the Senior Legal Advisor to conduct the legal analysis to determine which SOF assets would be utilized according to the different governing laws of those forces. He was also part of the SOF entry team and assisted with the safe extraction of by standards and detention of the target.

During a review of ISAF Standard Operating Procedures, Sergeant Hamilton identified vulnerabilities in the badging and access of local foreign nationals. His attention to detail improved the security of the International Headquarters and its 2,000 residents.

When he wasn't doing his paralegal duties, Sergeant Hamilton spent much of his time volunteering and furthering his education. He helped deliver four tons of toys and school supplies to Afghan children, completed his bachelor's degree in legal studies, started his master's degree, and completed the Senior NCO Academy correspondence course in only four weeks.

"He is the best paralegal I have ever worked with, of any service" said Colonel Rich Gross, United States Army JAG who was the Senior Legal Advisor at the deployed location.

His former supervisor retired Master Sgt. Chris Hernandez, said Sergeant Hamilton always excelled at what he did.

"He is truly a superstar," he said. "There's no doubt in my mind that he will be a chief master sergeant. He has a great balance of mission, family and education, and that sets him apart."

Sergeant Hamilton believes others should step up to responsibilities and make a positive impact on the greater mission as a leader, because anything is possible.
"Never settle for mediocrity, always remember what you're fighting for, and know that no matter how hard you think you have it, there are men and women out there who have it much worse," he said.

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to those who distinguish themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States, in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

President Theodore Roosevelt authorized the Bronze Star Medal by Executive Order 9419 dated Feb. 4, 1944. The executive order was amended by President John Kennedy, per Executive Order 11046 dated Aug. 24, 1962, to expand the authorization to include those serving with friendly forces.