MinnLawyer Blog

The Minnesota Army National Guard JAG officers who left for their tour in Iraq more than a year ago are home now, settling back into civilian life and the legal careers they left behind.

I first talked with several members of the group in January 2009 and presented their stories in “Minnesota JAG officers prepare for deployment.” At least one of the soldiers, Darrin Rosha (at right) was forced to close up his law practice due to the deployment. Other members of the division, including Hennepin County District Court Judge Fred Karasov and assistant Hennepin County attorney Jennifer Beck-Brown, were fortunate enough to be working in jobs they knew would be waiting for them when they returned.

I managed to periodically keep in touch with Rosha and Beck-Brown while they were gone and provided readers with updates as I got them. In late January, while still deployed, Darrin provided us with a thoughtful commentary (password required) about his experience.

The entire group of lawyers who left with the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division last year have now returned home safely. I was able to speak with several of them this week to find out about their time in Basra, and how their adjustment back into civilian life and the practice of law has been going. The article will appear in Monday’s print version of Minnesota lawyer and is also available here. (Password required.)

Some of the JAG officers were assisting the Iraqis with establishing a rule of law, while others were helping to maintain order and discipline among the troops. They left their families, their jobs and the comforts of home for up to a year to serve our country. They deserve our respect and our gratitude — and they have it!