Judge Advocate: Excellent in all they do Published Dec. 15, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Caleb Pierce 39 Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- The 39th Air Base Wing Judge Advocates office underwent a four-day Article Six Inspection, knocking the rating out of the park receiving a score of excellent, here. The inspectors identified four office strengths, two best practices and three superior performers: Tech. Sgt. Alex Puma, 39th ABW Judge Advocate NCO in charge of military justice, Stacy Kerns, administrative assistant, and Filiz DeVette, local national legal advisor. A team from the Judge Advocate General Training and Readiness Directorate and United States Air Forces Europe Judge Advocate General came to assess the JA office's leadership, administration of military justice and overall legal services. The team reviewed more than 270 different items and spoke to commanders and first sergeants who work with JA on a routine basis. "The Article Six Inspection System provides an unparalleled opportunity for The Judge Advocate General to evaluate how effectively Air Force legal professionals promote good order and discipline within our military justice system through fair and candid advice provided to commanders," said Maj. Jeffrey Hawkins, 39th Air Base Wing deputy staff judge advocate. The inspection was no small feat. Throughout the four-day inspection, the JA office displayed their efficiency and received a score of excellent. The scoring system ranges from unsatisfactory to outstanding. The system is set up to grade most legal offices as satisfactory. "For the first time ever, under the current inspection system, the 39th ABW's legal office was awarded an excellent," Hawkins said. "We are very pleased with the score and see it as recognition of the world-class legal services our professionals deliver on a daily basis." The JA office did not complete this task alone; but as a team, by performing day in and day out in an excellent manner applying the United States Air Force's in Europe RU Fit model. "First, we begin by focusing on our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing," Hawkins said. Second, we try to keep a good attitude as we are balancing shortfalls created by reduced manning. Finally, and most importantly, we stay focused on the mission of providing professional, candid, independent counsel and full-spectrum legal capabilities to the 39th ABW and tenant organizations." Receiving the excellent score is a big accomplishment. The JA office's goal is to make improvements from the feedback they received from the inspection team and continue to provide the best support to the Incirlik community they can. "The 'excellent' grade awarded by the inspection team was a great acknowledgment of the hard work, dedication and professionalism that went into preparing for the inspection and accomplishing our mission to support the wing," said Lt. Col. John Hopkins, 39th ABW staff judge advocate. "Now that the inspection is over, we will work hard to refine our programs and procedures to better serve our clients." The Incirlik AB Legal office provides legal assistance to servicemembers and their families on a variety of legal issues. Attorneys are always available by appointment. For questions or information regarding legal services call the 39th ABW JA office at 676-6800.