Alamo Wing Airman named Air Force Reserve Command Paralegal of the Year Published April 8, 2009 By Senior Airman Carrie Peasinger 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs LACKLAND AFB, Texas -- A member of the 433rd Airlift Wing's legal team was recently recognized as the Air Force Reserve Command Paralegal of the Year for 2008. Master Sgt. Justy Ridinger, 433rd AW law office superintendent, was nominated in March last year by Lt. Col. Peter Gedraitis, the Staff Judge Advocate, along with some assistance from other co-workers. Many noted accomplishments helped Ridinger achieve this award. "Team work is first and foremost," she said is the reason for her success. Sergeant Ridinger takes that team attitude with her wherever she goes. She has been a part of the total force concept. She has deployed forward and back filled at legal offices at bases within the U.S. for people being forward deployed. Her work always feeds the mission by helping Airmen meet responsibilities even when they aren't at home. "It's important for people to have peace of mind before deploying," said Sergeant Ridinger. A lot of this peace comes from receiving professional help setting up wills and powers of attorney. Though preparation won't solve every problem while deployed, the big things, those that can interfere with an Airman's ability to concentrate on the deployed mission, can be taken care of before departure. One of those big things is knowledge. Sergeant Ridinger helps with is preparing members by supplying them with the knowledge about their legal rights and responsibilities. "Little things are bound to come up, but it's important to have a plan already in place, for yourself and your family," Ridinger said. "We help members with simple wills, child care plans, helping to setting up payments for debts and with issues with employers." Sometimes Reserve Airmen return from deployment or other active-duty tour and their employers give them a hard time when they try to return to the civilian job. Sergeant Ridinger helps both the Airman and the employer by explaining the law and how to overcome the problem. "In these cases, we refer them to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)," said Sergeant Ridinger. "USERRA provides job protection and rights of reinstatement to employees who participate in the National Guard and Reserve." Her skilled ability in helping Airmen prepare for deployment is one reason Sergeant Ridinger was chosen as Paralegal of the Year. The award came as a surprise to Ridinger, who has been in the legal field for six years. "There are so many other people in the field who are doing great things and I feel very honored to be chosen," she said. She looks at this award as a stepping stone in the JAG community that will help her continue to improve her work and the work of her career field associates. "It's afforded me more of a voice," she said.