Face of Defense: Paralegal Builds Relationships, Camaraderie

You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Face of Defense: Paralegal Builds Relationships, Camaraderie 09/03/2013 01:36 PM CDT Face of Defense: Paralegal Builds Relationships, Camaraderie By Army Sgt. Eric Glassey Regional Command South KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Sept. 3, 2013 - Whether it's serving in the 4th Infantry Division's staff judge advocate office at Fort Carson, Colo., or with Regional Command Southwest here, Army Cpl. Natasha Hunter said, she enjoys her work as a paralegal. Army Cpl. Natasha Hunter researches regulations at her office at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Sept. 1, 2013. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Eric Glassey (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Hunter, a 22-year old, Staunton, Va. native, often works alongside Army Capt. John Stewart, 4th Infantry Division trial counsel. "I've known her the entire time she has been in, and I've been working with her for almost two years," Stewart said. "She is driven and has the internal drive. She always wants to succeed and to do better – a perfectionist. It's something you either have or you don't." Hunter takes being separated from family, while deployed, in stride. "The toughest part is being away from family and friends, but that is part of my obligations, my duty," she said, looking at pictures of her mother, two younger sisters, and a 2-year-old Jack Russell terrier named Pita. Meanwhile, she said, the Judge Advocate General Corps makes the separation easier. "We're family," she said. "All you have is each other. I come in every day, and I'm happy to see the people I work with. They keep you going." Hunter builds relationships and camaraderie with those she works with on a continuous basis. "Some people are good at their job, but are not 'people persons,'" Stewart said. "Everyone she works with likes and respects her. I've worked with her in previous units, and when she leaves those units, they all miss her and are upset when she leaves. I'm talking about people from private to battalion commander." Hunter said standards provide her with a feeling of fulfillment in her job. "My favorite part is research," she said. "I like looking into the regulations and finding out what is supposed to be right and what is wrong. I like helping and assisting commanders and first sergeants." Army Sgt. Maj. Mark Cook, 4th Infantry Division staff judge advocate sergeant major, said Hunter's strength is derived from her relationships and passion for standards. "She wants to do the right thing all the time," he said. "She goes out and looks for the right thing. It's built in -- it's her character to do the right thing for herself and others. That's what makes her strong." Related Sites: NATO International Security Assistance Force   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense