Edwards NCOIC awarded Paralegal of the Year Award for AFMC

  • Published
  • By Jet Fabara
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Every year paralegals across Air Force Materiel Command are nominated in order to hold the honor of being called the outstanding paralegal of the year. This year, that honor was bestowed upon one of Edwards' own.

Staff Sgt. Misty Flores, 412th Test Wing Judge Advocate noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Military Justice section, was presented the 2011 AFMC Paralegal of the Year award by Brig. Gen. Dwight Creasy, AFMC Staff Judge Advocate, and Chief Master Sgt. Sherry Bowes, command paralegal manager for AFMC, on Oct. 3, 2012, at the Edwards courthouse.

"Sergeant Flores' firm grasp of legal issues, integrity, and strong work ethic sets her apart from other paralegals. As her officer in charge, I have complete confidence in her abilities and trust that she will take care of the mission, her fellow Airmen, and the base populace with integrity and compassion," said Capt. Stella Phillips, chief of the Military Justice section for the 412th TW Legal Office. "She consistently puts service before herself and commits herself to excellence in every aspect of her personal and professional life. She is the consummate professional and ensures that her subordinates and her superiors are properly trained and equipped to carry out the mission of the legal office - to ensure justice."

Lt. Col. Marvin Tubbs, Staff Judge Advocate of the 412th TW, initially nominated Sergeant Flores in order to recognize her for her outstanding performance, according to Phillips.

"It is clear from her day-to-day work performance that she is truly among the best paralegals in the Air Force," added Phillips. "An Air Force paralegal performs a vast amount and variety of duties and Sergeant Flores has proven her worth in both civil law and military justice."

Once her nomination was sent to AFMC, she competed in a pool of more than 60 eligible enlisted paralegals of all ranks in AFMC.

"Being presented an award from the AFMC level is very humbling. I work among amazing individuals on a daily basis and can't thank them enough for all their help along the way so it is a great feeling to know that you are appreciated for all your hard work," said Flores. "My career field is full of outstanding individuals that work hard every day to ensure that justice is served and the mission is uninterrupted. To be listed as one of the best is a great honor."

As the current NCOIC of the Military Justice Section, Sergeant Flores is responsible for overall management of the section as well as individual courts-martials. She supports all phases of criminal trials, and assists with witness interviews and drafting discovery requests and responses. Additionally, she is the primary manager of the Magistrate Court program. In that position, she manages the prosecution of civilians who commit misdemeanors and low-level felonies on Edwards AFB.