Why did you join the Air Force and what did you do during your career?

In the mid-'70s I was teaching junior high school and really didn't enjoy it. I wanted to do something that used my math degree more. The Vietnam War was winding down, but the Air Force was still looking for officer candidates. No one in my family had been in the military ... but I thought it looked like a good option. First I was a weather forecaster, then [I went] to law school, and I served as a judge advocate at the base level for 16 years.

What was the best part of your Air Force experience?

The people I knew and worked with. You would move all over the place, but you were always welcomed quickly. You were accepted if you worked hard. The people I worked with always did the best they could and were dedicated to their part of the mission.

The worst?

Moving my family around - that was tough.

With your work at the Law Guardian Office, you represent kids who are in the court system for all sorts of reasons. What attracted you to that position?

It's a way to use my skills to help kids who really need it. If you're one-on-one with these kids, they'll talk to you. They may not tell you their deepest, darkest secrets, but eventually they'll talk. I've seen things you hope don't exist. You have kids whose parents are on drugs or live in filth. ... I help get them out and I try to get them the help they need.

What is your position as a judge like?

I deal exclusively with criminal arrests at the Canadian border. I had one woman who had $975,000 packed in her car and didn't declare it. Of course it was seized. But mostly I like dealing with the other people in the court system. ... I get to meet and talk to some very smart and well-respected people.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of going into the military?

I'd say go for it. You'll get to do interesting things, the people are great, you'll get a great education, and ... you are serving your country.