8 FW SJA wins Outstanding Young Military Lawyer Award for Air Force

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stefan Alvarez
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The American Bar Association, along with the Judge Advocate Association, recognizes a young judge advocate from each branch every year. This year, Kunsan Air Base’s very own staff judge advocate is the one in the spotlight.

Maj. Christopher Stein, 8th Fighter Wing staff judge advocate, received the 2018 - 2019 Outstanding Young Military Lawyer Award for the Air Force. His exemplary leadership, impact to the local community, remarkable development of subordinates and vast nature of his previous assignments contributed to him standing out amongst the competition.

“I have served at the fighter wing in Misawa (AB), previously here at Kunsan (AB) as the deputy SJA, and the senior defense counsel for all of Europe,'' Stein said. “Being open to take deployments and remote assignments leads to more unique and diverse opportunities. I believe the more interesting your career is, the more of an impact you are able to make in the Air Force.”

Stein also has experience outside of the Air Force. He was amongst a handful of staff judge advocates selected to participate in the Army JAG School in Charlottesville, Virginia.

“I attended the Army JAG School and obtained an advanced legal degree in international operational law,” Stein said. “That degree is why I came to Kunsan (AB) a second time.”

Stein credits his team at Kunsan AB for making his second tour a great experience and helping him positively impact the 8th FW. According to Stein, it is their dedication and positive attitudes that have made their work environment thrive.

“Serving in a one-year remote assignment away from family and friends can be challenging. I am very proud of my team for maintaining high motivation and morale,” Stein said. “They have done a good job of sticking together and making it a great year for JA.”