Peterson Air Force Base Contact: Capt. Jenny Johnson Chief, Legal Assistance 21 SW/JA 135 Dover St., Ste 1055 Peterson AFB, CO 80914-1148 E-mail: jenny.johnson@peterson.af.mil Law Day 2002 Activity Summary: Law Day began with an all-faith worship service and continued with an all-day open house at Peterson legal office. Law Day continued with a 5K Gavel Run. Local elementary school students designed the T-shirts for the run according to this year's theme. This was followed by a K-9 demonstration. The K-9 teams showed things such as drug search, attacks and a car search. Afterwards, a luncheon was hosted where guest speakers incorporated the Law Day's theme and their most recent deployment experience. Following the luncheon, local law enforcement and judiciary were treated to a tour of Cheyenne Mountain. Activity Narrative: The Peterson Air Force Base legal office began Law Day celebrations May 1 with an all faith worship service at St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral in downtown Colorado Springs. An article in the base newspaper publicized this community outreach, which included participation from the El Paso County Bar Association. The church service highlighted the local legal community and the importance of the legal system. From 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Peterson legal office held an open house for anyone interested in learning more about legal services. Refreshments were served and Judge Advocate officers were available to answer questions about military justice, claims, notaries, tax preparation and other types of legal assistance. This served to expand public awareness of the availability of free legal services to our military population, the rule of law, and the fairness of the military justice system. Law Day continued May 6 with a 6:45 a.m. 1st Annual 5K Gavel Run starting at the Peterson Fitness Center. The Gavel Run included participants from our unit as well as other organizations. All were welcome to participate, but entrants who paid an entry fee received a commemorative T-shirt. Additionally, prizes were awarded to the top finishers. The prizes and commemorative T-shirts will act as reminders of our Law Day activities. These items serve as a lasting impact of both this year's theme and a connection between our legal office and the public. A contest was held in which local third, fourth, and fifth graders from Queen Palmer Elementary school designed the T-shirts for the Gavel Run according to this year's theme, Celebrate Your Freedom—Assuring Equal Justice for All. The winner was awarded a first place ribbon and $25 gift certificate for a local toy store. All participants received ribbons for their artwork. By hosting a design contest with a local elementary school, we fostered long-term partnerships with local schools and inspired young children to learn more about the law. The success of this endeavor is reflected in the design entries, which showed thought and sincerity reflecting this year's theme. The artworks generally depicted America with many races and cultures, all living under the umbrella of equal justice. The run was followed by a 10:00 a.m. Military Working Dog Demonstration by the Peterson AFB Security Forces Squadron at the base park pavilions. The K-9 team demonstrated techniques such as drug and car searches and attacks. The presentation heightened the awareness of this country's effective and well-trained police force. This showed professional law enforcement at its best and makes a lasting impression with children and adults alike. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Judge Advocate officers hosted a luncheon at the Peterson Officers' Club. Members of the U.S. Attorney's Office, the District Attorney's Office, El Paso County Bar Association, City Attorney's Office, and other local attorneys were invited in a spirit of partnership and goodwill. The guest speakers, the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate and a paralegal from Peterson AFB, incorporated Law Day's theme and their most recent military overseas deployment experience. Following the luncheon, our distinguished guests were treated to a tour at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station. The tour was an informative introduction to the mission of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and included an inside view of one of America's most technologically advanced installations. This unique experience provided insight on what it takes to protect our homeland for democracy and served as an impressive and lasting reminder of Law Day 2002. Sample Programs Home | By Audience | By Location | By Sponsoring Organization