Mendocino Deputy DA sworn in as member of JAG Corps

 

Mendocino County Deputy DA gets sworn in as Officer in the Air Force Reserve Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG Corps).

Mendocino County Deputy District Attorney Joshua D. Raines was sworn in Friday afternoon at the Ukiah courthouse as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force Reserve as a member of the Judge Advocate General Corps.

Judge Advocates serve primarily as legal advisors to the command to which they are assigned. In this function, they can also serve as the personal legal advisor to their commander. Their advice may cover a wide range of issues dealing with administrative law, government contracting, civilian and military personnel law, law of war and international relations, environmental law, etc. 

They also serve as prosecutors for the military when conducting courts-martial. In the United States military, they are charged with both the defense and prosecution of military law as provided in the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Highly experienced officers of the JAG Corps often serve as military judges in courts-martial and courts of inquiry. 

DDA Raines first enlisted in the Air Force out of high school, motivated to serve his nation after the September 11th terrorist attacks. 

Just after the invasion of Iraq, he was deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

Upon completion of four years of active duty service, Raines went on to serve an additional eight years in the Air Force Reserve. 

After a highly competitive selection process and while also serving here as a local prosecutor, Raines was chosen to join the ranks of the JAG Corps, an attorney branch of the Air Force.

The ceremony was conducted by Deputy DA Alexander Diener, who also serves as a Major in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. 

The Honorable Judge Ann Moorman also attended the ceremony and congratulated DDA Raines on his accomplishment. 

On behalf of all, DA Eyster extends a hearty thank you and his heart-felt appreciation to both DDA Raines and DDA Diener on their continued service to Mendocino County and to our nation.