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It starts with one 10-inch book, and then one becomes 10 books. The planning and research takes hours if not days, but she knows helping her peers become better is important. She believes in what she is doing and is willing to sacrifice the time and weekends to ensure a successful legal system.
Recently, other people saw her willingness and named Tech. Sgt. Holly Bambarger, 86th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate paralegal, the Air Force Outstanding Paralegal NCO of the Year.
The award is named in honor of Chief Master Sgt. Steve Swigonski. NCOs are selected upon demonstrating superior initiative, technical skills, leadership, attorney and paralegal teaming, and devotion to duty.
“To me, it’s a very distinct award because it’s saying that you are the best of the best in the paralegal world,” Bambarger said. “It’s a huge accomplishment because I have worked with some amazing paralegals, people I consider far better than me. It’s one of the biggest achievements I have made as an NCO.”
Her award submission covered her time on a 365-day deployment to Afghanistan where she completed operational employment of tactical strategy by educating the Afghan forces on the Rule of Law and improving their techniques. She trained over 35 host nation personnel and ensured their mission readiness.
Additionally, she trained 70 judges, clerks, staffers and others around the court system. This improved the investigative and court procedures.
She said one of her biggest accomplishments in Afghanistan was the first live witness testimony against a Taliban member in her court. She added that she had to search through villages for the witness, because “you can’t just pick up the phone,” and once found, the witness requested to have their identity masked, because retaliation was a possibility. Her efforts led to one of the longest sentences.
It wasn’t all about law, though. In the winter months in Afghanistan, she took time off from the courts to collect and deliver fuel to keep teachers and children warm. She also volunteered as a base liaison for distinguished visitors and organized events directed at increasing morale.
“I would have not received this award if it weren’t for the people I worked with,” Bambarger said. “A lot of it was based on the work we did in Afghanistan. I had an amazing team of paralegals, not only from the Air Force but also from the Marines and Navy. It was a very diverse group of people and mission. If it wasn’t for them, my (award submission) would not have been as strong.”
Though she won the Air Force-level award, she considers it only a stepping stone as she wishes to continue growing and
developing not only herself, but her fellow Airmen.
