86th AW chief of military justice CAN ‘handle the truth’

by Senior Airman Whitney Stork
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Photo by Capt. William RussellCapt. Brenda Gohr, 86th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate chief of military justice, oversees all military justice actions for Ramstein, including its tenant units and geographically separated units. Gohr’s primary focus is to help coordinate and ensure all appropriate cases get to court that should be taken to court.
Photo by Capt. William Russell
Capt. Brenda Gohr, 86th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate chief of military justice, oversees all military justice actions for Ramstein, including its tenant units and geographically separated units. Gohr’s primary focus is to help coordinate and ensure all appropriate cases get to court that should be taken to court.

When it comes to handling legal issues, Capt. Brenda Gohr, 86th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate chief of military justice and Hamlin University School of Law graduate, is a key factor in ensuring Ramstein’s Law Center provides the best legal advice to first sergeants and commanders.

Q: What do you do in your job?

A: I oversee all of the military justice actions on Ramstein to include the tenant units and geographically separated units. As the first line of defense for first sergeants and commanders, they come to my team for advice on military legal issues. I also oversee all military justice training for commanders and play a significant role in the quarterly status of discipline meeting, keeping the wing commander informed of issues in Ramstein’s area of responsibility.

Q: What is the best part of your job?

A: The best part is the interpersonal relationships I have with the commanders and first sergeants. It’s all about helping people and getting to work with them. I feel like I make an impact by providing valuable advice to leadership, contributing to maintaining good order and discipline across base.

Q: What is the hardest part of your job?

A: As a senior captain Judge Advocate, it can be challenging sometimes making phone calls to shirts and commanders knowing it’s bad news. As legal professionals, we owe it to our Airmen and the mission to do the research and provide the best possible advice for every case.

Q:  What is unique about your duty position?

A:  As a company grade officer, I’m in charge of all the junior captains and lieutenants in my division. The expertise they bring to the office is priceless. They give everything they have to support Team Ramstein every day, and as the officer in charge of such a diverse group of military justice professionals, I owe it to them to give them 110 percent because that’s what they give me.

Q: What advice would you give to Airmen to stay out of trouble?

A: Don’t be afraid to use your chain of command. Talk to your supervisors and first sergeants if you have any questions. The biggest thing is to think about the choices you will make, because for every choice there is a consequence you have to be willing to face no matter the outcome.