America's North Shore Journal

U.S. Army

BAGHDAD, Iraq (Army News Service, Sept. 30, 2004) — In the middle of the largest rebuilding effort since the Marshall Plan, a young woman in Iraq joined the ranks of the legal profession this month via a video teleconference with an Iowa judge.

Melissa Head took the bar exam two weeks before she deployed to serve with the Army Corps of Engineers’ Gulf Region Division in Iraq.

But Iowa is one of a few states which require new lawyers to physically be present to take their oath of service. Legwork by Bob Sundberg, counsel for the Gulf Region Division, arranged for Head to overcome the obstacle of distance using the capabilities of video-teleconferencing.

‘These are such special circumstances and she’s performing such a special duty for our country’ (we) decided to go forward with her ceremony in this way,’ said Justice Michael Streit, who administered the oath to Head.

‘I’m pretty sure you’re the first lady sworn into the Iowa Bar in battle fatigues,’ said Justice Streit, generating laughter from both sides of the ocean as Head’s relatives and friends watched from the courtroom.

Nick Critelli, president of the Iowa State Bar Association, opened the conference call with brief comments supporting Head and promising her a warm welcome when her mission in Iraq is complete.

With her grandparents, George and Gwendolyne Head, her brother, Erik and her mother, Karen Head in attendance, Melissa Head raised her right hand and began the next chapter of her young life.

Although the Justice had sworn in 180 other members of the Iowa Bar the day before, he said this one was particularly special.

‘Your role and service to our country in Iraq speaks loudly to your willingness to on take responsibility and speaks loudly of the family and schools you come from and the profession of law you now enter,’ said Streit.

After oath ceremonies were completed, a little time remained on the 30-minute satellite call.

‘A part of me wishes I was home now to celebrate this accomplishment with my family and to begin my career as an attorney,’ said Head. ‘However, this opportunity to serve my country over here has been nothing but positive and fulfilling. I’m just hoping I will be able to use my new status as an attorney over here with the Corps to do some legal work to help the Corps, the Soldiers, and the Iraqi citizens.’

Head is slated to return to the Corps’ Omaha District in December.