In honor of Veterans Day, Drake Law School salutes some of the members of the student body who served in the armed forces.
Marie Bowen (1L) served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego. For Marie, joining the Marines was a pathway to escape poverty and adversity and to build a healthier future. Her time in the Marines helped her discover an inner strength she didn’t know she possessed, as well as a sense of ambition and confidence that continues to drive her. Marie credits the organization, discipline, and time management skills she developed in the Marines for helping her excel academically and motivating her to pursue law school. She encourages other veterans to see the value of their unique skills and focus on how their military mindset can help them succeed in the legal field. “In law school, you’re working for yourself, and the discipline and focus from military service become even more meaningful,” said Marie. “I’ve found that the same mindset that helped me persevere in the Marines has been crucial in navigating the demands of law school.”
Wayne Edmiston (1L) dedicated 20 years of service to the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a Master Sergeant. The events of 9/11 inspired him to enlist. His experiences during deployments gave him a deep appreciation for the legal system and inspired him to pursue a legal career as a continuation of his service. Wayne’s military training instilled in him core values of leadership and service, which he applies to his studies and his approach to the law. For Wayne, Veterans Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the military and their families and his commitment to uphold his oath in everyday life. Wayne plans to continue to serve others in his role as an attorney and use his skills to serve all Iowans – veterans or not. “I will always do things to help my fellow veterans when they face injustice and look for ways to improve their lives, but I feel an equal pull to extend that to everybody.”
Ariel Sweeney (1L) enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 21 during a period of personal uncertainty. Feeling stagnant and seeking direction, Ariel found stability and growth through military service. Although her Air Force experience didn’t directly inspire her to pursue law, she credits it with giving her the confidence and resilience to succeed in a challenging environment. For Ariel, Veterans Day is a day of profound reflection on the sacrifices made by those who served. She encourages other veterans considering law school to draw on their experiences and let their perspectives enrich their studies. “Leverage your unique experiences, stay focused on your goals, and trust in your resilience.”
Ben Toal (3L) served in the Air Force Reserves for 11 years, continuing a family legacy of military service. He acknowledges the vital role that the GI Bill and veterans’ educational programs played in making college and law school possible for him. He credits the discipline and focus that he honed in the Air Force with helping him navigate and find success in law school. Veterans Day, for Ben, is a deeply personal time to reflect on the sacrifices and bonds forged in service. “Each and every veteran, regardless of when and where they served, never forgets their own experiences, sacrifices, and the bonds they formed with their fellow service members,” said Ben. “For veterans, those memories are a complex and inseparable part of their identity. Veterans Day is a time for the Nation to honor what veterans carry with them every day — the weight of their experiences, the pride of their service, and the solemn memory of their comrades and all others in years past, who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“’We are immensely proud to honor our law students who have served in the armed forces,’ said Roscoe Jones, dean of Drake Law School. ‘Their dedication to justice, integrity, and service enriches our community and exemplifies the very best of our profession. We thank them not only for their past service but for the perspective and resilience they bring to the study of law.'”
Thank you to all veterans for your service and commitment.