Richard Andrews '13

US Navy JAG Corps
Command Judge Advocate, Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada

What drew you to the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, and what do you like most about your work there?

The perks of the job—diverse practice areas, immediate responsibility, seeing the world—are great. But my real motivation is the Sailors that make up my client, the U.S. Navy. These young men and women took an oath to support and defend our country, and to obey all orders. They sacrifice their personal freedoms and comfort in what some would say is the prime of their lives. Anything I can do to support them in the fight is meaningful and worthwhile.
 
You recently joined the Dean’s Alumni Leadership Circle. Why do you give back to Boyd?

I firmly believe in being responsible with what I have and how I live. That means using my time, abilities, and resources in a productive way for society. Besides, I have found that generosity and giving feels a lot better than taking.
 
When you were a kid, what did you want to be?

Great question! I wanted to rotate among several choices throughout the week: astronaut, baseball player, cowboy, and fireman.
 
Do you have a motto and what is it?

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” -Ben Franklin
“If the wind will not serve, take to the oars.” -Latin proverb
“There’s only one way to find out.”
 
What do you enjoy in your off hours?

I am happiest outside, especially on the water. I enjoy everything from a surfboard to a kayak to a 50-foot sailboat—it’s all good! I will take any chance to hike or trail run. I also enjoy talking and joking with friends, especially when combined with the outdoors. And I read—a lot.
 
What advice you would give to a new colleague.

In our role as JAGs, we are an adviser and not the decision-maker. Our commanding officers generally have decades of experience and training to lead Sailors. These officers are entrusted to make decisions others will have to obey. We provide recommendations and insights. Also, the JAG Corps (and the Navy) is a small world. Everyone’s reputation precedes them—for better or for worse.
 
Recommend a favorite book or movie.

So many books—get in touch and I am happy to provide personalized recommendations. My fiction and non-fiction favorite reads of 2016 were: “We, the Drowned” by Carsten Jensen and “War” by Sebastian Junger.
 
If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?

Indiana Jones—an adventurer, captivated by the world, who vanquishes the bad guys.