[blindlaw] Employment ideas

Tue May 15 22:21:21 UTC 2012

Mr. Fry,

Thank you for the positive feedback.  When I worked in search and rescue with the Civil Air Patrol, and later as a watch stander for the Coast Guard, I worked in communications as a telecommunications specialist.  When a find or save is made, everyone who is actively on that mission is put in for the award.  So, although I was working the radios, I was recognized for my efforts just as much as the people on the ground/boat.  Although I did go on ground team missions with the Civil Air Patrol, it was my communications/radio skills that were most important.

Concerning if I ever can become a JAG, title 10 U.S.C has a provision that states that any physical defect may be waived by the secretary concerned if he/she determines that defect will not interfere with the duties I may be assigned.

There are currently at least two blind people retained and currently on active duty. I argue that the statute is silent as to how the person acquired the physical defect therefore a person such as myself who is otherwise qualified but has the same physical condition should be allowed to accept a commission in a field in which the physical defect will not affect their performance.  In short, as a lawyer, I can and will function as well as my sighted peers and should be allowed to do so in uniform based on my past experience in said uniform.  True there may need to be some accommodation's, but I am sure that those are made for the two currently on active duty blind members so what is the difference?

The military will argue that those it retains while disabled have "earned that right."  Well, I argue to not allow a person with the same physical condition to apply for a position they can and will do without considering that they can do that position and that they have the same physical condition that the military has already determined finds some people fit for service sets up an equal protection argument against the United States.

In short there are two ways they can go.
First the condition of blindness does not mean the person is unfit as they have retained two members currently on active duty.  Thus based on my past uniformed experience including graduating from basic training, instructor school, and other Coast Guard experience, I should be able to serve as a uniformed military member as a lawyer.  OR:

Secondly, blindness is not a condission that is fit for service and the military only retained the two members as atonement for their going to war and coming back broken.

I can't make those arguments because if I personally do I will not be viewed as a person making rational arguments, but will most likely be viewed as a person bitter about not getting in the military.  Kind of like, if I can't get in, they shouldn't either.  But this is precisely the point that should be raised.  If blind people are going to be retained and if Blindness is a condission the military is willing to wave based upon other considerations of that specific member, then they must do so in my case.  Not to do so is treating a person with preexisting condition differently than a service connected condition, and title 10 U.S.C does not make any distinction between the two.

I have years of military training, and I will have a skill once I pass the bar that the military needs.  So, I should be considered based on this past experience and the skills I will bring as a military lawyer.

I will need huge legal guns as I personally do not have the money to begin such a case.  I only ask the simple question.  I have devoted seven-teen years of my life to train, learn, position myself for military service.  How much do I have to do to "earn that right?"  As it happens when I went through Reserve Enlisted Basic training, the first thing my Company Commander told the recruits was "Service in your country's uniform is not a right, it is a privilege."  I only ask that I be able to take advantage of that privilege and lend my time, talents and legal education in service to our country.

If nothing else, I will always be an attorney advocating for those who need a voice for their interests.

Thank you for reading, and I'll let you know what the Senator's office sent me.

Robert Dittman
Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law,
Jurist Doctor Candidate, St. Mary's University school of law
EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu
PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388
"True Justice is blind."

-----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Fry
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 4:50 PM
To: Blind Law Mailing List
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Employment ideas

Impressive.  How did you get the search and rescue ribbons?  Have you been visually impaired your whole life?  Is there a chance you could be a jag?  I didn't know people legally blind could do that.  Your resume is awesome.  Apply to all those gov jobs.  

Sent from my iPad

On May 15, 2012, at 1:26 PM, "Dittman, Robert" <rdittman at stmarytx.edu> wrote:

> Good evening  Brothers and Sisters at the bar,
> 
> I wonder if you might take a moment and pass along any feedback as to my attached resume, as well as any ideas on how to get my foot in the door leading to employment as a newly minted Attorney.
> 
> I am due to graduate December 2012, and will sit for the Texas bar exam February 2013, but thought now is the time to start shaking hands and introducing myself in hopes to find my place in the legal community.
> 
> I am hoping to work in the federal, state, or local government but I am just as willing to work in the private sector.  I have gained some experience through our civil legal clinic, but I am just as willing to work in criminal law.  In short I will put my talents and legal education to whatever end will give me a chance.
> 
> I look forward to any guidance or assistance you can provide.
> 
> I spoke with my school's employment placement office, however you having the full understanding of the challenges of our situation may perhaps have a better understanding on how to gain interviews and other related steps to secure employmentith severe.
> E.  
> 
> As many of you may also know I am working to become a JAG officer in the U.S. military, and have requested the assistance of U.S. Senator John Cornyn, TX and I have received correspondence related to this.  I have not had it delivered here as of yet as it was sent to my old office address.  I'll let you know what it says.  If favorable, then wonderful.  If unfavorable, I wonder if I can again ask for your collected assistance on any further action that may be open to me.
> 
> Again, I thank you very much for your time and attention.
> 
> With Respect,
> 
> Robert D. Dittman
> 
> Robert Dittman
> Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, 
> December 2012, St. Mary's University school of law
> EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu<mailto:rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu>
> PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388
> "True Justice is blind."
> 
> <Dittman Resume 5 15 2012.docx>
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