|
 E-mail Story Print Friendly
News where |
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
Judge or Marine, He Gets Plenty of Work
By Katie Burford
Journal Staff Writer
Metropolitan Court Judge Kevin Fitzwater returned to the bench this week after serving a three-month tour of duty with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.
Fitzwater
Fitzwater, a lieutenant colonel with the Marine reserves, received his mobilization orders in late September. His stint was spent heading a crisis-response team.
The unit develops and helps to implement battle plans, reporting to Lt. General Earl B. Hailston, commanding general of the Marine Corps Forces Pacific.
Fitzwater, 42, said that while on active duty, he was based out of Camp H.M. Smith in Hawaii. He could not say whether he was also at other locations during his tour.
Fitzwater learned earlier this month he was going home. "Things have a gone a little faster than first thought," he said. He was on active duty 71 days.
He spoke in general terms about his experience inside America's war on terrorism.
"Things are going very well," he said. "We're doing this right."
He said the war in Afghanistan was unlike others in our country's history, but the United States was organized and effective in its response. Minimal casualties for the U.S. side are evidence of this, he said.
He cautioned, though, that the fight against terrorism would be a protracted one.
"This is going to be a very long haul," he said. "America's going to have to be patient."
He said it is possible he could be recalled, but he considered it unlikely.
This has been his first week back at the notoriously busy court.
"There's plenty of work," he said.
Fitzwater, a father of three, said he was glad to be back in time for the holidays.
"It's been a nice Christmas present for my family," he said.
And he said he missed some of New Mexico's amenities.
"It was about time to get some green chile," he said.
