Women of the Wolf Pack: Capt. Erin Kenny

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  • By 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Name: Capt. Erin Kenny

Hometown: Rocky River, Ohio

Duty Title: Chief of General Law

Job Description/mission statement: Serve as Trial Counsel (prosecutor) on courts-martial; manage the base general law program, which includes providing legal advice on a wide range of issues such as medical law, operational/international law, claims and ethics; provide legal assistance for Airmen regarding personal civil matters such as divorce, landlord-tenant issues, and service member Civil Relief Act issues.

Years in the Air Force: 3

Female inspiration and why? Sandra Day O'Connor. Justice O'Connor was the first female Supreme Court justice. I saw her speak when I was in law school and she said, "The women that came before me were banging their heads on wood so I could bang my head on glass." That resonated with me because women like her, and those who came before her, had to fight so hard for us to be where we are today - my law school class was almost 50 percent women. When Justice O'Connor graduated from law school in 1952, more than 50 law firms refused to interview her because she was a woman. She wasn't even compensated for her first job as a lawyer. I have great respect for her persistence despite adversity. Additionally, as a judge, she was known for being firm but fair, and maintaining impartiality. Those are admirable qualities I strive for in my professional life.