HON . TOBY PRODGERS
State Court of Cobb County
After college , I was drafted into the U . S . Army . I served in Viet Nam in the infantry and attained the rank of Sergeant E-5 , aka Buck Sergeant . I received the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman ' s Badge . I was then able to complete law school with the G . I . Bill . I have had the privilege to serve as a judge since 1995 . Unlike in Viet Nam , when things get stressful on the bench you can take a time out , relax and regroup . My service in the military has given me a very positive perspective on life .
SR . HON . MICHAEL STODDARD
Superior Court of Cobb County
Judge Advocate General Corps , U . S . Air Force ; 1970-1974 ; Bronze Star Medal , Joint Service Commendation Medal ; Air Force Commendation Medal ; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for Combat Valor ; Republic of Viet Nam Cross of Gallentry with Palm Unit Award ; Viet Nam Service Medal with 3 Battle Stars ; Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal ; National Defense Service Medal , Small Arms Expert Markmanship Ribbon .
I was drafted in 1966 just before law school was starting , and the graduate school deferment still existed . I was excused , but drafted again in Nov . 1966 . The draft board warned that the deferment would end in the summer of 1967 . I joined the Air Force ROTC program at Emory , and was able to finish law school . After passing the Georgia and Colorado Bar exams , I went on active duty as a JAG Captain . I had four assignments in four years , with almost 16 months in Viet Nam . One assignment involved mostly claims ; in Viet Nam I served as a military judge , trial and defense counsel , with courts-martial at all six Air Force bases in country . From there I served as Chief , International Law Division , Taiwan Defense Command , a joint command under the Joint Chiefs of Staff .
I started as a State Court Judge in 1981 , and then as a Superior Court Judge in 1991 . I took Senior status in 2005 . ( When people ask me how long I ' ve been a judge , I tell them " On this continent since 1981 ." I then have to explain that I first served as a judge on the continent of Asia ). The need for some amount of discipline at work and play became a lesson learned . I think the long lasting effects of PTSD are problems facing Veterans and active duty military .
8 October / November 2020