C . Scott Applegate
Deputy Staff Judge Advocate , West Virginia Army National Guard
MAGGIE HATFIELD
SCOTT APPLEGATE , deputy staff judge advocate for the West Virginia Army National Guard ( WVARNG ), always knew he would pursue a career in the military .
“ My grandfathers served in the military , and I looked up to them ,” he says . “ I also had an interest in the law . Luckily , I was able to combine those two major interests into one fantastic career .”
A native of White Sulphur Springs , WV , Applegate enlisted in the U . S . Army after high school and served with the 2-47th Infantry Battalion at Fort Benning , GA . In 2001 , he was awarded a Green to Gold Scholarship to complete his college education , and he graduated from West Virginia University ( WVU ) in 2003 with a degree in business administration and the WVU College of Law in 2006 .
“ I was surprised at how much the military prepared me for law school ,” he says . “ It taught me how to adapt and overcome and that success requires evolving and learning mixed with a drive for relentless improvement . You can apply that notion to all aspects of life .”
Applegate ’ s first job was with Pullin , Fowler , Flanagan , Brown & Poe , PLLC in Beckley . Over the course of his legal career , he has served as minority counsel for the West Virginia House of Delegates , a military police officer and a judge advocate in the WVARNG .
Today , as the deputy staff judge advocate , Applegate provides legal advice and assistance to senior executives , officers and members on all Guard operations , including employment , administrative and contractual law issues . He has reviewed and provided insight on almost all West Virginia laws and bills that have affected service members over the last six years .
“ My work has ranged from topics such as the West Virginia Service Members Civil Relief Act to a major rewrite of the West Virginia Uniform State Code of Military Justice ,” he says .
Applegate ’ s commitment to service extends beyond his office . He is an active member of the West Virginia State Bar Veterans and Military Affairs Committee , where he helped organize an annual Veteran ’ s Day of Service . He hosts webinars and instructs courses that teach attorneys how to better serve the legal needs of veterans , service members and their families who are facing legal issues and on topics
such as the Uniformed Services Former Spouses ’ Protection Act , military retirement and domestic violence . He also volunteers with the bar ’ s Tuesday Legal Connect , which helps provide general legal information to individuals who may not be able to afford an attorney . As a result of his work , Applegate received the 2017 West Virginia State Bar Citizen Soldier Award and a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal in 2020 .
For Applegate , military and community service is about more than giving his time and talents . It is about changing the outlook for the future of the Mountain State .
“ My 20 years of military service has been a wonderful journey of people and places ,” he says . “ I have seen extraordinary people doing extraordinary things , including here in West Virginia . I am passionate about this state , and I am committed to helping shape its future .” •
DoD Disclaimer : The views presented are those of the speaker or author and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE