Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Six questions for Brad Erickson
Brad Erickson was also in Texas. He is a third-year law student from Dickinson, North Dakota, with a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Dakota. Last check, he plans to return to the Peace Garden State after graduation.
ON THE ROAD: WHY VETERANS LAW AND THE MOBILE LAW OFFICE?
Brad Erickson: I picked Veterans Law because my uncle fought in Vietnam and my best friend in college is currently fighting in Iraq.
ON THE ROAD: DID YOU PICK ORLANDO, OR DID THEY PICK YOU? ANY PERSONAL CONNECTION TO THE AREA?
Brad Erickson: I picked Orlando.
ON THE ROAD: WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION TO MEETING YOUR FIRST VETERAN?
Brad Erickson: It was difficult. I interviewed a man who had received a purple heart in Vietnam. He was trying to get a disability upgrade from the VA because the symptoms from his wounds had gotten worse. Your heart just goes out to these men and women.
ON THE ROAD: HAVE YOU SERVED IN THE MILITARY, OR EVER THOUGHT ABOUT SERVING? HAS THIS EXPERIENCE CHANGED YOUR OPINION ABOUT THE MILITARY?
Brad Erickson: I thought about serving when I was a freshman in high school, but the older I got the more I wanted to go to college. My experience hasn't changed my view on the military; it has changed my view on the government a little bit.
ON THE ROAD: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL A BROTHER/SISTER WHO WAS CONSIDERING ENLISTING?
Brad Erickson: I would tell my brother about my experiences in college and have my buddy, who is in the military, tell his experiences. Then, I would let my brother choose.
ON THE ROAD: WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL GOALS, HOPES, AND THOUGHTS ABOUT THE TRIP?
Brad Erickson: I'm excited about the trip. I’m looking forward to getting out of the cold of Michigan and traveling someplace new. I'm also looking forward to meeting the veterans and trying to find a way to help. This trip is all about trying to make a difference in people's lives and getting new attorneys involved in veteran's law.