Veterans Bring Valuable Experience to Their Careers at Foley

Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11, marks the anniversary of the armistice signed at the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918, which brought an end to World War I.

In observance of Veterans Day, Foley recognizes the tremendous commitment, sacrifice, and courage of its attorneys and business professionals who are active-duty service members or have previously served in the United States military. We are proud to work alongside so many brave and selfless individuals, and we are deeply grateful for their noble service and dedication to our country.

These colleagues bring invaluable experience from their military service to their careers at Foley. When asked how their time in the military prepared them for success in the legal field, here’s what they shared: 

“From 2005 –2008, I was an Infantryman, before reclassifying to a Cavalry Scout for the remainder of my term. I completed two deployments, both in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to experience the world through a wholly unique lens. Through my experiences, I learned a great deal about operational structures of large organizations, leadership styles, and discipline.”
Eugene Krakow, Associate | Wisconsin National Guard (2005 – 2011)

“My decision to join the military was inspired by my older sister, who retired as a Chief in the Navy. I wanted to start a new tradition for our family and give to a greater cause. My service has … enriched me by giving me my leadership philosophy that I will employ for years to come: Leadership by example. I separated from the military in 2019 to pursue my legal career. I’m forever grateful to the men and women who choose to serve and proud to be a member of an elite fraternity. Semper Paratus.”
Doug Lightfoot, Associate | U.S. Coast Guard (2014 – 2019)

Click here to hear more about Doug’s path to Foley, the five years that he spent as an Assistant Division Chief for the U.S. Coast Guard, and why he prioritized attending a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) for both college and law school.

“The Air Force taught me leadership, attention to detail, perseverance, and the ability to tackle any obstacle. As a teenager, I was tasked with instructing water and land survival to pilots while packing parachutes and G-suits. Today, I have the honor of leading a law office while participating in military justice and civil law across the country as well as mentoring new paralegals. The military has afforded me the opportunity to gain experiences otherwise impossible to obtain, and I am proud to continue to serve as a member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard.”
Alicia Schweitzer, Director of Public Affairs | U.S. Air Force (2005 – Present)

“I served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy, and later the Navy Reserves, for nine years. Through two deployments and various other experiences on land and at sea, I learned discipline, mental toughness, and attention to detail. These traits have helped me to lead others and quickly make critical decisions in high-stress environments. I left military service in February 2022 and am incredibly proud to have served.”
Alexa Goldstein, Associate | U.S. Navy (2013 – 2022)

“The military instilled in me an appreciation for rules and a devotion to attention to detail. These characteristics have proven useful for my work at Foley, especially because my practice is concentrated in commercial contract work, which is precise work with its own set of rules. My cryptology background also provides a complementary backdrop for my participation in Foley’s Blockchain in Supply Chain series, which focuses on the impact that encrypted blockchain technology has on global supply chains.”
Jenny Wang, Associate | U.S. Navy (2003 – 2009)

“Serving four years in the Army as an Armor Officer, dealing with mechanized high-intensity combat operations — being able to shoot, move, and communicate at high rates of speed — prepared me for a legal career in unexpected ways. As a litigator, I understand intuitively that organization, preparation, strategy, and speed are of the utmost importance to winning cases. Dedication and loyalty to clients as well as professionalism to an adverse party are just a few of the many qualities the military instilled in me that have served me well throughout my legal career.” F. Phillip Hosp, V., Partner | U.S. Army (2002 – 2006)

“My time in the Marine Corps taught me a lot about the law and working with computers. But more than that, I learned the importance of teamwork and to appreciate the value each member contributes to the success of an organization. I’ve learned how to stay calm when there’s a crisis and to be flexible. It also gave me the confidence to attempt difficult tasks and the courage to always finish what I start.”
Caroline Karr, Technology Support Supervisor | U.S. Marine Corps (1983 – 1989)

“As a JAG lawyer aboard an aircraft carrier during combat operations in the Vietnam war, I did and learned things in the Navy that helped me immeasurably in later life and in my law practice. Initially, that was with a New York firm specializing in admiralty and maritime matters and later in Washington, D.C., where I developed a general commercial practice. My practice today still reflects that mix of business and maritime matters and continues to benefit from my Navy experience.”
Steve Chameides, Partner | U.S. Navy (1968 – 1974)

Click here to hear more about Steve’s path to Foley, the four years he spent as an Officer in the Navy JAG Corps during the Vietnam War, and more.