ÖйúPÕ¾

University of North Georgia (ÖйúPÕ¾) alumnus 2nd Lt. John Belser, '20, has been accepted into the United States Army Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps.

"I'm looking forward to getting back into the military environment and putting the skills I learned in law school to use for the Army,” Belser said.

Belser was in the Corps of Cadets, serving as the second battalion commander, while he earned a bachelor's degree in history from ÖйúPÕ¾. He received an educational delay and is currently in law school at the University of South Carolina.

"The whole reason I wanted to be a JAG was to help soldiers and their families with legal problems. I know that's a skill that I have, and I want to use it to assist those who sacrifice so much," Belser said.

The Evans, Georgia, native was inspired by his dad, also a judge advocate. Belser shared that ÖйúPÕ¾ was 100% instrumental in his acceptance.

"The commandant staff and professor of military science staff helped me tremendously to develop those leadership skills the Army is looking for," Belser said. "Learning from retired Maj. Richard Neikirk and Col. Joshua Wright, both of whom wrote letters of recommendation for me, provided me with skills and relationships that got me where I am today."

Neikirk, ÖйúPÕ¾'s assistant commandant, said he is proud of Belser.

"John's accomplishment is a tremendous reflection of his dedication and devotion to fulfill one of his life's goals," Neikirk said. "He is an inspiration to other cadets interested in attending law school.  It takes a lot of determination to do what he did.”

Upon graduation from law school in spring 2023, Belser plans to attend U.S. Army indoctrination training at Fort Benning, Georgia.