FLEP Student Honored at Insight Bowl
Army Capt. Jonathan E. Fields, a second-year law student participating in the Judge Advocate
General's (JAG) Corps's Funded Legal Education Program, was honored for his military service during
the Insight Bowl held Dec. 31 in Tempe, Ariz.
Prior to the National Anthem, Fields was joined on the 50-yard line by Air Force 2nd Lt. David Foster from Oklahoma State University and Army Sgt. Michael Proscia from Arizona. They were each introduced and their bios displayed on the big screen.
"The Insight Bowl wanted to honor an active-duty alumnus from each of the participating state universities, as well as a service member from the home state — Arizona," Fields explained.
The veterans received first-class treatment. After being picked up at the airport by an Insight Bowl representative, Fields was taken to a resort, given box seats at the game, and provided with tickets to the New Years Eve Block Party in Tempe. "It was a great opportunity to be able to represent both the military and Indiana University," he said. "I was humbled and honored."
A member of IU's Army ROTC program, Fields received his bachelor's degree in Political Science in 2001. He also was presented with the IU President's Award for high academic achievement, outstanding leadership in organizations of campus and community life, and for distinction of character reflecting the qualities of leadership of an officer of the U.S. Armed Services.
Upon graduation, Fields was commissioned a second lieutenant and sent to Friedberg, Germany, where he served as an infantry platoon leader. He was then called to serve in Kuwait and Iraq as a reconnaissance platoon leader for Task Force Spartan during Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II. His platoon was charged with gathering intelligence on insurgent activity and conducting small-scale raids on enemy forces. More than a year later, he headed to South Korea to serve as an assistant operations officer in Uijongbu, near the North Korean border.
Fields has received the Presidential Unit Citation, the Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge, among other honors. After graduating law school, he will serve as an attorney in the U.S. Army JAG Corps.