WSMR welcomes Judge Advocate Lt. Col. Jonathan E. Cheney

What led you to join and serve in the Army as a Judge Advocate?

I joined the Army from Law School because (1) it was an opportunity to serve my country, (2) it looked to be a good family lifestyle, (3) I didn’t know what area of law in which I wanted to practice and knew the Army would decide for me. I have remained in the Army because (1) I love the client—the Army—and those who serve in the Army, (2) I love the people with whom I work, and (3) I love the work.

Where was your last assignment?

Fort Gordon. I served as the Center Judge Advocate for Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, where I led a team of nine legal personnel providing the full array of legal services to the medical center.

Where do you call home?

Home is where my wife is, so Las Cruces is home currently. I was born in New Mexico and graduated from Rawlins High School in Wyoming, Adams State College in Colorado, and Baylor Law School in Texas. I am a Texas attorney and joined the Army as a direct commissionee from our home in Texas following law school.

What are your goals while at WSMR and what do you hope to accomplish during your time here?

My #1 goal when I entered the Army was to serve well. This is still my calling. I want to provide excellent legal support to the Commanding General and other WSMR leaders I advise. I want to execute well the mission of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJA) – to provide principled counsel and premier legal services to our clients in order to provide the world's premier RDT&E, experimentation, and training facilities in support of readiness and the nation. I want the OSJA to be a fun place to work. I want the OSJA to become WSMR’s most well-respected, user-friendly, and collegial team of professionals.

What have you learned from previous leadership roles?

I’ve learned I have had a lot to learn. I’ve learned that the people in the JAG Corps are top notch and typically thrive with just a little purpose, direction, and guidance from their leader. I’ve learned that the Army as an institution does leadership remarkably well—in part because we realize people are our key asset—but it is up to each individual leader to lead effectively. Most Army leaders lead well and continue to improve; some don’t. I’ve learned that good communication is critical to develop and maintain effective working relationships; the vast majority of misconduct in the workplace I’ve advised commanders and leaders about over the years have some connection to poor communication in the workplace. Almost everyone in the Army profession shows up for work each day wanting to do well; leaders facilitate this with good, timely communication that provides proper purpose, direction, and motivation.

What do you consider some of your major accomplishments?

First, I consider any success I’ve contributed to my marriage and the development of my children my most important accomplishments. By God’s grace, our four children have become fine young people. Second, in the Army I’ve had the privilege to lead legal offices as SJA at Fort Meade, as SJA at Fort Detrick, and as Center Judge Advocate at Eisenhower. I believe in each I nurtured a climate in which our Soldiers and Civilian employees enjoyed coming to work, grew as people and professionals, and provided outstanding legal support to the command. An individual success during one of these tours include the role I had in facilitating an office that had low morale when I came to it having high morale well before I left. A second success was in enabling a Civilian employee who was sullen and distrusted the first year of my term to blossom and contribute greatly by the time I left after two years.

What do you think of WSMR/How do you like being here?

I love WSMR and being here. I love the majestic setting. I grew fond of the beauty of the east coast during my past 9 years stationed there, but feel quite at home back in the mountain west. I love the mission. WSMR’s unique mission plays a critical role in our nation’s defense and I like being able to contribute to its success. I love the team. WSMR is known for its professionalism and community support. Additionally, my legal team here is phenomenal. I am honored to have the privilege to lead them and serve alongside them and the rest of the WSMR team.

What do you do in your spare time?

I like to spend time with my family, which often includes card games and board games. I like to engage in worship activities at church, with family, in Bible study, and on piano. I like to play and coach basketball, to play disc golf, to read, and to climb mountains.