Veterans Day Spotlight: Joe Cardosi (JD '14)

Since 1938, the United States has honored veterans with a national holiday on November 11. We recognize the over 18.2 million living veterans who have placed themselves in harms way for the greatest ideals of the United States.

We are honored to have many remarkable veterans as part of the Pepperdine Caruso Law community. Joe Cardosi (JD '14) is one of these. During law school, Joe served as the President of the Veterans Legal Society and helped establish the Veterans Recruitment Task Force, mentored and assisted 1Ls as a Teaching Fellow for the Academic Success Program and LRW Teaching Assistant, served as an Editor on the Pepperdine Law Review, and had the privilege of being one of then-Dean Deanell Tacha's student assistants. As an alumnus, Joe serves as a member of Pepperdine Caruso Law's Dean's Council and preceptor (and an unofficial ambassador for the Washington, DC, Externship Semester). Joe's legal career has included experiences in two large law firms and the U.S. Intelligence Community. He currently resides in the Philadelphia area with his wife and two children and is completing an LL.M. in Taxation with plans to hang his own shingle next year.

Reflecting on Veterans Day, Joe, a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom (2009-2010) and recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge, says, "while it is important to celebrate and give thanks to veterans every November 11th, we can honor their service and sacrifice on a daily basis by cherishing the freedoms for which they fought and living passionately a life full of purpose, service, and leadership. We also need to care for those veterans who continue to suffer from the pains of war – the visible and far too common invisible injuries that plague so many veterans. So on this Veterans Day, instead of offering a passing "thank you for your service" or token freebie, we should consider lending a hand, offering a shoulder to lean on, taking on a pro bono matter, and otherwise demonstrating through our actions, no matter how small or indirect, gratitude for their life-altering service to and sacrifice on behalf of our great nation."

Caruso Law is proud to have 52 current students who are veterans or active military. Pepperdine Caruso School of Law's Veterans Legal Society ("VLS") is composed of law students who have served in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Our members include a former Marine Corps Fighter Pilot, Navy Hospital Corpsman (Medic), Army Infantry Officer, Air Force Electronic Warfare Officer, and a Coast Guard Permanent Cutterman. VLS members have served honorably across multiple platforms in support of American interests around the globe. VLS states, "at the law school, our mission is simple--to provide academic support, career mentorship, and a collaborative community for our members. We seek to leverage the skills of our veterans towards law school success, professional excellence, and leadership in our community. As future lawyers, we are aware of the legal profession's unique position of influence in American society. As America's veterans, we believe that we are strongly equipped to engage the people we have served towards meaningful nation-building. Our continued service to the nation and strategic pathway to the legal profession starts at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law."