“I awoke in an orange jumpsuit in county jail, facing up to 36 years in prison.”
Letter from the CEO
By Nic Gray
In 1979, Victor Kiam delivered one of advertising’s most memorable lines: “I liked it so much, I bought the company.” Impressed by the Remington electric razor, he acquired the struggling firm and personally led its revival through compelling commercials that restored its prominence on the global stage.
In 2009, I had a comparable experience, not with a consumer product, but with an organization whose work proved transformative on a far deeper level. The Uniformed Services Justice & Advocacy Group (USJAG) delivered something of immeasurable value: dignity and a path forward for those in crisis.
In 2016, one of USJAG’s clients, a veteran, spoke at a fundraising event in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A portion of his remarks captures the gravity of the moment:
““On October 21, 2009, I awoke in an orange jumpsuit in county jail, facing two felonies, several misdemeanors, and up to 36 years in prison.
I had no recollection of how I arrived there or any clear plan for what lay ahead.
That evening, a flashback to my service in Iraq overtook me. Disoriented and acting outside my rational mind, I began ‘clearing houses’ in my own neighborhood, patrolling, kicking in doors, and operating as I had been trained during combat.
I was in profound distress.
Confined in lockup, uncertain of the events that led there and confronting a bleak future, I needed a miracle. What arrived were two extraordinary advocates: Robert Alvarez and Andrew Pogány of USJAG.””
That veteran was me. USJAG intervened decisively and secured my admission into Veterans Trauma Court, a program that emphasizes rehabilitation over incarceration for veterans whose legal challenges stem from service-related injuries. Their advocacy granted me a genuine second chance.
Upon successful completion of the program, I earned my undergraduate degree in business management and founded a venture-backed software company. While that enterprise did not yield an eight- or nine-figure exit, it equipped me with essential leadership experience, strategic acumen, and resilience in navigating complex, high-stakes environments.
Those formative years prepared me for my true calling: leading USJAG as its CEO and advancing its unwavering mission to ensure that injured, ill, or wounded active-duty service members (including Active, Guard, and Reserve) are separated with their rightful benefits, honors, and dignity fully intact.
Though I was no longer on active duty when USJAG advocated on my behalf, their intervention changed the trajectory of my life. For years, I questioned the purpose behind the events of 2009. I now understand the answer clearly. It was never solely about me. It is about the service members who stand beside us, the ones who deserve USJAG’s expertise and resolve.
In many respects, I was prepared for this role over the course of my journey. Accepting the position of CEO represents the most significant challenge of my personal and professional life. I approach it with profound humility and deep honor.
Victor Kiam and I share little in common, yet we share one defining trait: when we encounter something of exceptional value and integrity, we commit fully without reservation.
USJAG is that rare and essential entity for me. I am all in.
The mission continues, and our greatest impact lies ahead.