FORT BENNING HONORS CAPOVILLA & WILLIAMS FOR THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE TO SOLDIERS AND THEIR FAMILIES!

Like thousands of soldiers across the country, I began my military career at Fort Benning, Georgia. I vividly remember saying goodbye to my family at the visitor center, getting into my pickup truck, and driving to report for training. At 24 years old, I felt a mix of excitement, fear, nervousness, and anxiety. I wondered if I had what it took to serve and lead as an officer in the United States Army JAG Corps. I was about to find out.

I have wanted to be a JAG Officer for as long as I can remember. After 9/11, I realized that I wanted to serve as an Army Officer and also pursue a career in law. That’s when I discovered the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAGC) online, and I thought to myself, “This is it! This is what I want to do with my life!”

I had the incredible opportunity to serve as an active-duty Judge Advocate General (JAG) in various roles throughout my career. My positions included serving as an administrative law attorney with the 2nd Infantry Division, the Chief of Legal Assistance at Camp Casey in Korea, a military prosecutor, a Special Assistant United States Attorney, and a military defense attorney. I participated in numerous court-martials, won several significant cases, and traveled around the world. Ultimately, I developed a deep passion for defending service members.

My dream of becoming a senior officer in the JAGC came to an abrupt end when I was assigned to defend a decorated Army Ranger who had dedicated his entire career as a medic. This Ranger, who had deployed numerous times, earned a Purple Heart and was a hero in my eyes. He was charged with larceny after a failed back surgery left him in excruciating pain.

I remember believing that this medic needed help, not incarceration. He required treatment, not a conviction. I was determined to fight for him with everything I had. In the end, I was deeply taken aback by how this Ranger was treated, the callousness of the military prosecutors, and the backlash I personally faced from the JAGC for vigorously defending him.

After experiencing this case, along with the heartache, disappointment, and eventual victory, I decided to leave the JAGC. I concluded that my future lay with the servicemembers around the world who needed a defense attorney free from the political constraints of the JAGC to advocate for them. I committed to building a law firm that would ensure soldiers like my client have everything they need to effectively fight against injustice.

I left the Army and resigned my commission, which eventually led me to start Capovilla & Williams. Mickey Williams and I invested our entire life savings into this company, relying solely on each other. At the beginning, we didn’t have any staff or paralegals, and our first office was infested with gnats! Today, we have grown into a law firm comprising nearly 40 professionals spread across the nation. Our mission is to advocate for our veterans and servicemembers who have sacrificed so much for us. We operate free from JAGC politics, and I firmly believe we are among the best in the country at what we do.

As I reflect on my life at 40, I can’t help but notice the increasing gray in my beard—a visible reminder of the years gone by. Yet, the deep-rooted desire to serve and give back remains a vital part of who I am as a veteran. At Capovilla & Williams, one of our guiding principles is Service, and it resonates strongly within us. We truly believe in uplifting our veterans and Servicemembers by dedicating our time, resources, and financial support each month to the causes that matter most. It’s our way of expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made, and we feel honored to contribute in meaningful ways.

I felt truly humbled when Fort Benning, the place where my military journey began, recognized us as a Diamond Level Sponsor for our efforts to support the Soldiers and Families there. This honor deeply resonates with me, as it reminds me of the importance of giving back to those who dedicate their lives to serving our nation. It brings me immense joy to know that our contributions are making a positive difference in the lives of these courageous men and women and their families.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who serve. May God, in His infinite wisdom, bless you, your families, and the meaningful work you do. Your commitment is truly appreciated.

Robert Capovilla
Chief Operating Officer
Capovilla & Williams