Final salute: Court Reporter, Elaine Hart, retires after more than 40 years of federal service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Breanna Carter
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

The 90th Missile Wing legal office will have to say goodbye to its beloved court reporter on April 28, 2017. Elaine Hart will part ways with the courtroom after almost 45 years of honorable civil service working with the Army and Air Force. She has dedicated 26 years to F.E. Warren Air Force Base and its members as a legal mentor and sole court reporter.

A number of people at the legal office voiced several reasons why Hart will be dearly missed.

“As a court reporter, she’s incredibly good at what she does,” said Maj. Bradley Henderson, 90th MW deputy staff judge advocate. “It’s not just transcribing. She has also gone above and beyond by building records for multiple trials and training paralegals how to do the same.”

Henderson explained that when new attorneys come to the office, Hart uses her experience to mentor them.

“She has seen a lot in the courtroom, so she’s able to pull those new attorneys to the side and provide feedback and she’s such a good mentor to them,” Henderson said. “In my 11 years as a JAG, she is the best court reporter I’ve ever worked with. She will definitely be missed.”

Hart isn’t just incredible at her job, but word around the legal office is that she also has a big heart.

“I’ve worked with Ms. Elaine for three years now and she’s been very kind to me,” said Jilleen Catania, 90th MW legal secretary. “I live alone and she and her husband opened their home to me this past Thanksgiving, which was very heart-warming.”

Hart cites the relationships that she’s built over the years as a big reason she’s kept going with her service.

“The other day, a baby JAG that I used to work with called me to wish me well and he’s a full-bird Colonel now working as the legal advisor to the White House,” Hart said. “That makes me feel good to hear things like that and know I’ve positively impacted someone’s life and hopefully helped them in their career.”

The Indiana native has worked in civil service since she was 18 years old and says that leaving is bittersweet.

“It’s been an awesome experience to spend time with my fellow co-workers, soldiers and Airmen,” Hart said. “I have really enjoyed the people that I’ve met and the things I’ve been able to do. I feel proud of my service.”