By Judy Christie

Col. Francis P. “Frank” King, USA (Ret), left his role as a lawyer for the Army in 2017 to become … “a lawyer for the Army.”

“I have led a charmed life,” he said. His 26-year decorated military justice career began when he got involved with college friends who were in Army ROTC, and he chuckles as he discusses his good fortune. “I went to college, and I overextended my reach.”

In 2018, King, 59, became chief counsel, Army Materiel Legal Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground and Communications-Electronics Command, where, among other duties, he oversees approximately 70 attorneys and is responsible for all legal matters pertaining to command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, acquisition, and litigation strategies.

His Life membership in MOAA was a gift from his wife, Cindy, when he was deployed to Iraq, and now he is director of community outreach for MOAA’s Susquehanna (Md.) Chapter, where he is committed to engaging with students.

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“There are a lot of good people in the armed forces,” he said. “How do we connect young people with the armed services and, more particularly, veterans?”

His suggestion of a chapter Veterans Day essay and poster contest for local students “took on a life of its own.” The contest, in its fourth year, draws enthusiastic participation from a range of students and more than two dozen volunteers, who help with expenses and judge the many entries from kindergarten through 12th grade.

In addition to giving cash prizes, the chapter has minted a special MOAA coin for top winners. Awards celebrations for 2024 include an evening ceremony at the Havre de Grace American Legion Post and an assembly at Harford Academy, a community school where participants “really celebrate. The kids like to see folks in uniform,” King said.

Educator and Army veteran Lisa Brown is among volunteers who make the contest possible. She believes “it is essential to educate our youth about the members of our armed forces, the freedoms that so many take for granted, and the importance of service.”

She said the contest offers all students “a chance to recognize the sacrifices military servicemembers and their families have made to protect our freedoms and honor their service to our country. Through the process of learning about veterans, students also develop an understanding of patriotism, empathy, and gratitude.”

Many entries feature compelling posters around an “Honoring Veterans” theme. Other participants write essays that shine with words of appreciation and the importance of valuing veterans. As Maryland high school student Isabella Grant wrote: “Veterans do so much for us and never get the amount of credit that they deserve. In fact, most veterans probably would feel uncomfortable getting the attention they truly deserve because they are heroes!”

King hopes the contest not only celebrates veterans each fall but also helps students think about “being part of something that is larger than yourself; you can do that in the military.”

Judy Christie is a writer in Colorado.