Celebrating Tulane Law’s Student Veterans
This Veterans Day, Tulane Law School recognizes and celebrates the students and alumni who have served in the U.S. military. Representing a wide array of service branches, from the Coast Guard to the Air Force and Army National Guard, these students bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and dedication to the Tulane Law community.
We spoke with a handful of our student veterans and active-duty members to hear their stories: why they chose to serve, how their military experience has shaped them, and the ways it informs their work in law school.
Megan Heiser, 2L, U.S. Coast Guard (6 years)
Megan has long aspired to become a JAG officer, a goal that unites her desire to serve both in the military and through the law. Her time as a vessel inspector and marine casualty investigator taught her to approach every situation with meticulous preparation and attention to detail. “Those same skills are exactly what law school demands,” she says, noting the seamless crossover between her military experience and legal studies.
Ben Jacober, 1L, U.S. Coast Guard (12 years)
Ben has spent over a decade in the Coast Guard, serving both his country and his local community. From the start, he was drawn to the unique authorities of the Coast Guard and the impact of Judge Advocate officers (JAGs) on daily operations. That curiosity sparked his interest in law. “I wanted to better understand the law to better serve my community and my fellow service members,” Ben says.
Harry Lee, 1L, Air Force (4 years)
Harry joined the Air Force Reserve to serve while pursuing his education, seeking a path that combined discipline and purpose. “The military taught me precision, accountability, and composure under pressure,” he said. “I apply all of those skills to analyzing legal problems and advocating with clarity and discipline.
Martin Maxim, 1L, Air Force Reserve (4 years)
Continuing a family legacy of service, Martin joined the Air Force Reserve to be part of something bigger than himself and protect the values he holds dear. Martin says his military experience taught him discipline and the importance of measured judgment, which are lessons he applies to approaching legal questions with a balanced, thoughtful perspective.
Garrett James Watts, 1L, U.S. Army National Guard (2 Years, Active Reserve)
Garrett carries on a long family tradition of service, first with the Oklahoma National Guard and now in Louisiana. Serving as a field artillery 2nd Lieutenant, he has learned to thrive in high-stakes, structured environments. “The military runs on order, hierarchy, and discipline,” he said. “The legal world feels very similar to that paradigm. It’s a nice crossover and I feel prepared.”
On this Veterans Day, we honor and thank our student veterans for their commitment, sacrifice, and the valuable perspectives they bring to Tulane Law.
