Goodbye, beautiful Colorado Springs. Hello (again), Pentagon. I’ve wrapped up my latest USMCR assignment as National Security Law Advisor at NORAD/USNORTHCOM and been recalled to the Department of War Office of General Counsel (International Affairs). I’m grateful to my talented colleagues at NORAD/USNORTHCOM for their friendship and the privilege of working with them to defend the homeland. I’ll miss the people and the mountain views, but have already enjoyed connecting with old and new colleagues at the Pentagon and am excited to get to work.

On behalf of the state’s prosecuting attorneys, the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (MAPA) extends our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends, colleagues, and community of Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd. Eric was a beloved and highly respected member of our association. During his tenure as President and throughout his many years of service to MAPA, he embodied the highest ideals of our profession: integrity, respect for the rule of law, a steadfast commitment to public safety, and an unwavering dedication to victims and their families. At the annual MAPA conference this month, Eric’s colleagues presented him with the President’s Award, the highest award given by our association for his years of sustained excellence as a prosecutor. His impact extended far beyond his professional accomplishments. Eric was a dear friend, mentor, and trusted colleague to prosecutors across Missouri and, through his extensive work with the National District Attorneys Association, across the country. He helped guide many of those serving in the profession today, and generations of Missouri attorneys benefited from his counsel, encouragement, and support. Above all, Eric was a devoted husband and father. He often spoke of his family as his greatest accomplishment and took tremendous pride in the life he built with his wife of more than 30 years, Tracy, and their sons. Eric’s charisma, intelligence, and warmth were magnetic. It is difficult to put the magnitude of this loss into words. His absence will be deeply felt throughout the prosecutor, law enforcement, and broader public safety communities, and by the many people whose lives he touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tracy, his sons, and the entire Zahnd family. We hope their privacy will be respected as they grieve this unimaginable loss.

Enjoyed the opportunity to share with friends and colleagues in #LawEnforcement about changes to MO criminal law from the last legislative session. Thankful for their dedication to public safety and the #RuleOfLaw. 📸: @BuchmoSheriff @USAO_WDMO

Appreciated the invitation to speak to Faith in Business yesterday about lessons in justice from courtrooms and combat zones. The foundation of a thriving society is justice. And the foundation of justice is integrity. faithinbusinessseries.com

Standing among the white crosses at the Normandy American Cemetery is moving. Finding the graves of several sons of Missouri made it personal.

Kudos to my friend and former US Attorney colleague Brian Kuester and the @USAO_EDOK for giving that monster a well-earned life sentence.