Your Advocate, Your Defender: Wright-Patterson Area Defense Counsel

Published March 23, 2026
By Ashley Richards
88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --

Facing an administrative action or a military justice investigation can be one of the most stressful moments in a service member’s career. In times of uncertainty, knowing what resources are available can make all the difference.

At Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Area Defense Counsel Office provides free and confidential legal representation, guiding service members on how to protect their rights throughout such a process.

What many members may not realize is that the ADC operates under a separate chain of command from the 88th Air Base Wing and other units on base.

“I represent my clients,” said Maj. Daniella D’souza, the Wright-Patterson area defense counsel. “My chain of command is not on this base, and my role is to advocate for the individual sitting in front of me.”

This separation ensures consultations remain fully confidential and that legal advice is free from any command influence.

D’souza was commissioned through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at The Ohio State University and was allowed to defer her active-duty commitment to attend law school, a contrast to many Judge Advocate officers currently in the Air Force.

Prior to becoming an ADC, she was the victims’ counsel on this installation from June 2023 to July 2025.

“I wanted to put this information out, so commanders and Airmen understand that I now wear a defense hat,” she said.

D’souza works with defense paralegal, Senior Airman Hailey Leonard, to combine their experience and passion to support Airmen at Wright-Patterson AFB.

While many associate the ADC with representation for courts-martial, the office provides guidance on a wide range of matters. The ADC also assists service members with responding to administrative actions such as letters of reprimand, Article 15 proceedings and other actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

The ADC also supports active-duty medical professionals across the installation who may face concerns related to their credentials at Quality Assurance Boards.

“If you are getting your medical license revoked or suspended, you can come to us and we will provide representation for that process,” D’souza said.

According to the ADC team, seeking legal counsel early can make a significant difference for service members navigating difficult situations.

“The sooner someone reaches out, the better,” said Leonard, a defense paralegal for the ADC. “If someone thinks they’re under investigation or they receive paperwork, that’s the time to contact us.”

The ADC team also hopes to dispel the misconception that seeking legal advice signals guilt or could harm a career.

“We can’t disclose your communications so there’s nothing to lose by seeking advice from the people here to defend your rights,” D’souza said.

For both members of the ADC team, the work ultimately comes down to supporting service members during some of the most difficult moments of their careers.

“I will never judge anyone, no matter what they did,” Leonard said. “I’m here to hear their story and help them through the process.”

For D’souza, serving as an advocate for service members is both a responsibility and a privilege.

“It’s an honor to defend the individuals who took an oath to serve,” she said. “I’ll do everything in my power to protect their rights.”

The Wright-Patterson ADC office is a small team with a large area of responsibility. In addition to Wright-Patterson AFB, the office provides defense counsel services for active-duty personnel at Youngstown and Grissom Air Reserve Bases and Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station. The office is located on Area A, 2202 Birch St., Bldg. 199, and can be reached for a free and confidential consultation at 937-257-7818.