The Staff Judge Advocate’s Office for the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, Ali Al Salem Airbase, Kuwait hosted an informational fair and Law Day 2020 Art Contest for the 4,000 U.S. military members and coalition partners assigned to the Airbase. Despite COVID-19 limitations, we were still able to demonstrate the importance of voting and the history of the movement that led to the passage of the 19th Amendment for thousands of deployed U.S. military members, civilians, and coalition partners.
Art Contest
From March 27, 2020 until April 8, 2020 the Staff Judge Advocate’s Office held an art contest soliciting paintings by April 30, 2020 that displayed “Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Democracy: The 19th Amendment at 100.” The submissions were displayed on Law Day for public voting. The winner won the ability to paint their submission on a giant “T-Wall” on the Airbase.
A T-Wall is a massive cement wall (10’ x 15’) that protects sensitive assets and locations on military installations throughout the Middle East.
We received four submissions from Airmen artists and over 200 residents voted on the submissions.
Informational Fair
Our target audience for Law Day 2020 were the military members assigned to Ali Al Salem Airbase and our international coalition partners from other militaries. We received four art submissions displayed during an informational fair held on Law Day. We also had promotional materials from Air Force JAG Corps; information about voting; and displays about suffragettes and other women who led the movement to pass the 19th Amendment. Due to COVID-19, our ability to reach a wider audience was limited due to social distancing and health protection measures in place.
“T-Wall”
The Airman who is painting her submission on the T-Wall will have a lasting display on the installation—permanently displaying the Law Day 2020 theme for all who enter and pass through Ali Al Salem Airbase. As the major gateway for military members entering the Middle East, thousands of people will see the display commemorating Law Day 2020 and this year’s theme. The T-Wall is located central to the installation in a heavily trafficked area.