CAPT Sanders presents CDR Wagshul with a Presidential Certificate of Appreciation for his 22 years of service.

Commander Jonathan Wagshul, Deputy Director of the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) was honored for his 22 years of distinguished military service in a retirement ceremony held June 4^th at the Naval Justice School.  Family, friends and co-workers, past and present, gathered to formally recognize the many years of service he gave to his country, in assignments including Naval Legal Service Offices, USS ENTERPRISE, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Naval Justice School, Naval Surface Force Atlantic and DIILS.
Capping his very successful career, Commander Wagshul was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his instrumental role in the successes achieved by DIILS during a period of unprecedented demand for security cooperation through rule of law capacity building.  During his tenure as Deputy Director and Acting Director of DIILS, Commander Wagshul oversaw engagements with over 100 nations, personally leaving an indelible imprint on hundreds of foreign participants, and he spearheaded security cooperation initiatives that resulted in sustained DIILS engagements with critical foreign partners.
In his remarks, Commander Wagshul commented that when thinking of his experience at DIILS and of the personnel comprising its team, he was reminded of a quote from Margaret Thatcher; “Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end.  It’s not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it’s a day you’ve had everything to do and you’ve done it.”
Commander Wagshul recognized his career successes were as a result of the unwavering support of his wife and daughter, who also received certificates of appreciation from the U.S. Navy for helping to make possible his career and lasting contribution to the nation.