Fred Chesbro

About Fred Chesbro

Attorney. Lifelong learner. Leader with 28 years of active federal service in the U.S. Army, rising from Private to Colonel. Commander, Director of Operations, and Master Army Aviator. Piloted helicopters, turboprop aircraft, and long-range jets while living in Asia, Europe, Hawaii, and North America. Served at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill, and in multiple combat zones. Brings global expertise reinforced by formal studies in law, strategy, policy, security, and diplomacy. Held Top Secret security clearance for over a decade.Commanded organizations from small teams through battalion and directed the operations of a Joint Task Force.Non-aviation experience includes Sr. Guard Advisor at Combatant Command and Major Army Command echelons; Director of Operations: Theater Liaison; Congressional Liaison; Legislative Fellow/Assistant; Investigator; Negotiator; Security Cooperation Officer; and Legal Researcher.Joint Qualified Officer with active and reserve service; active duty enlistment and direct commission; served in both Warrant and Commissioned Officer Corps. Qualified Airborne Parachutist and Air Assault. Recipient of the Army Expert Field Medical Badge, Department of the Army Staff Identification Badge, US Army Central Combat Service Identification Badge, and the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency in Gold. Accident and violation-free Master Army Aviator.FAA RATINGS: Commercial Pilot Certificate; Gulfstream IV Turbojet Type Rating; FW Multi-Engine Rating; Instrument Ratings; RW Rating. Aircraft qualified: UH-1 Huey helicopter, UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, C-12 King Air turboprop airplane, C-20 Gulfstream jet airplane.PUBLISHED articles and commentaries for local and international periodicals, including Army Aviation Magazine and Air Safety Week. Drafted legislation and speeches, edited legal pleadings and texts for publication, wrote widely-circulated client newsletter- 1988 Private E3 enlistment - 1992 direct commission- 2016 Colonel O6 retirement- 10 years TS security credentialsActive member of several civic, nonprofit, and professional organizations, including the National Air Disaster Alliance & Foundation, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Hawaii State Bar Association, the OpenAI Forum, and the Outrigger Canoe Club. A founding principal member and former board member of the Metaverse Standards Forum, Inc. Co‑founder, alongside his son, of Metaverse Radio, LLC. Previously held press credentials for media and broadcast work. Certified scuba diver.

Experience

1. of Counsel & Firm Manager

   Leavitt, Yamane And Soldner

   Jul 2025 — Present · Honolulu, HI, US

   Manages Hawaii’s leading personal injury law firm, leveraging legal expertise, extensive leadership, and operational prowess to serve colleagues and guide firm operations.• Advises on all aspects of the firm’s executive functions, strategic planning, and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.• Supports teams in optimizing workflows, ensuring compliance, and elevating client service.• Oversees core functions and leads firmwide initiatives to improve efficiency and strengthen security.• Draws on a highly diverse background and uniquely honed expertise to strengthen the firm’s capabilities.• Remains committed to advancing the heritage of responsible service that has established Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner as Hawaii’s premier and most trusted personal injury law firm for more than 40 years.

Education

• Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies

  Fellow, 2009, Honolulu, Hawaii

• The King's College

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Philosophy, 1987, New York

• The George Washington University Law School

  Doctor of Law (JD), 2002, Washington, D.C.

• The United States Army War College

  Master's Degree (MSS)

• The Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University

  Congressional Fellow, 2005-2006, Washington, D.C.