Eric Wetzel

About Eric Wetzel

Dynamic legal professional & operations strategist skilled in litigation, high‑stakes negotiation, and process optimization. Award‑winning leader who drives measurable results and builds high‑performing teams. Seasoned litigator with full‑cycle experience in state and federal courts—from trial through appeal. I resolve the majority of disputes through strategic negotiations, eliminating the need for protracted litigation. Thriving in fast‑paced settings, I blend sharp analytical thinking with a relentless focus on process improvement, all while cultivating the relationships that drive lasting, positive change. I excel in collaborative, high‑energy teams where smart strategy meets execution.

Experience

1. Section Chief, Production, Materiel and Systems Sections

   United States Air Force

   Aug 2001 — Present

   Trained, mentored, and supervised 110+ Airmen both stateside and during multiple combat deployments in a high‑risk, technically demanding environment.Managed mission‑critical assets valued at >$1.4 billion, overseeing the safe handling, storage, and distribution of 1.5 million munitions supporting 86 aircraft and sorties.Authored 455 EMXS Munitions Handling Instructions which remained unchanged thereafter. The same were cloned for use on multiple bases, standardizing safe practices across the AOR.Initiated Air‑Force‑wide corrective actions and procedural enhancements that protected personnel and reduced safety incidents.Investigated and resolved technical data discrepancies, instituting quality‑control procedures that saved >$31K and reclaimed 156 work‑hours in just a few months, preventing asset depletion and guaranteeing mission success.Oversees the Air Force Reserve’s third‑largest stockpile—13 facilities spanning 25 acres, housing assets valued at more than $34.5 million.Additional key roles held: Resource Advisor, Emergency‑Preparedness Coordinator, Control‑Center Supervisor, Process‑Improvement Lead, Inspector, Exercise Coordinator, and Trainer.Awards & Decorations (selected): Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (2×), Senior NCO of the Year (2013) & Quarter (2016), Senior NCO of the Month – Squadron & Group (Aug 2014), WSEP Superior Performer, Munitions Safety Award (2007), Wing Top Performer, Airman of the Quarter, AETC Commander’s Award for Top Graduate, 5 Block 100 Awards, Small‑Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle)Deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) and four separate Afghanistan operations, plus numerous additional missions, consistently delivering safe, reliable munitions support under combat conditions.

Education

• University of Central Missouri

  B.F.A., Major Theatre Performance, Minor Legal Studies, Criminal Justice Emphasis Area

  1996 — 2006

• Community College of the Air Force

  Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.S.), Munitions Systems/Ordinance Technology

  2001 — 2015

• Air University

  Senior NCO Academy; NCO Academy; Airman Leadership School, Management, Leadership, Planning, and Administration

  2004 — 2014

• WAVTS

  Passport, Computer Programming

  1994 — 1996

• State Fair Community College

  A.A., General Studies

  1996 — 2003

• CMSU Police Academy

  470+130 Class A certification, Law Enforcement

  1999 — 1999

• WHS

  Diploma, Information Technology, Public Speaking, and Performance

  1994 — 1996

• University of Missouri-Columbia

  Juris Doctorate, Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution

  2007 — 2010

Skills

• Family Law
• Intellectual Property
• Recruiting
• Leadership
• Teaching
• Real Estate Transactions
• Westlaw
• Mediation
• Real Estate
• Self Defense
• Writing
• Office Administration
• Legal Issues
• Trial Practice
• Commercial Litigation
• Conflict Resolution
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Employment Law
• Corporate Law
• Kung Fu
• Training
• Management
• Strategic Planning
• Legal Research
• Document Review
• Business Planning
• Arbitration
• Dispute Resolution
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Pleadings
• Criminal Defense
• Investigation
• Entertainment
• Litigation Support
• Trials
• Torts
• Team Management
• Legal Assistance
• Criminal Law