But the bottom line is that Tabernacle resident loves being a military lawyer.
"Every day when I come to work, there is a different and exciting issue that I get to learn about being a JAG officer," Ingrao says.
His enthusiasm, dedication and willingness to put himself in harm's way to do his job played a big role in the 46-year-old lawyer's most recent distinction, becoming one of the few full-time New Jersey Army Guard JAG officers ever to be promoted to full colonel.
On the drill floor surrounded by his family – many of whom traveled from Michigan -- Ingrao credited his mentors, peers and legal team for giving him the support that allowed him to rise as the top attorney for the state's Army and Air Guard.
Ingrao, a graduate of the Wayne State University School of Law in Detroit, joined the New Jersey Army National Guard in 1999 and said one of the highlights of his career was the opportunity to serve in Afghanistan with the Green Berets.
The chance came when he volunteered for service in 2004 as a legal officer with the 3rd Special Operation Group during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. His time with the special operations troops helped him earn the coveted Combat Master Jumpmaster Wings with a Combat Star.
"I will always be grateful for the New Jersey command, particularly (Maj. Gen. Glenn) Rieth, for providing me the opportunity to deploy with 3rd Group and to provide the latitude to learn how to become a well rounded officer," Ingrao said.
Ingrao's loves the fact that no two days as a JAG are the same. One day, he might provide legal counsel for commanders on a Uniform Code of Military Justice matter. The next day, he might give advice about environmental law to officials who are facing an issue at an armory.
"When I visit my civilian lawyer friends," Ingrao said. "They usually want to know how my day went because they believe my job is more interesting."
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