In our work and in our blog posts, we focus almost exclusively on the courage and character of our clients who are survivors of sexual abuse. They’ve overcome tremendous odds and we’re proud to fight for them and represent them in their quest for justice.
Every so often it’s important to recognize the heroines on our own team at Dumas Law Group. One such woman is Brenda Polendey, a highly-decorated, 30-year veteran of the United States Navy. Brenda now provides our bookkeeping, and demonstrates the same commitment to excellence, intelligence, and poise she exhibited during her military career.
Brenda’s personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three), Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three), Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (six), and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (two). She has earned Navy Enlisted Classification’s, 9580 Command Master Chief, 2813 Independent Duty Storekeeper, 9502 Reserve Basic Instructor Training, and 9518 Facilitator. She is also a Master Training Specialist (MTS).
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences, with a minor in Sociology, from Oregon State University. She also completed the Senior Enlisted Academy Non Resident Course Class 02 Gold and the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy Class 32.
For more than 30 years, she served her country honorably and faithfully, often overcoming initial resentment from some of her comrades. Her tenacity, intelligence, and bravery helped change the culture in the Navy. We asked her about her experience:
It was very rewarding and challenging. When I joined the Navy there were so many things women could not do and a lot of male Sailors resented us. The culture is much better now and women have most of the same career opportunities as men. I’d like think that my persistence and hard work helped to affect some of the cultural change.
We are proud of Brenda’s many personal and professional accomplishments and are honored that she is part of the team of brave, smart women working hard every day at Dumas Law Group.