Jaime Areizaga-Soto

Areizaga-Soto began his career as an associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. From 1996 to 1999, he was an associate at Hogan & Hartson. From 1999 to 2007, he was a member of the global project finance group at Clifford Chance. Areizaga-Soto later served as a White House fellow and attorney for the United States Agency for International Development in 2010 and 2011.^[3]

Areizaga-Soto served in the District of Columbia Army National Guard in the Judge Advocate, Headquarters Detachment, District Area Regional Command, Washington, District of Columbia. Served as Commander of the 352d Trial Defense Service Team and of the NGB Legal Support Office. In August 2021, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, making him the first Latino Judge Advocate General's Corps General Officer in the Armed Forces. Brigadier General Areizaga-Soto was Special Assistant to the General Counsel, National Guard Bureau. From 2011 to 2013, Areizaga-Soto managed Latino outreach for the Democratic Party of Virginia. He also served as an advisor to State Senator Mary Margaret Whipple. In 2012 and 2013, he was deputy director of the Democratic National Committee for Hispanic affairs. He was also president of the Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia in 2013 and 2014. From 2015 to 2018, he served as a commander in the National Guard Bureau. In 2016 and 2017, he was vice president of the Hispanic National Bar Association for membership. Areizaga-Soto also served as deputy Virginia secretary of veterans affairs.^[4][5]

On April 25, 2022, President Joe Biden nominated Areizaga-Soto to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals, replacing Cheryl Mason. Areizaga-Soto was confirmed by the United States Senate on August 4, 2022, and he was sworn in on September 15, 2022.^[6] Although his term was not set to expire until 2028, he submitted his resignation on January 15, 2025, citing his mobilization for a two-year active-duty tour.^[7]

These are among BG Jaime Areizaga military awards and decoration

National Guard Bureau Organizational Badge

Regimental Insignia

	Legion of Merit
	Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)
	Army Commendation Medal (with 1 bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)
	Air Force Commendation Medal
	Army Achievement Medal (with 1 bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)
	Joint Meritorious Unit Award
	Army Superior Unit Award
	Air Force Achievement Medal
	Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (with 1 bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)
	National Defense Service Medal
	Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
	Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with silver Hourglass)
	Army Service Medal