Dover’s legal team to hold readiness day

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace and Senior Airman James Bolinger
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Airlift Wing legal office announced it will host Legal Readiness Day at the base legal office Aug. 26.

The legal office hours for the day will be extended from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the office will be open solely for Team Dover's deploying Airmen to accomplish wills, powers of attorney and living wills. The legal office will also provide Deployment Briefs in preparation for the upcoming AEF cycle at 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

"In the past, Airmen had to come to legal several times to get all their documents in order prior to deploying," said Capt. Nate Himert, chief of Legal Assistance. "We know Team Dover is busy and we want to afford all deploying Airmen a one stop, one day - come to legal and get 'legally ready to deploy' event."

Periods between Air Expeditionary Force cycles are prime for taking care of these types of obligations, he said.

What if you don't want a will or don't need a power of attorney?

Lt. Col. Wes Moore, 436th AW staff judge advocate, warns Airmen to think hard about not having this paperwork completed; it is in every Airman and family member's best interest.

While it's uncomfortable to think about, Airmen owe it to their families to plan ahead in the event the unthinkable happens, said Colonel Moore. "A will is a big part of that plan."

Another thing to be wary of are changes in an Airman's life, he said. Many events, like marriage, divorce, a change in financial status, the birth of a child or the loss of a loved one, can impact an existing will.

"Take a moment Aug. 26 and come by our office," said Colonel Moore. "Legal readiness is all about addressing the legal needs of the warfighter now, so he can perform his deployed mission later without distraction."

For information or to make an appointment, call the legal office at 677-3300 or Capt. Nate Himert at 677-3297.