Base legal office to hold 2nd Legal Readiness Day

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 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 Dec. 12.

Two months ago, the legal office hosted a Legal Readiness Day, which, according to the legal assistance NCO-in-charge, was a huge success.

"We provided services for more than 60 Airmen, prepared 41 wills, 112 legal documents and performed 20 deployment briefings," said Tech. Sgt. Antonio Infante, 436th AW legal assistance NCO-in- charge. "Our goal for the next Legal Readiness Day is to make these numbers seem like a drop in the bucket. We know that there are many Airmen who do not have their legal affairs in order."

For the event, the legal office hours will be extended from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and the office will be open solely for the men and women of Team Dover to accomplish wills, powers of attorney and living wills.

"In the past, Airmen had to come to legal several times to get all their documents in order prior to deploying," said Sergeant Infante. "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, said the sergeant.

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 added. 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 next Friday and come by our office," continued the colonel. "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 Tech. Sgt. Antonio Infante at 677-3305.