JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The Joint Base Andrews Legal Office is slated to hold a Will Surge Day on Nov. 7 to promote legal readiness within the Andrews Community. Attorneys will spend the entire duty day creating wills, advanced health care directives, powers of attorneys, and other legal documents to meet the legal needs of Airmen soon to deploy.
"Airmen should make sure they have their legal needs covered before they deploy," notes Col. Mark Allison, 11th Wing Staff Judge Advocate. "Airmen have enough demanding their attention downrange and shouldn't needlessly worry about legal issues that could have been resolved before leaving Andrews."
Will Surge Day presents an opportunity for Airmen to have many of those legal needs addressed with a single trip to the base legal office.
A Will is an important legal document that determines who will take a person's property when he or she passes away. People who die without a Will are deemed to die "intestate" and their property is awarded according to state law, which may not always comport with one's wishes. A Will thus ensures that the people you choose to receive your property at the time of your passing receive it.
Advanced health care directives and powers of attorney are also important legal documents that allow for trusted family members or friends to make critical decisions when an Airman is unable or unavailable to do so on their own.
All personnel interested in taking advantage of Will Surge Day are encouraged to first complete a Will Worksheet online at https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil/. Once completed, contact the legal office at (301) 981-2042 to set up an appointment with one of the attorneys. Most clients should expect to spend one to two hours at the legal office and should walk out with completed documents and peace of mind.
Don't wait until the last minute. Preparation in advance can leave you free to dedicate your final days before deployment to other critical out-processing and more time with your family.
For more information on Will Surge Day or general legal assistance, please contact Capt. Gabe Podesta at (301) 981-2042.