TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Legal readiness is being certain of who will care for yourself, your loved ones, and your belongings if you become incapacitated and are unable to care for them yourself.
Incapacity can happen to any person at any moment through a car accident, a sudden illness or deployment.
As Air Force members focused on mission readiness, we prepare for every contingency. We stay up to date on training, we keep our bodies fit to fight and we have backup plans for anything that can go wrong. However, an often-overlooked part of the process is legal readiness.
Airmen should be able to answer the following questions:
- Who will make medical decisions for you if you can’t make them for yourself?
- Who will take care of your children if you’re not around?
- Who will receive your possessions when you die?
If you don’t know the answer to these questions with certainty, you’re not legally ready.
Wills and powers of attorney are powerful tools in your legal readiness toolbox.
An up-to-date will ensures that your wishes for the care of your loved ones and belongings are carried out after you die.
The power of attorney enables someone you trust to care for your children, handle your belongings, or make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to do these things yourself.
April 28 – May 2 is the inaugural Legal Assistance Readiness Week at Tinker AFB. The 72nd Air Base Wing Legal Office will have expanded hours to assist with notary services and powers of attorney. Services are open to active duty, retirees and their families. Expanded hours are:
Mon-Wed: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 – 4 p.m.
Thurs: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 – 3 p.m.
If you need to increase your legal readiness, don’t wait. Make an appointment by calling 405-739-5811 or email 72abw.ja.correspondence@us.af.mil.