Legal assistance available to reservists Published June 5, 2009 By Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Legal readiness is a requirement for Air Force reservists, and the 512th and 436th Airlift Wing Legal Offices are here to assist Liberty Wing members. Air Force reservists are entitled to legal assistance, regardless of their status, for legal readiness issues, including wills, family care plans and Service Members' Civil Relief Act matters. Most reservists predominately use the base legal services here for wills and powers of attorney, said 512th AW Judge Advocate Lt. Col. Carmel-Ann Feliciani. But, they can also assist reservists with notary services and provide legal advice concerning landlord tenant issues or employment and re-employment rights. So, to which office does a reservist go to for assistance? "Well, that depends on their status," said the colonel who is a civilian lawyer in the 436th AW legal office during the week. Deploying Reservists Reservists who are on orders for 30 days or more or who are preparing to deploy, are eligible for free legal assistance at the 436th AW Legal Office, she said. Master Sgt. Kenny Bachman, 512th Security Forces Squadron, deployed in May to Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, and has used his legal benefits. "I got a will for myself and my wife, because we have a four-year-old child and felt it was imperative we have these documents before I deploy," he said. "I also got a power of attorney for my wife, because if there are any unforeseen issues that come up, she can handle them while I'm gone." Deploying reservists, such as Sergeant Bachman, are eligible for regular Air Force legal assistance for double the length of their orders, said Colonel Feliciani. "The only time dependents of reservists are authorized legal assistance is when the reservists are serving on active duty," said Colonel Feliciani. Traditional Reservists During a Unit Training Assembly, Liberty Wing members, regardless if they are or are not deploying, can make an appointment with the 512th AW Legal Office to complete wills and powers of attorneys. When it comes to military readiness, a will and a power of attorney are two legal documents reservists should have in place before they deploy, said Colonel Feliciani. Wills While many people don't like to think about their own demise and what will happen to their personal effects, a will can ensure how an individual's property is distributed after their death. "Generally, single members who do not own any real property and who do not have minor children, do not need a will," said the colonel. "However, members who own real property and, or, have minor children should have a will. This is important, because the member decides who will be the guardian for any minor children, rather than leaving the decision to the state." Power of Attorney A power of attorney is another vital document for deploying reservists, said the colonel. These documents give an individual the authority to perform certain specified acts on behalf of the reservist while they are unavailable to take care of their affairs on their own behalf. "Reservists need to have a power of attorney in place, especially for the care of their child when they deploy," said Colonel Feliciani. "This is a requirement for single parents and reservists who are married to another military member. Members who are required to have family care plans should review them once a year and update them if necessary." There are different types of power attorneys to include a general power of attorney and a special power of attorney, which designates the amount of authority the reservist assigns to another individual to conduct their affairs. Another legal readiness document to consider is a durable medical power of attorney. This document specifies what types of medical treatment is desired in the event an individual is unable to make medical decisions for themselves due to incapacitation. A reservist can also direct whether or not they desire life-sustaining measures to prolong their life if the reservist is terminally ill. A health care power of attorney and a durable power of attorney also allow a reservist to designate another individual to make health care decisions on their behalf if they are incapacitated or deemed mentally incompetent. The base legal offices can assist reservists in determining which type of power of attorney they will need, said Colonel Feliciani. Legal services If an activated reservist needs additional legal services, they can obtain that through the 436th AW Legal Office. "We can only provide legal advice, we cannot represent the reservist in court," said Colonel Feliciani. Deploying reservists can call the 436th AW Legal Office at (302) 677-5086. During UTAs, reservists can call the 512th AW Legal Office at (302) 677-4431.