CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
As military members we understand our greater risk of something happening to us while deployed. Throughout our careers, we hear numerous briefings on the importance of powers of attorney and wills. The Air Force provides this information to Airmen to help us organize and prepare for our families' future should we suddenly pass. So, the question I have for you is ... will you be ready? Yes, pun intended.
First, as we are now an expeditionary Air Force, having a will completed is one less thing to think and worry about each time you go on temporary duty or a deployment. For me, a will gives me peace of mind to know my family will be taken care of exactly as we planned. I know who will be in-charge of sorting out my affairs and who should receive various assets of mine.
According to Capt. Zaven Saroyan from the base legal office, "In addition to a will, which is used to pass property in the event of a death, there are three other types documents that can be drafted at the base legal office to plan for the unexpected: a living will, a health care power of attorney and regular powers of attorney."
The legal office can create new wills as you go through life changes such as children, marriage, divorces, etc. A member can contact the legal office and set up an appointment, fill out the worksheet questionnaire and bring it with them to the appointment. Drafting most wills only takes about an hour to accomplish. That's a small amount of time for such a huge benefit to your family.
If you're afraid to think about getting a will because the subject makes your family uneasy, focus on the great benefits you can give them by working with your spouse or making some key personal decisions to organize your affairs early in your career.
If you don't think you own anything and don't need a will, please stop by the legal office to speak with an attorney anyway.
"States differ on how they will dispose of your property if you do not have a will when you die," Captain Saroyan explained. "Therefore, it's important you understand how your property will be divided if you believe you do not need a will."
I hope all of us live well into our retired years, enjoying our own version of the good life. But on the last day ... will you be ready?