Legal readiness important for deployments, all the time

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Heather Stanton
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  With approximately 700 Airmen deploying in the next Air and Space Expeditionary Force rotation, the 49th Fighter Wing legal office is carrying a big load. 

The legal office is on the deployment checklist because they are the people who are responsible for Law of Armed Conflict training and briefings, said Tech. Sgt. George Balderrama, 49 FW paralegal. The office also provides powers of attorney, wills and is flexible when dealing with legal issues in the time crunch of deployments. 

"Powers of attorney allow the deployed member to sleep better," said Sergeant Balderrama. "They can appoint responsibility to someone else." 

There are two types of powers of attorney, he said. A general power of attorney hands over responsibility for all assets, where a specialized power of attorney can be as specific as operating a vehicle and caring for children while away. 

The legal office provides powers of attorney Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

A will is a document that states what will happen to the personal property of the individual in case of death. 

"No one can order you to get a will," said Sergeant Balderrama. "It is a personal choice." 

"A common misconception is if you die without a will, the state will get your property," said Capt. Adam Bentz, 49 FW judge advocate. "It's different in every state, but typically property will go to the spouse or parents." 

Captain Bentz says it is always recommended to get a will if you have kids to determine who the guardian will be if something should happen. 

Wills are provided on an appointment basis so coming before deployment orders are handed out is a good plan, said Sergeant Balderrama. 

"Before heading to the legal office, coordinate with your unit deployment monitor and unit training manager," said Sergeant Balderrama. "Be sure you have everything in your mobility folder." 

Mobility pamphlets are available in the legal office lobby. 

For more information, contact the 49 FW legal office at 572-7217. 

"The sooner you come in, the better," said Sergeant Balderrama.