HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- The last week in April is Legal Assistance Readiness Week, a time for the Hill community to focus on being prepared for the unexpected. Taking a few simple steps now to get your legal and financial affairs in order can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Hill’s legal assistance team is here to help educate Airmen on two critical areas: medical and financial readiness. The team aims to ensure all Airmen are educated on subjects such as wills, living wills, medical and financial powers of attorney, advance medical directives, and ensuring SGLI and other financial or investment account beneficiaries have been updated.
Medical readiness: ensuring your wishes are honored
What would happen if you were suddenly unable to make medical decisions for yourself? An advance medical directive, or living will, is a document that specifies your decisions regarding medical treatment in advance. This empowers you to make clear your preferences for end-of-life care, ensuring that your wishes regarding medical interventions are respected.
A medical power of attorney complements a living will by appointing a trusted person, referred to as an agent, to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This person can consent to treatment, select healthcare providers, and access your medical records, ensuring decisions are made by someone who knows you and your wishes.
“Planning for medical incapacitation is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family,” said Capt. Mark Kouns, chief of legal assistance at the 75th Air Base Wing. “An advance medical directive ensures your voice is heard even when you cannot speak, and a medical power of attorney empowers a trusted person to act on your wishes. These tools are most effective when created before a crisis happens."
Financial readiness: protecting your assets and future
Your legal readiness extends to your financial well-being. From managing bills during a deployment to making major life purchases, being financially prepared is key to your overall mission readiness.
Know your rights with the SCRA
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, or SCRA, provides significant financial protection for military members. This federal law allows you to terminate residential and vehicle leases without penalty when you receive PCS or deployment orders. It also caps pre-service loan interest rates at 6% and offers protections against eviction and foreclosure without a court order.
Manage your affairs with a power of attorney
A financial power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint a trusted agent to manage your financial affairs, such as paying bills, handling bank accounts, or filing taxes, if you are unable to do so. This is crucial for deployments or any period of absence. It's vital to choose your agent carefully, as you are responsible for their actions.
“When you grant someone power of attorney, you are giving them the authority to act in your place,” said Kouns. “It is a significant responsibility. We always advise clients to select a trustworthy agent and to limit the powers granted to only what is necessary for their specific situation."
Stay proactive and secure
Financial readiness also means staying vigilant. Servicemembers are often targets for fraud and scams. Be wary of unsolicited offers, phishing emails, and high-pressure sales tactics. Additionally, take time during Legal Assistance Readiness Week to review and update the beneficiaries on your important accounts, including:
- Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- Will and other estate documents
“A key part of financial health is being proactive,” Kouns said. “Regularly updating your SGLI and other beneficiaries, knowing the red flags for common scams, and doing your research before a major purchase like a vehicle are simple steps that can save you and your family from significant hardship down the road."
Take action during Legal Assistance Readiness Week
Don't wait for an emergency. Use Legal Assistance Readiness Week as an opportunity to get prepared. Visit the base legal office to ask questions and get help drafting these important documents. You can also connect with a financial advisor at the Military Family Readiness Center for personalized guidance.
Being legally and financially ready is a critical component of your overall well-being and readiness. Take the first step today.
Contact 75 ABW/JA at (801) 777-6626 or 75abw.ja@us.af.mil with any questions or to utilize their services.