Don’t leave life decisions to someone else

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Andrea Delosreyes
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Legal Office
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  You applied to college and were accepted. You went through four years of classes and exams. There were good times and bad, but you made it through to become an officer in the U.S. Air Force. 

When the time came to decide on a career path, did you let someone else choose for you? Of course not - that would be crazy. 

Now you are awaiting pilot training. Training that will involve risks every day. In the event that something bad happens, why would you leave extremely important decisions regarding your life or estate to someone else? 

Maybe you haven't put that much thought into it. As a fellow officer awaiting pilot training, I ask you to think about it right now. 

Though it is not anyone's favorite topic of conversation, nobody knows when his last day will be. One of the most important things you can do for the people you leave behind is to take care of your estate planning as soon as possible. 

Important documents to consider include: a last will and testament, a living will, a durable power of attorney for healthcare and a durable general power of attorney. 

You may think that you hardly own anything so a will isn't important. But a will does more than make sure that your little brother gets your PlayStation 3. A will makes it easier for your family to handle your estate and relieves some anxiety during a stressful time. 

Similarly, a living will ensures that your end-of-life wishes are known. Healthcare and general powers of attorney also relieve stress on your family should you be unable to make important decisions for yourself. Decisions like whether you wish to be on life support and how long. 

These are important documents that will assist in providing peace of mind to your loved ones should something happen. 

This may seem like a lot to take in at once, but the Vance Legal Office is here to help. You can have these documents prepared and executed in just a couple of weeks, while spending less than two hours in the office. And while a civilian attorney could charge more than $500, the Legal Office provides these services to you and your spouse free. 

To make an appointment for a will, call 213-7404. Appointment times are 2 to 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays, and 9 to 11:30 a.m., Thursdays. Wills cannot be made during 
walk-in hours.

The Legal Office also provides legal assistance by appointment in areas such as child custody, personal finance, divorce, lease review and more. Walk-in hours for these services are 2 to 4 p.m., Tuesdays. Notary and power of attorney services are provided every day on a walk-in basis from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.