LANGLEY AFB, VA. –
With ongoing deployments, it's vital for Airmen to take the necessary steps to protect their assets and their family well before they deploy or receive notification of deployment.
The following issues should be addressed in a personal deployment checklist.
Will
Create or update a will. Airmen should ensure the will names the people they intend to list as beneficiaries. In many instances, military members have a will that doesn't take into consideration their current situation. Whether it's a new marriage, child or new home, circumstances change and people need to make sure those changes are incorporated into their wills.
Airmen who are married should inform their spouses about specific military benefits that might be available to families in the event of their death.
People can update their will by making an appointment with the 1st Fighter Wing Legal Office. The attorneys in the office work with Airmen to tailor a will that disposes of their assets in accordance with their wishes.
Power of attorney
Next, Airmen will want to give a power of attorney to their spouse or another adult not subject to deployment. The person chosen must be able to handle the affairs while the servicemember is deployed. Ensure the person elected has access to any important papers, to include the servicemember's will, life insurance policies, bank records, stocks, bonds, etc.
Family care plan
Airmen Have an Air Force Form 357, Family Care Plan, created and up to date. Single parents or servicemembers who are married to another military member must designate another responsible adult to act as temporary guardian and custodian of their children in the event they're deployed.
Ensure dependents are aware that they are entitled to legal assistance - legal issues will inevitably arise while the servicemember is away.
Insurance
Airmen must also make sure they have insurance to protect their family, home and possessions in their absence.
For more information, call the 1st Fighter Wing Legal Office at 764-3277.