Base legal dedicates day to readiness

  • Published
  • By Nick DeCicco
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The 60th Air Mobility Wing Judge Advocate prioritized preparation June 25 at Travis Air Force Base, California, dedicating a full day to processing wills and powers of attorney.

Having affairs in order can save time in dire situations or when short-notice deployments pop up, said Capt. Bradley Steffen, 60th AMW JA chief of general law.

“I don’t want you to be in here spending your time with me when you should actually be with loved ones,” said Steffen.

For the June 25 event, members of the JA office processed more than 30 wills in a single day. That’s triple the typical work flow, according to Airman 1st Class Dylan Elsaesser, 60th AMW JA paralegal.

Elsaesser said some deployers procrastinate about visiting JA, decreasing the window of time they have to get affairs in order as well as the legal office’s time available to help them. Steffen also said that scheduled appointments pile up, with JA booked until the end of July.

“We did this to help solve a backlog and get a jump on readiness,” said Elsaesser.

The day differed from the office’s typical work flow, which processes legal documents and assistance during scheduled times as well as provides counsel for Travis leadership and acts as prosecutors at courts-martial.

Elsaesser said that despite the emotional heft of contemplating mortality that comes with drafting a will, most people are cordial.

“Being in this job steels you in a way for listening to people’s problems every day,” he said.

Steffen said wills are helpful to make the legal process easier after passing with regard to assets as well as wishes for one’s remains. He said that without one, there are common law rules that take precedent.

Steffen and Elsaesser emphasized the usefulness of prioritizing legal affairs.

“Have your things in order,” said Elsaesser. “Make sure you’re not waiting until the last second when we can’t possibly help.”

Steffen echoed those remarks.

“The big thing is being prepared mentally, physically, spiritually, but, in reality, especially when you’re deploying, you need to be prepared legally as well in order to take care of the folks back home and for yourself, too,” he said. “Get your will right away.”