445 AW legal office provides free services for Airmen

  • Published
  • By Capt. Wilson Wise
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Did you know the average cost for a civilian attorney can range from $100-400 an hour and that the average cost to have a will prepared is estimated at $375?

 

As a military member, you have access to military lawyers and paralegals that provide legal assistance to include help with landlord/tenant issues, defense services, will preparation and draft power of attorney letters that authorize others to make decisions on your behalf.

 

The mission of the 445th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate General office is to provide quality legal support to service members to ensure readiness of personnel and resources.  They perform their mission by advising commanders and first sergeants on military justice, administrative actions, and civil law issues. They also provide legal assistance to wing personnel.

 

With more members from the 445th set to deploy in 2018, the five-person legal office is busy ensuring members and their families are cared for while separated.

 

“Serving in the Reserve can place additional strain on civilian lives and careers.  We offer legal assistance during each unit training assembly to provide counsel and, if possible, help resolve issues impacting Airmen in our wing” said Maj. Kyle Hern, deputy staff judge advocate.  

 

Although the office can help with general legal issues for members of the 445th, their primary mission is to advise commanders and assist with unit readiness. Hern clarifies the scope of services.

 

“If a member has questions about responding to administrative/adverse actions or needs advice related to alleged criminal misconduct, then the appropriate office for legal advice is the Area Defense Counsel.”

 

The ADC is located in the Kitty Hawk Center, 2202 Birch Street, Bldg. 199. Their telephone number is 937-257-7841.

 

The 445th legal office is available on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 9 to 11 a.m. on Scarlet UTA weekends and Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. on Gray UTA weekends. The office is located in building 4010. For legal assistance, contact 445/JA at 937-257-3535.