WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Wills, general and special powers of attorney, and notaries are just some of the services provided by paralegals and lawyers with an average cost estimated at about $300 for each document.
The services are available at no cost to military members assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing.
“We have free notary service, which is an authority under the U.S. Code, meaning no matter the state an Airmen resides in, we can notarize it for free,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Normile, 445th AW Staff Judge Advocate.
The JAG office also plays a role in pre-deployment readiness.
“We provide legal assistance to our Airmen where we assist with deployment readiness, making sure they have estate planning, wills, and general and healthcare powers of attorney,” said Maj. Karrie Howard, 445th AW Deputy Judge Advocate.
Normile also said that although a significant portion of the JAG office’s time is spent carrying out its mission to advise commanders and first sergeants on adverse action, military justice, administrative actions, and civil law issues, legal assistance is something he finds more satisfying.
“We are providing Airmen with the same legal considerations that we have – helping people get their estate protected, having a will, giving people some peace of mind," he explained.
“It is the most rewarding part of the job.”
The 445th legal office is located in building 4010 and available during Scarlet unit training assembly weekends from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday and 9 to 11 a.m. on Sunday.
For legal assistance, contact the 445th JAG office at 937-257-3535.