New legal Web site to benefit 445th AW reservists

  • Published
  • By Stacy Vaughn
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The Air Force recently launched a new Web site called Air Force Legal Assistance to help active-duty, reservists, retirees and dependents with legal issues, such as drawing up a will, power of attorney issues and any other legal question that they are faced with.

According to the Web site, its purpose is to increase efficiency and track client satisfaction with the Air Force legal assistance program. A common access card is not needed to access the site, which makes it ideal for traditional reservists to access the site from home.

"Previously, it has been difficult to locate legal assistance resources that address the particular needs of reservists. I appreciate having a universal Air Force resource that our Airmen can easily access and get the latest information," Lt. Col. David Franklin, 445th Airlift Wing Staff Judge Advocate, said.

The Web site can be accessed at https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil. Visitors to the site can view three features;

--Legal assistance topics (information): short papers on common legal-assistance topics such as wills and family law issues. It also contains links to other helpful sites.

--Legal worksheets: Access to online questionnaires for wills, living wills and powers of attorney. After completing the online worksheet, the website provides each client a unique "ticket number." Data entered by clients is secure and may be accessed only after clients visit their local legal office and provide their ticket numbers to legal office officials.

--Online survey: Following a visit to the legal office, clients are encouraged to provide feedback concerning the professionalism and helpfulness of our legal professionals.

While the Web site increases convenience for clients, it should be noted that it is for educational and informational purposes only. It cannot replace consultation with your local Judge Advocate General, and Airmen should never rely solely on the Web site when making decisions. The Web site also does not allow clients to print legal documents; those customers will need to visit the legal office and provide their ticket numbers in order to obtain them.

"I still recommend people talk to us directly if they have any concerns or issues that need to be addressed," Colonel Franklin said.

Now through October, reservists do not have to wait until the unit training assembly to stop by the 445th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate office. A representative is available Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1p.m. to 3 p.m., and can be reached at (937) 257-3535.