Legal assistance ramps up following Japan earthquake

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 35th fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  While many base agencies worked under limited operations following the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan March 11, the 35th Fighter Wing Staff Judge Advocate's office swung in to 24-hour operations to provide legal assistance.

Legal assistance didn't come from the 35th FW alone. Staff from the U.S. Navy legal office and the Area Defense Council on Misawa provided support, making it a team effort to legally assist Misawa during this recovery period.

"Our focus is to support the wing commander in getting the base back up and running," said Master Sgt. Joseph Fleming, 35th FW SJA superintendent. "We're answering lots of legal questions."

In the first few days following the earthquake, many of those questions from the base community were about filing claims for damage. While the Air Force uses a centralized online center for claims, the local legal office was helping direct people to the site and answer questions.

"We will be the ones performing inspections on those claims. There could be a lot of inspections to be done," said Sergeant Fleming.

The majority of legal assistance has been with Powers of Attorney. Legal representatives were on the processing line for voluntary departure families and even had 24-hour office hours for a brief time to help accommodate all the requests for PoAs.

"Power of Attorneys were huge," said Sergeant Fleming. "Friday afternoon after the voluntary departure announcement, we processed 118 PoAs alone. The following Saturday was a big day for PoAs as well."

As approximately 1,600 family members elect to depart Misawa, the legal office expects a steady workload throughout the voluntary departure process as families prepare all the necessary documents required for the departure and time away.

"Families should think about what kind of issues they will have while they are away from Misawa and what situations they will have that require things like a Power of Attorney," said Lt. Col. Mark Patterson, 35th FW judge advocate. "Remember it may be different than if the military member were leaving - the spouse is the one going TDY (temporary duty) this time."

Whether it is a legal questions about departure paperwork or needing legal assistance like a PoA, people are encouraged to visit the legal office vice waiting to the last minute on the departure processing line for help.

"Come to the legal office before going to the processing line," said Colonel Patterson. "We can still help you on the processing line, but if you come to the office we can spend a little more time and work out the right support for you."

The natural disaster coupled with the voluntary departure should serve as a reminder to people that they should be prepared for any situation.

"Don't wait until something happens. You won't remember everything when it comes time," Sergeant Fleming said. "Make sure your stuff is squared away."

"Squaring things away" means taking family care plans seriously and preparing noncombatant evacuation order packages before a scenario arises that requires them. Sergeant Fleming said he also recommends people take the time now to document everything in their home should they ever need to file a claim in the future.

Whether it is immediate assistance in obtaining a PoA or preparing for potential future scenarios, the members of the legal office stand ready to assist.

"We're here to help," said Sergeant Fleming. "If you don't know about something and have a question, just call us."

For legal questions and assistance, call the 35th FW SJA office at 226-4022. To file an Air Force claim, visit https://claims.jag.af.mil. Begin a PoA by visiting https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil.