National Healthcare Decisions Day nears, legal office reminds servicemembers to create living wills Published April 8, 2009 By the 355th Fighter Wing Office of the Staff Judge Advocate DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Join the base legal office and Americans across the country in making your future healthcare decisions known to your family, friends, and healthcare providers by creating your Advanced Medical Directive. The legal office is currently taking appointments for Advanced Medical Directives as part of the National Healthcare Decisions Day April 16. An AMD, also known as a living will, is a statement of your wishes regarding when you would like life-sustaining treatment terminated in the event you can no longer make medical decisions for yourself. Your AMD is just that -- it tells your physician and your loved ones your wishes "in advance," and relieves them of the burden of deciding when to terminate life-support for you. In short, if you would not want to be kept alive "on machines" if you become terminally ill or if you were in an irreversible coma or a persistent vegetative state, then you should consult with your healthcare provider and consider getting an Advanced Medical Directive. The legal office can provide an AMD to anyone with an ID card who is eligible for legal assistance, including active-duty servicemembers, retirees, dependents, National Guard and Reserve members on Title 10 orders, and in some cases, deploying civilians or contractors. Please call the legal office at (520) 228-5242 to make your appointment for an Advanced Medical Directive. We can also draft your Advanced Medical Directive, Power of Attorney for Healthcare, and your Will every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, during our regular Will appointment hours.