Dyess JA garners ACC award

by Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

12/14/2012 - Dyess Air Force Base, Texas -- The 7th Bomb Wing Judge Advocate at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, was recently named the best legal office in Air Combat Command for 2012.

"It's a validation that our team and our people are doing the best work in our MAJCOM," said Maj. Lance Aiumopas, 7th Bomb Wing deputy staff judge advocate. "It's also a message to the wing and its commanders, showing how well the base understands and works with the JA office."

The Judge Advocate's military justice department supports good order and discipline on base. They were noted for having 94 percent of Airman discharges completed within the 15-day goal and 93 percent of Articles 15 completed within a 30-day standard.

The general law department makes sure Airmen, dependents and retirees' legal affairs are in order through legal assistance. In total, they completed 464 wills, 2,235 medical directives and more than 2,000 powers of attorney.

"It makes me feel good to know that we help our Airmen be fit to fight," said Staff Sgt. Stacey Ousley, 7th Bomb Wing judge advocate. "Doing our job relieves our customers and helps everyone accomplish the mission."

During the last fiscal year, the legal office has been recognized 11 times on the ACC legal assistance honor roll, which rates legal offices on efficiency and customer feedback.

"We are able to work so efficiently because of our teamwork," Aiumopas said. "We've overcome difficulties with manning by using people's skills in one department to help when another part of our office is overburdened."

"I'm so proud of everyone in our office," said Lt. Col Patrick Dolan, 7th Bomb Wing staff judge advocate. "It's a privilege to be able to work with such world-class Airmen and legal professionals."