I am writing on behalf of the over 184,000 Service-members living in Virginia to make a very special request. United States military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq have been going on for more than ten years now.
Over the next 26 months, thousands will be returning home but unfortunately, many will face severe difficulties reintegrating from being in combat. Some will face legal issues including foreclosure, identity theft, divorce, child custody, and bankruptcy.
To help provide needed legal support to our Virginia Servicemembers and veterans, we have partnered with Army OneSource to provide greater access to military legal assistance and to call more of our attorneys to this important work.
The Virginia Bar Association has been invited as one of three states advising Army OneSource on how best to shape this program with the hope that it may be replicated in other states.
Part of the program is a coordinated outreach to attorneys asking them to help those who have served our country.
Beginning October 2, and continuing until Veteran's Day, you'll be receiving emails about the key legal issues facing our Servicemembers and how you can help. We'll provide you with an outline of information and an online sign up form. Later in the year, we will give you the opportunity to take free online courses on Military Culture, Family Law and the Military.
I encourage you to consider joining our efforts to support our military. There are a variety ways to provide assistance including: initial intake interviews, one-on-one counsel, speaking at Yellow Ribbon and other events, mentoring other attorneys, providing pro bono or low cost assistance, and supervising law students in legal clinics, to name just a few.
The sacrifices that these men and women and their families have made is almost unimaginable. Please join me in thanking them for their service by getting involved and learning more about how we may support them in their return to our communities.
Sincerely,
Hugh M. Fain, III
President