You Gave Your Life For Our Freedom

I went to a high school graduation this weekend.  During the ceremony, the High School Principal asked to have everyone that had serviced in the Armed Forces to "please stand so you can be recognized".  Then he asked, "would all of the graduating students who plan to serve after graduation, please stand".  Not a single man or woman in this graduation class stood up.  I was quite shocked, as I thought there were always those kids who would follow in their parents' footsteps or choose a career in the military.  

Why does one choose to serve our country?  

Every service member swears the same oath and that oath sticks with you long after your time in service has come to an end.  No matter if your choice is to be an Airman, soldier, Sailor, or Marine you will become something different from who you are now.  You will be a warrior!                                                                                                                                      Maybe they want to follow the path of your father or mother.  There are some career families who are accustomed to living this lifestyle.  It's rewarding, challenging, and a commitment that they make to themselves and their families as well as their country.  They have a passion for it.

Why Does One Choose Not To Serve? 

Is it the boot camp that scares these kids off?  The mission of the Drill Sargent is to break you.  They will tear you down then build you into something new.  They will mold you into being a part of a bigger team, or they'll send you home.  You will get into the best shape of your life, mentally as well as physically.  You will be in pain and feel exhausted on all levels.  Maybe you aren't cut out for this rigorous training and change?

If you have any doubt in your mind, don't sign up.  If your heart and mind aren't in 100% agreement to commit to the armed forces, look into other options. 

The military isn't the place to figure out who you are or what you want to be.  If you're not 110% committed, don't join. 

So I guess this class of 2019 did not have the passion for it or is taking time to figure themselves out before they sign up.  It's not a video game where you can go home if you lose.  It's real life and something these kids might be contemplating but not rushing into.  Good for them!  

For Those Who Have Given Their Life

We salute those who have served our country in all of the wars and even during peacetime.  You are a gift from God and all American's appreciate your fight for freedom.  We would not have the life we have without you and your families sacrifice.  Happy Memorial Day and may God Bless You and your families.   

Documents You Should Fill Out Before You Die

Estate planning is the process of establishing a framework to manage your assets upon death, disability or incapacity. It involves creating documents that outline your wishes. While estate planning is not a pleasant task, it is critical that you implement it before you need it.

Here are seven critical documents necessary to cover the aspects of a well-devised estate plan.

1. Last Will & Testament

The fundamental purpose of a will is to outline who will receive your assets upon your death. Another important purpose of a will is to specify guardianship for your minor children. A guardian is one who takes legal responsibility for the care of your minor or incapacitated children after you are gone. It is important to understand that a will does not become effective until the date of death. So it does not provide any benefits during your lifetime. A will can be changed at any time (assuming you are not mentally incapacitated). It can be amended by using a codicil or revoked by writing a new will. A will can also create a trust upon your death. If your estate is large enough you may also need to incorporate federal estate tax planning into your documents.

2. Trust

A trust is a legal instrument that provides ongoing management for your assets. It can be inter vivos (also known as a Living Trust, which exists during your lifetime) or Testamentary (one that is created by your will upon your death). It is a good idea to leave assets in trust if the beneficiaries are minors, incapacitated, or if they are simply not fiscally responsible. The trust document names a trustee who has the responsibility of managing the assets in the trust and determines when and how much of the trust assets to distribute (subject to the terms you have written in the trust). You may want to name a trustee while your child is under a certain age, say 25 or 30. Then, once your child reaches that specific age, they can either act as their own trustee, or the trust can terminate and distribute all of the assets to your child outright.

3. Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney allows you to empower someone else to act on your behalf for legal and financial decisions. It can be a Durable Power of Attorney, which becomes effective immediately, or a Springing Power of Attorney, which becomes effective upon a stipulated event, typically when you are disabled or mentally incompetent. It is critical that you completely trust the person to whom you provide this power, as he or she can legally act on your behalf.

4. Healthcare Power of Attorney

A Healthcare Power of Attorney (also known as a Medical Power of Attorney) gives a trusted individual the authority to make decisions about your medical treatment should you be unable to do so on your own. No financial authority is granted in this document, only medical power. So you could provide one person the Durable Power of Attorney and another person the Healthcare Power of Attorney if you desire.

5. Living Will

While the Healthcare Power of Attorney authorizes another to make medical decisions on your behalf, a Living Will (also known as a Directive to Physicians) sets out your predetermined wishes regarding end-of-life care should you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious. Essentially it takes the decision to withhold life out of the hands of your medical providers and the ones you love so that they are not burdened by it and so that you can be assured your wishes are respected.

6. HIPAA Release

One of the important provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is the obligation that medical records be kept confidential. While this is definitely an important requirement, it can have severe unintended consequences. Without the legal authority to share medical records, your family may not be able to obtain important information regarding your medical condition and treatment if you were to become incapacitated. A HIPAA release allows your medical providers to share and discuss your medical situation with whomever you specify in the document.

7. Letter of Intent

A Letter of Intent is a simple, non-binding personal letter to the ones you love expressing your desires and special requests. It may include information regarding burial or cremation, or a specific bequest of collectibles or personal items. While it does not typically have legal authority, it can help to clear up confusion regarding your personal preferences.

Estate planning can be complex and the laws vary widely by state. This article is general in nature and is not meant to provide legal advice. I recommend that you engage the services of an estate planning attorney to discuss your wishes and prepare the appropriate documents.

How The Loveland Airport Impacts Our Community

Northern Colorado Regional Airport

The Loveland/Fort CollinsAirport is a small airport, located at 4824 Earhart Road, Loveland CO 80538. It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   The Airport impacts our community in a vast array of capacities.  

It is one of the most diverse airports in our state, supporting a mix of almost every facet of air transportation for the region.  There are four main categories of aviation at our Airport. General Aviation, Business, Commercial, and Public Service.

The Loveland/Fort Collins Airport is also a diversion Airport for Frontier, Southwest, and United Airlines when landing at Denver International Airport (DIA) is not possible. 

Many businesses are based on the activities supported by our Airport, which generate specialized employment opportunities that earn greater than average wages.  This level of activity and those jobs contribute significant impacts to the total economic output for our region. 

Fixed Base Operators 

These operators provide Competitive Fuel Prices, Free Wi-Fi, WSI Flight Planning, Transient Hangars, Private Crew Lounge, Crew Cars, Crew Showers, De-icing Type I & IV services and Hot Fuel for Helicopters.

Ground Transportation

Ground transportation is provided by Groome Transporation.  They provide shuttle service to DIA (Denver International Airport) and COS (Colorado Springs Airport)

Aircraft Avionics and Maintenance

 Your repair needs are met onsite when and if you need them.  Mechanics, software updates, warranty work, or a complete engine overhaul can be done with the team of three companies onsite at the Loveland Airport.

Rental Services

Rentals are available through the flying schools. Government agencies rent various aircraft for wildfires, oil and gas implosions, and construction jobs of various types.

Charter and Commercial Helicopter Service

This arena mainly focuses on government contracts such as wildfires and oil and gas implosions. fight natural disasters, emergency air service jobs, and military operations.   They are also equipped for passenger carrying power poles setting, air conditioner sets, photography flights, mining support, and core and conventional drilling.

The Trans Aero LTD Helicopters are capable of flying missions anywhere in the United States or the World.

We are so blessed to have such a diverse opportunity for our community and one that makes such a financial and service impact.