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In 1970, as a college senior, I knew my future was set—just not in the way I expected. The Vietnam War was at its peak, and I had a low draft number, meaning I was certain to be called up for service. Instead of waiting to be sent into combat with a rifle, I took control of my fate. I joined the Air Force, beginning a journey that would take me from officer training school to flying supersonic fighter jets in combat zones across the world.

The Path to Becoming a Fighter Pilot

My Air Force journey started with Officer Training School, where I spent three months learning the basics of military leadership. From there, I went to flight school and eventually to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona for F-4 Phantom training.

The F-4 Phantom was no ordinary aircraft. A supersonic fighter-bomber, it required rigorous training before pilots were ready to take it into combat. At Luke, we went through the Replacement Training Unit (RTU), where we learned in the classroom, spent hours in the flight simulator, and eventually took to the skies. We trained in dive bombing, aerial dogfighting, and intercepting enemy aircraft—skills that would prove vital in real-world missions.

Mastering Air Combat and High-Stakes Missions

Once F-4 training was complete, the next challenge was survival training. Before deploying to Southeast Asia, I attended Basic Survival School in Spokane, Washington, where I spent a week in the mountains learning how to find food and stay alive in the wild. Then came Jungle Survival School, where we spent time in the classroom before being dropped into the jungle to fend for ourselves.

Water survival training was next. At Homestead

Estate planning is one of the most important tasks you can tackle to ensure your loved ones are taken care of, even when you’re not around to make decisions. Whether you are concerned about medical decisions, guardianship for your children, or protecting your minor children’s assets, proper planning can give you peace of mind and help avoid difficult decisions later. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the essential documents you need in your estate plan, including living wills, guardianship designations, and documents that protect your children’s future.

What Is a Living Will, and Why Is It Important?

A living will is a critical document that outlines your healthcare preferences in the event that you are unable to communicate them yourself. It provides clear instructions for your doctors and loved ones about what you want in a situation where you are unable to make medical decisions.

Imagine being kept alive by a machine and having your family or loved ones asked whether they should pull the plug. This can be an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it can put a tremendous amount of emotional strain on the person responsible for making it. A living will removes that burden from your family and makes your wishes clear, ensuring that your instructions are followed in these sensitive situations.

Having a living will gives you control over your healthcare decisions, even if you are unable to express them due to medical reasons. It’s essential to discuss your wishes with your loved ones and ensure your living will is in place, so they don’t have to make tough decisions on your behalf during an already stressful time.

Guardianship Planning for Minor Children: Who Will Care

When creating an estate plan, it’s crucial to consider not only your assets but also the decisions you want to be made if you're unable to communicate them. Healthcare and financial planning documents are the foundation of this process, ensuring your wishes are followed and your family is prepared.

There are several key documents that should be included in any well-rounded estate plan. These documents give your designated agents the authority to make critical decisions on your behalf, whether regarding your health or financial matters. Understanding these documents and how they work together is essential for comprehensive planning.

What is a Healthcare Directive (DNR)?

A healthcare directive, often known as a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, is a document that outlines your wishes in the event of a life-threatening medical emergency. The directive specifically instructs healthcare professionals whether or not to perform life-saving measures should your heart stop or you stop breathing.

For some, a DNR is a crucial part of end-of-life planning. The decision to decline life-saving treatment can be difficult, but it's essential that it reflects your personal values. While hospitals will respect a DNR, it’s important to understand the impact this decision may have. For instance, if you are choking or in need of medical intervention unrelated to life support, the presence of a DNR can lead to healthcare providers not taking action, which can result in serious consequences.

While a DNR is an important choice, it is ultimately up to you whether or not you complete it. However, if you do choose to complete this document, be sure it is placed prominently, such as at the top of your medical records, so that healthcare providers