RESERVISTS' RIGHTS

Narrated Video News Package Plus Additional
B-Roll and SOTS

The following footage is provided free of charge by the American Bar Association for use in news broadcasts at your editorial discretion.

SUGGESTED ANCHOR LEAD:

Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, more than 200,000 military reservists and National Guard personnel have been called to active duty as part of our nation's war on terrorism.

In fulfilling their duty to their country, military men and women being activated for Operation Enduring Freedom must also do their duty to their families by getting their legal affairs in order. Volunteer lawyers are being mobilized to help reservists serve their country armed with the peace of mind that their home front legal concerns -- ranging from apartment leases to making sure they have a job when they return -- have been provided for.

Lee Miller reports.

TITLES IN ORDER:

COUNTDOWN:
Ch. 1 - Narrator
Ch. 2 - BG & SOTs

Pkg. Runs 2:08

TRACK-UP AUDIO FAMILY HAVING FUN

Sequence Braden with family

NARRATOR:
William Braden is a father -- and a reservist with the United States Navy. He was recently called to active duty as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Title:
Petty Officer William Braden
U.S. Navy

BRADEN SOT:
I'm in the military, that's what I'm here for. I serve my country and that's what I'm here to do.

Braden with family

Braden meets with attorney

NARRATOR:
Petty Officer Braden also feels a strong sense of obligation to his family. As part of his mobilization he was required to get his legal and personal affairs in order.

It meant reviewing and updating his will, and making sure that he has given his wife power of attorney so she can take action on important family matters in his absence.

Braden on camera

BRADEN SOT:
After you've signed the power of attorney or the will it's kind of like you've done what you have, and, and, also the insurance, for your family, you feel like you've done everything for the family. Now, now, I can provide for the Navy.

GFX: Reservists' Legal Needs
· Updated will
· Power of attorney
· Rental leases
· Beneficiaries
· Reducing interest rates
· Reemployment rights

NARRATOR:
In addition to wills and powers of attorney, reservists may need to resolve legal matters such as: terminating apartment leases; insurance and pension beneficiaries; reducing interest rates on pre-existing loans; and their rights to re-employment upon returning to civilian life.

Braden meeting with attorney

NARRATOR:
Military lawyers are on the front lines, helping reservists put their legal affairs in order. But in the event of a massive mobilization like Desert Storm, volunteer civilian attorneys may be needed to help meet the vast demand for legal assistance. The American Bar Association is recruiting and training lawyers so they can stand ready to serve.

Title:
Robert Hirshon
President
American Bar Association

HIRSHON SOT:
The American Bar Association is calling upon all the lawyers in the United States to provide free legal assistance to the men and women who are being called into active duty to defend our country. We want to make sure that these men and women who may have questions about wills, lease, mortgages, obtain the legal aid that they need so that they can go about doing their job.

Braden on camera

BRADEN SOT:
It's nice to see the legal system is helping you and some of the stress that you have as a family.

Braden with family

NARRATOR:
Petty Officer Braden is currently stationed in the Midwest, working in a reserve mobilization unit. While he's joined the fight against terrorism, he has peace of mind about his family.

NARRATOR:
This is Lee Miller reporting.

SUGGESTED ANCHOR TAG:

For more information on the American Bar Association's initiative, you can visit their Web site at:www.abanet.org

• Braden playing with family
• Braden in uniform at desk working
• Navy ships in port

ADDITIONAL SOTS:

Title:
Petty Officer William Braden
U.S. Navy

BRADEN SOT:
Because everything is family oriented to a certain degree in the military so this will eliminate the stress for the significant other that is left behind while the individual that is recalled to active duty.

BRADEN SOT:
There's nothing like it when you put on a uniform, especially now. It's a great feeling.

BRADEN SOT:
The military, they provide you the opportunity for a power of attorney and a will. They can update your will. If you currently have a will, you can bring it in and they can update it. And that's a great benefit that you can have. So, I mean, the legal aspect of it, you know, for any reservist that is recalled - they give them all the opportunities to take care of this.

BRADEN SOT:
I'm in the military. I'm proud to be in the military, at this time.

Title:
Robert Hirshon
President
American Bar Association

HIRSHON SOT:
The lawyers in the military are doing an outstanding job in helping the men and women who are being called into active duty meet their legal needs; however, one of the things we learned during the Gulf War call up is that the system can be easily overwhelmed and that's why we're calling upon all the lawyers in America to be ready to assist the military lawyers should the need arise.

HIRSHON SOT:
As a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11th, everyone in the United States wants to help. On behalf of the American Bar Association, I'm calling upon the lawyers of America to step up to the plate and do their job. Lawyers can use their skills and their education to meet the legal needs of those men and women who are being called into active duty so that those men and women do not have to worry about the legal affairs that they've left at home and can concentrate on the task at hand.

For more information, please contact:
Julie Brown
312-988-6133
brownjd@staff.abanet.org