Local High Schools and Attorneys Provide Free Wills for Veterans

 Hickman County, Graves County, Murray, Kentucky:  In Western Kentucky, local high schools have partnered with attorneys to provide free wills for veterans on Veterans Day (November 11, 2011), and provide students with an invaluable opportunity to learn about history from those who helped make it. 

          This Veterans Day (11/11’11), Murray High School, Graves County High School, and Hickman County High School will provide meeting space, tables, and chairs so that attorneys can meet with veterans and provide them with a last will and testament free of charge. In addition, veterans will have an opportunity to share their experiences with the students through programs at each school. 

          All veterans living in Graves County, Hickman County, or Calloway County are invited to attend the event at their local school—just bring a photo ID showing proof of residence.  “We hope to expand the program to other counties in the future,” said Jason Batts, “but having three counties participate this year provides for a good start.”  This year, the program is limited to veterans residing in each of the three counties, though the goal is to expand the program to other locations in the future.  The times for each event are as follows: 

          Graves County High School – 9:15 A.M. until 12 Noon. 

          Hickman County High School - 11:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. 

          Murray High School – 9 A.M. until 12 Noon. 

          Jason Batts (an attorney in Fulton County, Kentucky) had the initial thought for the event after looking for a way honor those who have served our nation through military service. “I have always had a special interest in helping veterans,” Jason said. “It was part of my motivation for studying history in college and applying for service in the U.S. Army JAG Corps Reserves,” he continued. 

Jason applied in the Spring for a position with the Army’s JAG Corp Reserves and recently learned of his acceptance. He ran the idea by his wife, Tonia Batts, and his brother, Eric Batts, who were very supportive and eager to help. Tonia (an optometrist in Mayfield, Kentucky) recalled speaking to the VFW Post in Murray, Kentucky after deciding to do the event. “Hearing the veterans share their interest and gratitude almost moved me to tears.  It’s been an honor to get to know some of them along the way,” Tonia said. Together the three have worked to make the event possible. 

Mr. Flenoy Barrow, the current Post Commander of VFW Post #6291 in Murray, Kentucky said of the event, “Veterans Day is a day to remember those who have given.  There are those who served that did not make it back home, and we honor them on this day.  Many of those who came home after serving their country began raising a family.  Those of us who served took care of the country, now we can take care of our families by having a will made.”

Contact:
Jason Batts
jason.batts@gmail.com
Attorney

Whitledge & Associates, PLLC

309 Carr Street

Fulton, KY 42041

Ph:  270-472-5500

Cell:  270-627-0345