Don't just sit there

The American Thinker ^ | Jan. 22, 2005 | Russ Vaughn

[Kitten Festival]

It’s so easy to say you support the troops, regardless of which side you come down on in the issue of the War in Iraq itself. Yeah, you can send care packages and put yellow ribbon magnets on your car to make you feel all warm and fuzzy that you’re doing your own small part. You can do as I do and use forums such as this one to expound the viewpoint of the folks we send in harm’s way, hoping that someway, somehow, someone who can make a difference may read your rant and actually do that something that makes a difference.

But right now, folks, we have a rare opportunity, a seldom-held power for ordinary citizens, to actually do something for the troops that will bring them more comfort than any supportive letters or boxes of cookies and candy ever possibly could. You see, right now we have the ability to provide them with comfort of mind, to lift a mental and emotional burden that they all carry with them when they enter any theater of combat. We hold in our collective hands the ability to grant them assurance that should the worst befall them, we, their grateful nation, will provide for their loved ones in a manner that will approximate what they would have provided in the normal course of their lives.

Under current law, Uncle Sam is a rather parsimonious patron when it comes to providing for the families of fallen warriors. For example, when an American is killed in combat, the surviving spouse receives a one-time death gratuity of $12,400. Service Member's Group Life Insurance coverage (SGLI) up to $250,000 is available for those service members who can afford to pay the premiums.

[Kitten Festival]

Extremely important essay on the incredible paucity of benefits to US troops who have paid with their lives to make others free. It makes me completely sick. One million dollars, no less, to any troop who gives his life for his country, plus citizenship benefits to any of his survivors who happen to need it! Not a dime less! Take the funds from the UN budget!!! And tell them why!

[mdittmar]

How do you feel about the HEROES Act? Contact your Senators. Let them know how you feel. Your voice matters!

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