Caring For Those Left Behind - Survivors need real benefits more than yellow ribbons

Marine Staff Sgt. Aaron White was killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq. Here is an excerpt from his last letter home to his wife.

"What keeps me up at night is thinking you may never know what you mean to me. . . . If I don't come home, please tell Brianna that her daddy loves her more than life. . . . Brianna, it breaks my heart to have to miss your first birthday. I hope that you will forgive me. . . .

A just-released study by the Rand Corp. found that the families of civilians killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, received on average $3.1 million in government and charitable compensation.

Let's strip away our yellow-ribbon sentimentality for a moment and admit the truth: We treat our military like second-class citizens. . . . it's time to ask why the family of someone who has done no more for his country than show up at a stock trading office on the wrong day should receive hundreds of times as much compensation as the family of a soldier.

Most of the dead from our wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are being buried in small towns and in the blue-collar or middle- and lower-middle-class sections of our cities. This is a scandal.

In his second-to-last letter home Aaron wrote: "Believe me I am not having a good time here. This is an ugly nasty land. I hope [our] people appreciate the blood we are to spill." Judging by how we are taking care of his widow and daughter, apparently the answer is that we do not.

I usually don't watch Aaron Brown on CNN, but caught part of his "NewsNight" program tonight. I tuned in a few minutes late, but he was airing a segment showing our injured soldiers coming home and being treated here in military hospitals. It was heartbreaking to see how much these guys have suffered; many were burned beyond recognition and/or lost the use of their limbs. BUT, each of the men questioned stated that they had no regrets and would serve our country again in a heartbeat.

Again, I tuned in late, but I don't think Brown was using this as a hit piece against the Bush administration. CNN will air this program again at 1 a.m. ET, so please watch, if possible. It really gave a good recap of what our people have given up by going to combat in Iraq.

Enduring Freedom KIA Fund P.O. Box 96371, Washington D.C. 20090-6371

The fund was established to provide comfort and financial aid to the families of those brave warriors killed in action in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Philippines and elsewhere.

" I value the work of the Enduring Freedom KIA Fund and feel confident this organization will have great success as word of their efforts spreads across America.".......Sincerely, Tommy Franks, General USA (Retired)

I've already sent my donation, let's start spreading the word.

Of course, nothing can replace the soldier that does not return but I can tell you that my mother lost her husband during WW-II. I was not born yet and my brother is two years older than I.

My father (age 23) had a $10,000 (I believe the maximum) insurance policy the military offered which he purchased. He was KIA prior to my being born; however from that policy my mother drew $35.00 per month until her death at 70.

She also drew his Social Security until she remarried and Social Security for both my brother and I until we were 18 (if we were in college she was eligible until we were 21, I believe).

On top of that, the Federal Government provided what was referred to as the Children's Trust Fund. A sum of money (based on rank) was "required" to be used to purchase Series E bonds and were maintained at Federal Reserve Banks until the mid-50's when the Fed's let the money go to the local banks. My father was a 2nd Lt. and if I remember correctly my brother and I received approximately $50 per month, each to be used for bonds. Those funds plus interest, were signed over to the child at age 21. Through the Veteran's Administration survivor's children were eligible for tuition at a state college until I believe age 28.

Of course, my mother remarried. If the children were not adopted the Social Security on the children continued to age 18 or longer if in college.

I have no idea what the benefits are nowadays but I do believe that the WW-II Vets' families were compensated the best any country can do.

The victims of 9/11 were recipients of emotional contributions. It was a rude awakening, regarding our vulnerability. People were able to relate via the TV. I do not mean to demean the goodwill on behalf of these victims but I believe the country went wayyyyyy over board. (Much like some of these juries that find for a plaintiff granting unrealistic amounts of money for punitive damages). Were not most of the victims working people with insurance policies? Was this unlike the driver being killed on his way to work by a sniper?

The number of deaths in one place, how it occurred, and that it was a terrorist attack is significant and although I understand the comparison with the victims and our military I do not agree they are the same thing.

All that said, I am presuming that this thread believes that WE our government should do more for the military. What are their benefits?

If this thread is not about the government doing more for the military, than is it about private people doing more? Did our government pay any victims of 9/11--guess I can't remember? Seems they did in lieu of lawsuits. I don't agree that the government should have paid anything to the victims, if they did, beyond current assistance if applicable. This is where our communities and churches should take community action. We as a country SHOULD not be held responsible for terrorist actions against individuals. I even question with, much trepidation, if the government has a responsibility to the State to step in with money on top of all the pork we already give the States.

Just my opinion and a little venting. Sorry if it offends anyone.

It is more a matter of giving the 9/11 spouses money than a matter of not giving the military enough.

Military life insurance isn't much, for sure, but add that to SS and things help. You are not rich but you can survive. . .at least until you find other support (job).

We made a mistake in giving spouses of 9/11 so much. It was not our fault. . .it was the fault of the terrorists. As much as I hurt for them, and applaud the donations made in their behalf, it was not an entitlement and the government should not have established this precedent.

Of course, if I died on active duty. . .came close a few times in war and in peace. . .but I did buy extra insurance to look after my family. Now, not all can do that, but the social services "net" and military benefits are there for a reason and by giving so much to 9/11 we draw a false comparison.

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