[Laurita]

It happened in my own family. When my uncle died suddenly, his widow and his younger brother fell in love and were married. I have no idea how long her "period of mourning" was, it was a non-issue to the family because we knew their hearts.

If one truly loves one's spouse and wishes only their happiness and one has chosen one's friends carefully and with love, it seems natural to me that they should have a connection through you and a responsibility toward one another.

Frankly, if someone does not trust their best friend to behave with honor and love towards themselves and their family, they should review who they choose as a friend.

I wish this family much love and joy and I honor their sacrifice, as they have honored Captain Scott Speicher's.

[Wristpin]

I agree. CAPT Speicher's family has suffered a tremendous burden in the service of the nation. This Navy family deserves better treatment than some of the posts on this thread.

[Laurita]

In relation to benefits, the financial red tape is messy. When the officer was declared KIA, his family would have received whatever death benefits they were entitled to.

If he had been declared MIA first, they would have continued to receive his monthly pay (probably).

I have no idea what happens with the pay when someone is declared captured I think only a Navy financial officer would be able to sort that out.

In addition, one would assume that IF the Navy decided to pay the family his back salary, they would have expected to get the death benefits back.

How would one go about that? How would the Navy take back a funeral with full military honors?

The legal issues pertaining to bigamy would be muddy as well.

The family must deal with their emotions while the lawyers deal with the legalities.

[texasflower]

That is a very nice story. Thanks for sharing it.