Families of Fallen Troops Welcome Higher Benefits

Washington Post ^ | February 2, 2005 | Christian Davenport and Avis Thomas-Lester

[Former Military Chick]

As area families learned of the Pentagon's plan to increase payments by as much as $250,000 to $500,000, they said no amount of money can ease their grief. But many also said that the money would soften the financial aftershocks by making house payments, school tuition and other bills easier to face.

The Pentagon announced the plan Monday, after members of Congress said the payments to families of the fallen were insultingly ungenerous. Under the plan, which would be made retroactive to service members killed in Afghanistan or Iraq since October 2001, life insurance coverage would grow from a limit of $250,000 to $400,000. The one-time "death gratuity" to survivors of those killed in combat zones would increase from $12,420 to $100,000. Congress is expected to take up the issue this month.

The money Crystal Faulstich, 20, received after her husband, Army Spec. Raymond J. Faulstich Jr., died last August was more than she had ever seen. She used some of it to pay off the 2002 Ford Ranger he had recently bought, and kept some on the side for emergencies. With the rest, she thought she'd be able to make a down payment on a house.

But with the steep prices in the Washington region, she realized that she'd have nothing left for a mortgage or taxes or utilities. That's when she realized that the money was not going to go as far as she first imagined.

"In these days and times, I know $250,000 seems like a lot," said Linda Faulstich, her mother-in-law. - - -

Ever since Deborah May's husband, Marine Staff Sgt. Donald C. May Jr., was killed when his tank plunged off a bridge into the Euphrates River in May 2003, she has worried about her finances.

[Former Military Chick]

Military Chiefs Criticize Curbs In Plan to Raise Death Benefits

This article gives me pause. When my father died in the line of duty she was given benefits and frankly to know that it is about the same as it was when dad died is of concern.

She thinks it is a good idea, but, what bothered mom, isn't the life of a military member in the US as important as one who is in Iraq. Some have served in Iraq and returned.

In the end, I am for anything that helps our military families. Of course we need to find the money for it -- but it is a worth while endeavor for sure.

[injin]

I suggest that it be offered on each and every Federal Income Tax return an option for the tax payer to voluntarily direct a contribution , in addition to their income taxes for the purpose of creating a boosted fund for this Death Gratuity
paid to the families and survivors of our valiant fallen warriors. I for one would be very happy to contribute generously and continuously had I such an option.

[rlmorel]

I agree.

I would like to see all monies spent on PBS sent to this cause.