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Shutdown outrage: Military death benefits denied to families of fallen troops
wash times ^ | 10/8/13 | c chumley

Posted on 10/08/2013 6:55:00 AM PDT by bestintxas

At least five families of U.S. military members killed during in Afghanistan over the weekend were given a double-whammy by federal officials: Not only have your loved ones died, but due to the government shutdown, you won’t receive a death benefit.

The benefit is $100,000 and is wired to family members of the killed military member within 36 hours of the death. The so-called “death gratuity” is aimed at paying for funeral costs and to help with those living expenses normally covered by the soldier’s paycheck.

They serve as a transition pay benefit until the military’s survivor benefits begin.

The $100,000 also helps military families fly to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, while the coffins carrying their loved ones are being unloaded

The Pentagon revealed the elimination of funeral pay, along with other impacts of the shutdown, in a press release.

“The department does not currently have the authority to pay death gratuities for the survivors of service members killed in action – typically a cash payment of $100,000 paid within three days of the death of a service member,” the release read.

“Secretary [of Defense Chuck] Hagel assured the service leaders that he would work closely with them to address these challenges, and support the service members and families impacted by these disruptions,” it continued.

A senior military official told NBC’s “Today” that he was “disgusted” by the scenario, but hopes a resolution might be reached to resume the benefit this week.

(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: betrayal; govtshutdown; hagel; militarydeathbenefit; obama; obamapunishes; pentagon; sgli; shutdown; troops
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This is treason, pure and simple.

To do this to our fallen heros while he keeps the golf course open and pays federal workers to stay home on vacation is the ultimate slap at the American people.

1 posted on 10/08/2013 6:55:00 AM PDT by bestintxas
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To: bestintxas
Disgraceful.

One more example of Soetoro pushing for a reaction. Don't fall for it. Contact your elected Representative.

2 posted on 10/08/2013 6:56:35 AM PDT by Texas Eagle (If it wasn't for double-standards, Liberals would have no standards at all -- Texas Eagle)
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To: bestintxas

Jab jab jab

Poke poke poke

Response from those being pushed-BOOM!


3 posted on 10/08/2013 6:57:14 AM PDT by seeker41 (take your country back by whatever means necessary)
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To: bestintxas

Just another example where Obama is certain that either the media will ignore the story or will use it to attack Republicans...and his base will agree that the Republicans are to blame.


4 posted on 10/08/2013 6:59:24 AM PDT by Verginius Rufus
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To: bestintxas

So was Obama setting up SEALs in an ambush in Somalia so this would be highlighted?


5 posted on 10/08/2013 7:00:24 AM PDT by petitfour
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To: bestintxas

Another “Mission Accomplished” for our America-hating president. Despicable.


6 posted on 10/08/2013 7:01:32 AM PDT by txrefugee
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To: bestintxas

Well people, stuff like this is what happens when you put Democrats in positions of power. What else to you expect? And if you think that it is bad now, wait until this time next year.


7 posted on 10/08/2013 7:01:59 AM PDT by sport
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To: bestintxas

And yet this same illegitimate administration falls all over itself to lavish benefits on sodomites and their illegitimate relationships.


8 posted on 10/08/2013 7:04:29 AM PDT by fwdude ( You cannot compromise with that which you must defeat.)
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To: bestintxas

...EVERY TIME he does stiff like this,it’s best to expose him...meaning get this story out to everyone on your email list. GET PEOPLE TALKING! and reacting.


9 posted on 10/08/2013 7:04:32 AM PDT by Doogle (USAF.68-73..8th TFW Ubon Thailand..never store a threat you should have eliminated))
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To: petitfour

An excellent question.

Lots of dead Jedi would certainly make the news. Maybe he was hoping for a repeat of Blackhawk Down.


10 posted on 10/08/2013 7:07:07 AM PDT by Black Agnes
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To: bestintxas

Just ask me how much I hate registered Democrats...just ask me!


11 posted on 10/08/2013 7:07:11 AM PDT by rrrod (at home in Medellin Colombia)
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To: bestintxas

Gee, IIRC part of the Presidential protective detail are a battalion of US Marines who hover nearby, where ever the president goes, just out of sight.

Perhaps they’d like to re-consider their jobs?


12 posted on 10/08/2013 7:07:27 AM PDT by Little Ray (How did I end up in this hand-basket, and why is it getting so hot?)
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To: Doogle

Another Barryrage.


13 posted on 10/08/2013 7:07:38 AM PDT by Eric in the Ozarks ("Say Not the Struggle Naught Availeth.")
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To: bestintxas

The Joint Chiefs and the generals, admirals, etc of the Armed Forces are letting the troops and their families down, as well as the American people.

They could stand up to this corrupt, despicable administration.


14 posted on 10/08/2013 7:08:04 AM PDT by jch10 ("Normandy was closed when we got there too!")
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To: bestintxas

..any other Secretary of Defense WOULD RESIGN rather then follow through on such a cold and juvenile decision


15 posted on 10/08/2013 7:08:07 AM PDT by Doogle (USAF.68-73..8th TFW Ubon Thailand..never store a threat you should have eliminated))
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Comment #16 Removed by Moderator

To: Doogle

Just sent article to local talk radio host ..... he’s conservative. Told him main stream media won’t talk about his .... HE should. We’ll see what happens.


17 posted on 10/08/2013 7:11:37 AM PDT by MissMagnolia (You see, truth always resides wherever brave men still have ammunition. I pick truth. (John Ransom))
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To: Texas Eagle

One more example of Soetoro pushing for a reaction.
..........................................................
I hope he gets a frigging reaction.
One he won’t like. This putz is pushing too hard.

Screwing over the military again and again. I wouldn’t blame them if they all walked off the Posts around the world.


18 posted on 10/08/2013 7:12:14 AM PDT by Venturer (Obamacare is a criminal act.)
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To: knarf

I guess it’d be too much to ask CPB to give up .1% of the 455MILLION poshitus gave them the other day. We should inundate NPR. Shut it down.


19 posted on 10/08/2013 7:12:15 AM PDT by txhurl ('The DOG ate my homework. That homework, too. ALL my homework. OK?' - POSHITUS)
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To: bestintxas

S.1541 - Military Pay Protection Act of 2013

http://www.opencongress.org/bill/113-s1541/text

“A bill to appropriate such funds as may be necessary to ensure that members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components thereof, and supporting civilian and contractor personnel continue to receive pay and allowances for active service performed when a Government wide shutdown occurs, and for other purposes.”

Congress passed and President Obama signed this bill into law just prior to the shutdown. So why wouldn’t it fund military death benefits?


20 posted on 10/08/2013 7:13:29 AM PDT by CitizenUSA (Conservatives are not anarchists!)
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