Shutdown outrage: Military death benefits denied to families of fallen troops

Washington Times ^ | 10/8/2013 | Cheryl K Chumley

[Lacey]

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.

[Lacey]

Non-profits are stepping up to the plate to fix this outrage.

[Malichi]

Let’s take OUR COUNTRY back!!!!!!!! Someone needs to issue the call and we need to muster.

[Dapper 26]

But the Congressional gym and Camp David golf course is open????? Obama is a national disgrace!!

[American Constitutionalist]

This is lunacy, they close WWII vet memorials, deny vet families benefits, but yet ? give a pass for illegals to protest in Washington ?
Is the Washington Mall considered a nation park ?

[grania]

The war memorials; now this. Obama has no empathy for our military. And no one in his inner circle will put a stop to this? Hagel's as far from perfect as it gets, but I'd expect him to not let this happen.

Where's McCain? He's been awfully quiet sense the WW2 Memorial closing (every cloud has a silver lining). I'm even more disgusted with him for not defending the vets than I was. Just when it seemed that he hit rock bottom, he finds another way to insult conservatives who love the US....this time by his silence

[mykroar]

Fraud, pure and simple - soldiers pay for SGLI (a nominal amount, but a payment nonetheless).

[onedoug]

hussein’s war on America. Evil personified.

[GailA]

They did not tell you that you have to pay income tax on that money!

Ret. SCPO wife

Our commissary is closed due to NON shutdown. Cause if you get paid that is not truly a shut down it is a second paid vacation,and they have to pay income taxes on it LOL.

[Jack Hammer]

Hey, they get a folded flag; what more could they want??? /s

[elpadre]

“...given a double-whammy by federal officials:...”

and just who are these federal officials - name them??

[vpintheak]

Democrats are evil. Plain evil. Lilly-livered repubs are just as bad.