Family Feels Soldier Was Overshadowed

NEWSCHANNEL 9 - El Paso, TX | April 24, 2002 | Christina Montoya

[FryingPan101]

Family Feels Soldier Was Overshadowed

The former prisoners of war have been in the spotlight since their release. So much, that the family of one solider who was killed in action feels little attention was paid to his sacrifice.

Thursday, April 24, 2003 -- Ruben Estrella-Soto would've turned 19 years old Tuesday. His family honored his birthday on Wednesday by playing his favorite songs by his grave. Ruben was killed along with eight other soldiers when his maintinence unit was ambushed by Iraquis. Five others were taken prisoner, and have become household names since their return. Edgar Estrella says his brother's death has been overshadowed. The Estrella family is also concerned that Ruben reduced his life insurance policy from 250 thousand dollars to 30 thousand dollars before he was deployed. They feel Ruben was misled into thinking the money was for participating in combat. They're also upset about how long it took for Ruben's body to be returned to the United States for his funeral. They say the army changed arrival dates many times, and never answered any of their questions.

[anniegetyourgun]

I've never once heard a CENTCOM briefing or a speech by the CIC that didn't include sentiments of grief and respect for those who have fallen in this battle.

[sit-rep]

This is a crock... This lady should be slapped to the ground. She is attention getting plain and simple. She is jealous and is using her son's death.

[TopQuark]

The Estrella family is also concerned that Ruben reduced his life insurance policy from 250 thousand dollars to 30 thousand dollars before he was deployed. They feel Ruben was misled into thinking the money was for participating in combat. So why do you have to talk to reporters about that?

Have you finished grieving that you talk about money?

They're also upset about how long it took for Ruben's body to be returned to the United States for his funeral. The country is at war? Did they expect a separate place to be used?

Envy. Grief does not explain it.

[koba37]

"The Estrella family is also concerned that Ruben reduced his life insurance policy from 250 thousand dollars to 30 thousand dollars before he was deployed. They feel Ruben was misled into thinking the money was for participating in combat."


I'm confused - why would he reduce his life insurance policy because he was misled into thinking the money was for participating in combat?? I also thought the lowest coverage you could select was for 100 thousand dollars?

[JeeperFreeper]

The POWs have routinely called attention to the dead as the real heroes. And, the media, well...they are pack driven morons for the most part.

[FryingPan101]

"And, the media, well...they are pack driven morons for the most part."

Your're exactly right on this one. The media, even local yocals, trying a drum beat that may or may not spark controversy. The mother, the family was heart-broken, devastated over the loss of their loved-one. This had nothing to do with money. The questions, by the reporter, about the insurance were unkind and thoughtless.

[Maigrey]

Mourn for those who paid the price, but support those who lived.
I guess they didn't get the entire memo...