February 3rd, 2005 - Madame President, we must do everything possible to show our military men and women and their families how much we appreciate and honor their service. Last week I was proud to cosponsor legislation introduced by Senators Allen, Sessions and Lieberman reaffirming the commitment of this Congress to our military men and women and their families. This effort has received my strongest support, and thanks to the endorsement of the Leadership and the work over the past years by many of my other colleagues, an increase in financial support to the families of men and women killed in combat could soon be a reality.
When a soldier pays the ultimate sacrifice, no amount of money can ease the grief of his or her family, but a significant increase in the benefits paid to our military families sends a strong message of our gratitude and support.
Currently, when a service member is killed in combat, the family receives only $12,420. This is simply unacceptable. We are a strong, prosperous nation, a nation that honors and respects our sons and daughters in the Armed Services. We can and must do better to provide for the families of those who’ve lost their lives. The current proposal to increase what is called the “death gratuity” to $100,000 is most certainly a step in the right direction.
This increase, retroactive to October 2001, is critically important not only to the families who lose loved ones, but to soldiers currently serving or those who are considering enlisting. It sends the message that we value their service, and should something happen to them, their families will be generously cared for.
Maxine Crockett of Fayetteville, North Carolina lost her husband, Staff Sergeant Ricky L. Crockett, to a bomb blast in Baghdad in January of last year. She and her 15 year-old daughter were left not only grief-stricken but worried about surviving financially with the loss of a provider. Maxine told the Raleigh News & Observer, “When it comes down to just one income, this [increase] would really help by giving you the time to get back on your feet.”
When a family does receive the heartbreaking notification that a loved one was killed in action, they are understandably overcome with grief. In the midst of their devastation, they are required to make many decisions. Casualty Assistance Officers play a critical role in helping them through this process. I had the privilege of meeting many of these dedicated, impressive men and women personally at Fort Bragg last year. These officers are there with the families following notification, through funeral preparations, burial and the process of determining benefits and compensation. They assist when any problems arise and literally go above and beyond their job description. And long after, these families know these officers can be contacted as concerns arise. This is the kind of service and compassion these families deserve.
We also have a responsibility to assist those servicemen and women who are seriously injured and their families. With the improvements in body armor and heroic efforts of our military medical teams both in theater and at home, so many more of our soldiers are surviving, but often with debilitating wounds. We must ensure they are taken care of, physically, emotionally and financially.
I am so pleased that the Department of Defense today launched a new operations center for these deserving heroes and their families to provide them with the necessary support as they transition back to active duty or into civilian life. This center will integrate the programs currently sponsored by various military and government services, making it easier for these individuals to access the medical, counseling, educational, and financial services they need and deserve.
Our injured and fallen heroes and their families must be a top priority. They deserve no less.
Thank you, Madame President. I yield the floor.
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