Small Town Veteran

Baby boomer, nerdy kid, Viet Nam veteran, engineer, daddy, grandpa.
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2005.05.29

They didn't forget, Brianna

I should be kicked for not posting this about 3 weeks ago, but on the other hand I can't think of a better time than Memorial Day weekend to report: "They didn't forget, Brianna." Thanks go to reader Julie B. for writing to make sure I knew about this AP story:

Benefit Boost Helps Soldiers' Survivors
Survivors of Fallen Troops Grateful for Increase in Death Benefit, From $12,000 to $100,000

[...]

President Bush signed into law Wednesday an increase in the death benefit from $12,000 to $100,000 for the next of kin of any military personnel killed in combat zones or in combat-related training since Oct. 7, 2001.

The increase was part of an $82 billion emergency appropriations bill to fund the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, which also included a provision increasing military life insurance payments from $250,000 to $400,000.

[...]

I did a little digging after I got Julie's mail and found this story, as well:

Bush signs $82 billion war funds bill

[...]

The package Bush signed also includes provisions increasing the death benefit for U.S. service members from $12,000 to $100,000; raising the maximum life insurance benefit for service members from $250,000 to $400,000; and authorizing $100,000 payments for troops who lose a limb or suffer some other traumatic injury

[...]

In a nutshell, the HEROES Act, which I blogged about  here and in several follow-up posts, is now law,  as well as the "Traumatic Injury" Insurance discussed here.  (A tip of the hat to William "1stCav" Page for that last link.) We can never do too much, and in my opinion we still aren't doing enough (What about the Sailor who was killed when the USS San Francisco hit that undersea mountain, for instance?), but at least we're doing more than we were. It's a start.

On a related note, don't miss the extensive Memorial Day coverage at The Mudville Gazette.

Posted by Bill Faith on May 29, 2005 at 11:06 PM in Brianna | Permalink

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» Heros Act from Flight Pundit
I have been a little remise in following up on this Hero's Act and went to visit Bill Faith to see where we stand. Basically the Hero's Act we were blogging about back in November 2004 - February 2005 has been signed into law by President Bush. We k... [Read More]

Tracked on May 31, 2005 11:28:08 PM

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Note: I hate to have to do it but I'm turning on comment and trackback moderation. If you post a legitimate trackback or comment I'll do my best not to be too slow about approving it. If the only reason you're here is to advertise your porn, music, or penis enhancement site you can kiss my sweet ass.

Bill, Thank you so much for being one of the first on taking the lead on pushing legislation for our fallen and wounded veterans. Without your support and those of many others who have linked to your site, it may have not passed. It is an honor to have a friend such as you. We fought together in 1972 at [www.thebattleofkontum.com]. After all these years, you again have served our country and fellow armed forces personnel by going above and beyond the call. Again, I am truly honored to have you as a friend and fellow Viet Nam Veteran. Some people only talk. You Bill, are a tenacious fighter for what is right. 1st Cav RVN 1971-'72 William B. Page

Posted by: WPage | May 30, 2005 9:39:47 AM

Congralations, Daddy, I know this means a lot to you and I am so happy that it passed.

Posted by: Heather Brinkley | May 30, 2005 11:11:41 AM

Hi again Bill. This is great news! It broke my heart knowing that not only were they emotionally devastated by the death of their spouse but just when that happened they were thrown into poverty because of it. I'm so glad to know that the wives and children left behind will now at least have the financial ability to start over. Just a few weeks ago I saw the movie We Were Soldiers and it really hit me. When the letters began arriving by cab... that's the first time I've cried through a movie in a long time. What's never said in any of these movies is what happens to the family afterwards. Thanks for leading the charge and keeping us informed. Take care, SgtMgr.

Posted by: SgtMgr | May 30, 2005 11:26:17 AM

Hello Bill, It is such good news to see this passed. You have done a great thing in how you provided great leadership in this task. Thank you for all you have done. Semper Fi

Posted by: Michael | May 31, 2005 11:30:29 PM

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