[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 1473]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      PROVIDING FOR INJURED AND FALLEN SOLDIERS AND THEIR FAMILIES

  Mrs. DOLE. Mr. 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, NC, 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.
  Mr. President. I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Georgia is recognized.

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