Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 10/22/2001

Dear Sgt. Shaft:
I am writing in reference to H.R. 1108, the DIC-55 issue. I am the wife of a soldier who had been injured in both the WWII and the Korean wars. He was forced to retire from work in 1972 and was granted 100% Total Disability benefits because he could no longer hold a job. I was granted DIC in 1999, the year of his death.

I nursed my husband for many years and am grateful for the benefits I have received being awarded the DIC. However, I am rather amazed and appalled to learn that, should I find a man who could offer me friendship and companionship I had with my husband for 56 years, I would not be able to marry him without losing my benefits. I have met such a man who is struggling on Social Security and could never take me on to support. We would like to be together the rest of our lives, but since I would not be able to help with the finances, it would not be practical for us to get married, or even live together, (which would go against the moral standards we have practiced throughout our lifetimes).

Why would the U.S. Government, which is promoting morality, force a couple to forego marriage by denying the benefits that were earned?

Your cooperation in supporting this resolution is greatly appreciated and I will continue to work for this cause.

Yvonne D.
Banning, CA

Dear Yvonne:
Thank you for your poignant letter. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is the only Federal beneficiary program in which survivors and not permitted to remarry after age 55 and to retain benefits.

Federal survivor programs, most notably the Survivor Benefit Program (SBP) of the Department of Defense, allows SBP spouses to remarry after age 55 without loss of SBP compensation. This same type of continuation of spousal survival benefits exists in all Federal beneficiary programs.

In the spirit of fairness, the Sarge once again urges the United States Congress to legislatively correct this inequity so the DIC recipients would not lose their benefits should they remarry after age 55.

Dear Sarge:
I appreciate your column because it covers a range of issues important to vets. About two months ago, there were stories about shortage of color guars, rifle squads and buglers for veterans burial ceremonies. The purpose of this message is to tell families that I am offering my services free, as a bugler for honorably discharged veterans of any war. Unfortunately, I would have to limit my services to ceremonies in northern Virginia.

I am a Native American from the west coast. I served a Radioman in the U.S. Navy’s Armed Guard Pacific and Atlantic Units. I enlisted at age 17. I graduated from high school one day, and went off to San Diego the next day. After my last trip I was able to play trumpet with the Armed Guard Treasure Island (San Francisco) Band. I was assigned as a bugler for military funerals at the San Francisco National Cemetery. Each day our burial unit provided military honors for 15 to 25 funerals each day. Families, relatives and friends of the deceased veterans were very appreciative of these honors. I was saddened to know that veterans in this area are being buried without these honors which they deserve. These honors signify the final and honorable recognition of duty to one’s country and flag. Families or funeral homes who are in need of a bugler may call me at (703) 250-1985 and leave a message. I will return the call as soon as I can.

Dear Elmer,
Thank you for your continued service.

SHAFT KUDOS
The Sarge will be attending a noon luncheon at the National Press Club where Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Anthony Principi, will be making his first appearance. Mr. Principi is expected to discuss the relationship of the media to the nation’s veterans, as well as some of the hot-button issues, such as improvements in claims processing, VA’s role in emergency preparedness, the state of the national cemetery system, that have dominated his first months in office. Principi’s speech will be broadcast by National Public Television and taped by C-Span. Non-members of the National Press Club may attend the luncheon. For reservations, call (202) 662-7501.

The Sarge is looking forward to celebrating the 226th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps with the Gang of 30 and their honored guests, Marine Corps Commandant, General James L. Jones, Jr., and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Major Alford McMichael. Information and reservations may be had at (703) 250-3229 or (703) 683-1400. Tall tales and revelry will be preceded by the following invocation:

"O Lord, we have long known that prayer should include confession. Therefore, on behalf of the Marines, I confess their sins: Lord, they’re just not in step with today’s society.

They are unreasonable in clinging to old-fashioned ideas like patriotism, duty, honor , and country.

They hold radical ideas believing that they are their brother’s keeper and responsible for the Marine on their flank.

They have been seen standing when colors pass, singing the National Anthem at ball games, and drinking toasts to fallen comrades.

Not only that, they have been observed standing tall; taking charge and wearing their hair unfashionably short.

They have taken John Kennedy’s words too seriously and are overly concerned with what they can do for their country instead of what their country can do for them.

They take the Pledge of Allegiance to heart and believe that their oath is to be honored.

Forgive them, Lord, for being stubborn men and women who hold fast to such old fashioned values.

After all, what more can you expect: They’re Marines!"

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-462-4430 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

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