Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 04/30/2001

 Dear Sgt. Shaft:

 I am a 58-year-old widow of a proud, career U.S. Army Captain/Aviator. After nearly 23 years as a widow, I have reached a point of reflection in my life where, after all this time, I'm finding myself more alone.

 I am grateful for the decision of my late husband to be a career officer. Other than the two tours to Vietnam and his illness, we enjoyed nearly 15 years together.

 I appreciate the help of the benefits which I feel my husband earned. However, I start to think of how unfair this situation has become and how my life has changed because of the fear of losing my benefits should I marry again. I feel that had I been able to retain my benefits I would not be alone today and perhaps may have been able to have had a second family. I honestly feel that the benefits my husband, I and children have so dearly earned are a privilege that we should be allowed to keep. This financial and medical security is so important to everyone's well-being.

 I believe there are many widows out there who would be able to have a committed relationship if they could retain their benefits. Wouldn't it be better for them to maintain their morality, dignity and peace of mind by knowing they wouldn't be sacrificing the security for which their husband paid?

 I feel that there is a lack of appreciation for the military service. Many of the people in a position to change the laws do not have the understanding of the price of freedom that has so willingly been given by men and women to protect and serve in the military. Many of these lawmakers have never served nor have been willing to serve in the military; they are the very ones that deny us the benefits we so justly warrant, whether remarried or not. I do not think this is a costly proposal. If only the people who make the laws would consider how they would feel if they were to lose their pensions should they remarry!

 It would be even better to acknowledge this oversight if any rectification was made retroactive to at least age 55.

 Pat N.
 Gold Star Wife

 Dear Pat:
 As I have mentioned before, if a spouse remarries, eligibility for benefits may be restored if the marriage is terminated later by death, annulment, or divorce. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is the only Federal beneficiary program in which survivors are not permitted to remarry after age 55 and 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 a spirit of fairness, the Sarge once again urges the United States Congress to legislatively correct this inequity so that DIC recipients would not lose their benefits should they remarry after age 55.

 Shaft Kudos
 The Sarge is looking forward to joining other Marines affectionately known as the Gang of 30 and their honored guest, Marine Corps Commandant General James Jones, on May 4 at the National Democratic Club. In addition to tall stories, the Gang will begin the event with 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!

 O Lord our God, bless our misguided ideals, continue to raise up in this nation strong leaders and deliver us from 'me first' managers and 'don't ask me' followers. Be our honored guest this day. Let it be a day of laughter, good food, good drink, and the telling of tall tales and legends that occasionally exceed the truth. Watch over and keep safe those who wear this nation's uniform with special attention to their families everywhere."

 For those Marines who want to join and increase the Gang of 30 and say "hi" and "Semper fi" at this hoooorrah function should contact Mike McKinney at 703-250-3229.

 To Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA) who will honor his constituent heroes who fought at Normandy during World War II with the presentation of the Medal of the Jubilee of Liberty on May 15, 10:00 a.m. to noon, on Capitol Hill in Room 311 of the Cannon House Office Building. The medal honors those veterans who risked their lives for freedom between June 6 and August 31, 1944 in the Normandy Invasion. Says Rep. Davis, "It's important that we always take time to honor and respect those who have defended American sacrifices ... these medals are an important way of saying thanks." Those vets who qualify should contact Rose Gault at 703-916-9610 for this well-deserved medal.

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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