Fort Hood Victims awarded the Purple Heart, denied benefits. How could we help?

2015-04-09T21:32:46-04:00

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/04/09/fort-hood-shooting-victim-denied-benefits-despite-purple-heart-decision/

Fort Hood shooting victim denied benefits, despite Purple Heart decision

The Obama administration has finally acknowledged that those hurt and killed in the 2009 Fort Hood shootings were victims of terrorism -- and not “workplace violence,” as it was previously described.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 9:38 PM

2015-04-09T21:38:40-04:00

Sorry for not expanding on the question, I am still learning this website, and this sort of thing really strikes a nerve, as a soldier, as a medic, as a brother in arms and as I could be in his shoes. I was thinking more on the line of contacting AL/VFW's as well as a campaign of calling your elected congresspersons (Both chambers). We already face to many hardships, this should not be one of them

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 1:35 PM

2015-04-10T13:35:26-04:00

Just got this answer about awarding the PH to non-combat military.

An Army statement said Secretary of the Army John McHugh has approved the awards following a change in the medals’ eligibility criteria mandated by Congress.

“The Purple Heart’s strict eligibility criteria had prevented us from awarding it to victims of the horrific attack at Fort Hood,” McHugh is quoted as saying. “Now that Congress has changed the criteria, we believe there is sufficient reason to allow these men and women to be awarded and recognized with either the Purple Heart or, in the case of civilians, the Defense of Freedom medal. It’s an appropriate recognition of their service and sacrifice.”

Under a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015, Congress expanded the eligibility for the Purple Heart by redefining what should be considered an attack by a “foreign terrorist organization” for purposes of determining eligibility for the Purple Heart, the Army release said.

The legislation states that an event should now be considered an attack by a foreign terrorist organization if the perpetrator of the attack “was in communication with the foreign terrorist organization before the attack” and “the attack was inspired or motivated by the foreign terrorist organization.”

In a review of the Fort Hood incident and the new provisions of law, the Army determined that there was sufficient evidence to conclude Hasan “was in communication with the foreign terrorist organization before the attack,” and that his radicalization and subsequent acts could reasonably be considered to have been “inspired or motivated by the foreign terrorist organization.”

Soldiers receiving the Purple Heart automatically qualify for combat-related special compensation upon retirement. Recipients are also eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

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Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 2:21 PM

2015-04-10T14:21:29-04:00

“MAJ Hasan has been charged with criminal activity, but has not been adjudicated a terrorist.

Since MAJ. Nidal Hasan is on death row at Ft. Leonard Wood, wouldn't he now be considered a terrorist, or is it because of the murders?

Army spokeswoman Cynthia O. Smith told Fox News in a statement, “All recipients of the Purple Heart Medal under section 571 of the NDAA 2015 will receive the benefits to which they are legally entitled.In the case at issue, no final decision has been rendered, and the Soldier will have a full opportunity to present evidence at a formal hearing."

Based on the statement, Fox News followed up to ask if it is the Army's intention that the Fort Hood Purple Heart recipients would need to go to a formal hearing, as is the case with Manning,to prove their injuries are combat-related. There was no further comment from the Army.

Fox News' Pamela Browne contributed to this report.

I still don't understand why they wouldn't receive medical and back pay benefits.. Maybe it should be considered " Injured On The Job ", and let OSHA get the back pay and medical for them. If back pay can be a possibility for the Coward Bergdhal , why won't these soldiers have that possibility?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 2:33 PM

2015-04-10T14:33:16-04:00

His actions, by act of congress were deemed as influenced by terror and foreign enemies.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 10 at 2015 3:08 PM

2015-04-10T15:08:45-04:00

Like most Fox News reports this story looks like a soup-sandwich.

Why is this trooper not still in the military?
If he was shot while on duty and still in the hospital, why is he not still in the service?
All injuries incurred while in the serve are deemed "service connected".