What were your feelings when you heard families of fallen Soldiers wouldn't receive their SGLI/death gratuity?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 00:21:30 -0500

I have never been ashamed of any part of my committment to serve,but when I heard that fallen Soldiers families were told they wouldn't receive SGLI I was ashamed of decisions that allowed politicians and the Army to do such a thing. I immediately got mad, I felt these Soldiers did their duty. They didn't go AWOL or hide when faced with deploying. Why couldn't our nation follow through and honor their committment. And more importantly what if this happens again? Your thoughts?

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 7 at 2014 12:26 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 00:26:33 -0500

It felt as if we were a "pawn" in a game of political chess. It was very disappointing. The Fisher House and other agencies really stood up and helped out during that time period. I really couldn't believe that I was watching and listening to congressmen and congresswomen and their comments were so far out of touch with what was going on at the time with affected families. It was really disappointing and pathetic.

Response by GySgt Cortez Liggins made May 9 at 2019 2:03 PM

GySgt Cortez Liggins — Thu, 09 May 2019 14:03:13 -0400

I was devastated when my wife was infected with (what is now accepted as Gulf War illness) this so-called rare disease. Although she was infected during active duty, she did not reenlist because of her sickness and later passed away. I was then told that I would not receive SGLI. There I was now a widow with 3 little children and had to just go back to work as if nothing happened. It affects me up to this day.

Response by SGT Kerry Sommers made Jul 3 at 2022 8:13 PM

SGT Kerry Sommers — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 20:13:05 -0400

Despicable! But not surprising!

Response by CPL Linda B. made Jul 6 at 2022 9:53 PM

CPL Linda B. — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 21:53:19 -0400

I'd like to put some of those politicians out themedals politicians out there in the field... Maybe they changed their mind if they lost a loved one

Response by SGT Kerry Sommers made Apr 12 at 2023 7:33 PM

SGT Kerry Sommers — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 19:33:44 -0400

I am now working with the Pact Act process. It is disorganized and total chaos. Same treatment Vietnam veterans went through with agent orange. They drag their feet and hope the veteran dies before they help them. Every generation gets treated badly. 1 to 2 percent of the population serve so most people don’t give a damn. Bring back the draft and let the rich folks serve and the way we are treated with change fast. Please let me know if you’re working on the Pact Act process. Love to hear how it going for you!! Thank you!