Originally Posted by vargsriket

I have read that the Gov't increased the amount the family of a dead soldier recieves from $200,000 to $500,000, or at least it was in legislation. I don't how if it's only for those dying in a combat zone, KIA or accidents, or applies towards everyone serving in in the military.

The servicemember must participate in the Serviceman's Group Life Insurance program, taking a certain amount of money out of each paycheck to contribute, proportionally, to the amount of coverage he/she receives. The maximum coverage was raised to $400,000, which equals about $27 a month. You can request less coverage, or none at all. Any payout must be from a duty-related incident (not just KIA).

In my opinion, the SGLI stinks, and I have my reasons that I won't share. The govt should pay the full $400,000 for every KIA servicemember. It is the least it should do.

But if the doctors can "Medically Retire" a service member before they die, the family gets the paycheck until the kids are 18 or something like that.

On top of SGLI...

When I went to Iraq, I got additional policies.

rip sgt.rafael peraita-this story brought tears to me omg what a brave man.

Originally Posted by Strongbow

And will the US Government adequately compensate families of these very brave men who make these incredibly brave sacrifices????

That is totally uncalled for. The military has traditionally taken care of the families in all past wars. The individual currently has the opportunity to buy up to $500,000 term life insurance for less than a coke a day. To presume that the government should bestow millions upon their families is absurd.

9/11 made monsters regarding compensation for acts of terrorism as well as war. Those men and women that died in the Pentagon (at one time) were not included with the families that were given millions for the loss.

What's next? Paying all of the people of New Orleans millions each because a natural disaster happened?

I spent 28+ years serving my country, all the time I knew that I could be put into harm's way, that was the price I paid to defend our freedoms. I would do it again without hesitation.

The Marine in the article surely deserves the CMH (Congressional Medal of Honor). If you feel the same way simply write a letter to your congressman/woman and state so. It might not get the motion going but at least they will have the name on their mind when the issue comes up.

JMHO, but no where in the core values does it decry the Honor, Courage and Committment it takes to sacrifice your life for your shipmates (remember I'm Navy) or fellow soldiers, Marines, etx. There is also nothing written that says it's your duty to die for your country or for your shipmates. The act of courage by the Marine in question is going above and beyond the call of duty, and that part of my opinion is more fact than opinion.

Originally Posted by vargsriket

I have read that the Gov't increased the amount the family of a dead soldier recieves from $200,000 to $500,000, or at least it was in legislation. I don't how if it's only for those dying in a combat zone, KIA or accidents, or applies towards everyone serving in in the military.

I investigated on MoH recommendations, and found this http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...ef/20045143251

As stated before, SGLI has bee offered to every service member for many years. The value of the policy is dependant upon what each individual service member wants to pay for. Some have zero, some have the max.

I am happy to know about him and very sad I didn't know sooner.

As for individual solider,Sgt. Rafael Peralta's action is very great. But I become dolorous when I think how negligible the thing is when compared with the whole nation's will.