Shutdown halts death benefits for military families
A growing number of military families are facing temporary denial of the $100,000 death gratuity benefit the Defense Department typically provides after service members are killed while on active duty.
At least 17 troops have died — including six killed in Afghanistan — since the government shutdown began Oct. 1. But their family members have not immediately received the lump sum payments known as a “gratuity benefits.”
For most Guardsmen, shutdown means no pay, no training
Members of the National Guard remain in limbo during the shutdown, with their weekend drills canceled and the funding necessary for training exercises left unapproved.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s Monday announcement that the Pay Our Military Act allows many civilian employees of the Defense Department to return to work, and also guarantees payment for the military, does not help most National Guardsmen.
Veterans, impatient over shutdown, demand protection for VA benefits
WASHINGTON — Veterans groups, angry that they are being used as political pawns, are lashing out at lawmakers, telling them to find an end to the government shutdown and ensure that veterans benefits and services aren’t disrupted.
MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL 