N001435
Tuesday, January 08, 2002 12:29 AM
The value of a Soldier's life
Editor:
With the events of 11-September, we often heard that the Emergency Service
Personnel (Police, Fire, EMS, etc.) are the Domestic Infantry of the United
States. This past week , a member of
the U.S. Military, was killed in action in Afghanistan as an infantryman in
the international war on terror.
I wonder if the Victim?s Compensation Fund and the other charitable
organizations set up in the aftermath of September 11th will value his
ultimate sacrifice with the same economic value as that of the other victims
of September 11th. Or, will his survivors be given the standard military
lump sum payment of $25,000 with burial expenses, perpetual grave care at
Arlington and a flag to take home?
To discount the value of his life, or that of any member of the US Military,
by saying ?he/she knew it was a dangerous job? fails to understand that
every member the Emergency Services (FDNY, NYPD, etc) also knows that they
are paid to go in harms way. The loss of both lives should be valued
equally.
Therefore, the Victims Compensation Fund should distribute any and all
economic aid to the survivors of those killed in the line of military duty
with equality just as they would to a civilian Pentagon or NY Fire
Department victim. This means that the children of any member of the
military killed in action should get college tuition paid for, be eligible
for the lump sum payments made as well as have a tax-free pension for life
as is already available to the survivors of fire and police victims. This
would be fair under the Victims Compensation Fund and also honor the spirit
in which everyone contributed to the charities of 11-September.
Finally, let us hope that as we fight this war on terror we keep those
offering the ultimate sacrifice, like , to a
minimum.
Editor Note: If you choose to publish this I may be reached at the following
address and number and would appreciate a courtesy call from you.
Foremost Regards,
Individual Comment
New York, NY