P000194
Saturday, January 26, 2002 11:42 PM
Comments Regarding Federal Victims Compensation Program
To: Mr. Feinberg - Department of Justice
From: - Staten Island, NY
My husband, , was a fireman who heroically died on September
11th. He was a hardworking man, dedicated husband, father and firefighter.
We have 3 children (babies) - 4 years old, 3 years old and 1 year, who now
have to spend their entire lives without a father. I lost my husband who was
a kind and wonderful individual whom I loved with all my heart. Now you tell
us that he will receive nothing from this so called compensation fund.
provided for us immensely. Although being a fireman did not afford him
a big salary, he knew that his pension would provide for us after his
retirement. He always understood that the FDNY was not a high paying job but
the pension made it more attractive and helping people was part of his gift.
The goal for his pension was for our family's future not to "compensate" for
the loss of his life. How can you negate something that he strived for his
entire career? This fund was designed to aid families in this tragic
incident -- how are you helping me by scrutinizing my husband's financial
intentions? Yes, my husband had a pension plan but we always thought we
would revel in it together.
Every day he went to work to do his job to the best of his ability but on
September 11th, he was murdered doing that job. He died helping to save the
city that he loved and it's citizens. Is that not punishment enough? This
fund was earmarked for the victims and you want to deny me money that can
help me accomplish the goals that we set for our children. Without , I
am faced with raising 3 babies on my own. I have a whole life time ahead of
me to try to provide for them. Three life times of doctors, food, clothing,
education and some sort of normalcy without their Daddy. I myself had to
resign from my job to take care of them and forfeit my yearly salary. I do
not know when or if I will ever be able to return to work.
In my eyes, on 9/11 the government failed us all. This heinous act of
terrorism occurred in our very own country with no warning. We were blind
sided and I wonder exactly who was not doing their job. Now my family is
destroyed and I wish for all the victims to be recognized and fairly
compensation by this federal fund. How can you possibly ask me to justify
how much my husband's life was worth and how difficult our lives will be
without him?
Individual Comment
Staten Island, NY