Question for Retired Marines

[IRISH]

i would greatly appreciate any input on the following issue from our retired marines (or active marines, i suppose, too) here on xmts:

a neighbor of mine has been separated from her 50 year old retired marine husband for about a year now. he's probably been out of the corps for 20 years. their recent separation has been amicable. sadly, yesterday the guy suffered a fatal heart attack. he has no family other than an estranged brother living in alaska who may or may not have interested in being involved in the funeral arrangements.
his widow (i guess she's still a widow even though they were seperated, not divorced) has a very limited income and the kicker is that it appears that he had no life insurance.

my question to you is this: to anyone's knowledge, assuming he was honorably discharged, is there a chance that my neighbor may be entitled to any type of death benefits that might offset funeral expenses or provide some support during this difficult time? and if so, where should i direct my neighbor to inquire about such support?

please know that i am in no way looking to help her exploit the system, i'm just trying to help a neighbor out in what i can only imagine to be a terrible time. my brother is a pilot in the army and i have the utmost respect for all of our active and retired members of the armed forces.

much thanks in advance.

[Bigkahuna]

The funeral director should be able to provide all the information required re: Veterans benefits.

[timseh]

I believe this web site may be useful:

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/dependents/spouse.htm

There are a number of benefits available to veterans and the spouses of deceased veterans who were discharged under honorable conditions. Your neighbor may be eligible for assistance in paying to have him interred in a private cemetery and / or he may be eligible to be interred in a government cemetery at little or no cost. In either event, a headstone or marker may be provided at no cost. I believe survivors benefits are also available if he was actually retired (as opposed to separating from the Corps prior to retirement).

I'm not sure where you're at, but you may want to look up and contact the local chapter of the Marine Corps League. We are an organization of Marines helping Marines. Many chapters will provide an honor detail, sometimes a firing detail for funerals and graveside services, and most regularly send representatives to the funerals of fallen Marines as a show of brotherhood and respect.

You should be able to find a local detachment here:

http://www.mcleague.com/mdp/index.ph...8ce2917f83faf4

I'm always saddened to hear that another Marine has passed. But... as we say, we know we're going to Heaven, because we've done our time in Hell.

Semper Fi!
Tim
Marine Corps League Detachment #650 - Gung Ho

[dfmacliam]

Have her contact VA for any and all benefits from funeral help, burial rights and such. If he retired she could be entitled to survivor benifits if they were still married

[dfmacliam]

The Marine Corps League is a better source since it is the local Marine community who can help with her needs.

[The Wizard of BC]

You should also visit your local American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars post.

Even if he was not a member the folks there can and will help.

And if asked will usually provide an Honor Guard and assist with the funeral itself.

[Riverkilt]

She should IMMEDIATELY contact the nearest Veteran's Affairs office...or phone the national number. There are widow's benefits and they are NOT retroactive. So start early. VA came through with $1,000 a month for my mother after my father died - for his service in War2. But we didn't know about it for 20 years after he died - lost a lot of money for her. That VA monthly payment made all the difference.

AND - the folks at VA are all vets and they are the nicest, friendliest, most helpful bureaucrats you'll find anywhere. CALL NOW....if she's some paperwork somewhere with his service number on it that will help...or social security number if that was his service number.

But don't delay - call now...if she's too griefstricken then have someone else call...but call. If he saw combat think that helps with benefits too.

Don't delay.

And the American Flag for the casket comes from the closest U.S. Post Office....really.

Or it used to.

Ron
Semper Fi

[IRISH]

great thanks to all of you. i will pass this information along to my neighbor with much gratitude.

best regards

[IRISH]

i have already reached out to the chaplain of our local branch of the marine corps league and he was tremendously informative and supportive. between the chaplain and the adjutant, they are going to assist the widow to whatever extent possible.

again, my most humble gratitude to those who replied to my inquiry and to all of those who have served. best wishes to all for a peaceful weekend.

best regards