Bloglander

I spent 21 years, 9 months and 29 days serving this country in The US Army
Reserves. Got my retirement letter and package in 2000, I was single then.
I got married in 2004 and actually got out of the USAR in 2005. Being a
reservist I can take my small retirement at age 60. I had been called to
active duty during Desert Storm and served nearly half my career in Special
Operations (green barets). I also spent almost 2 years serving our veterans
at two VA Hospitals. I got terminal cancer this year, applied for survivor
benefits for my wife and daughter and it was DENIED. My family will never
get my retirement or any Army benefits because, appearently ..I only had a
year from the date of my marraige to apply. I should have read the
regulations on how to retire, they say. The US Army says my family can get
survivor benefits (the retirement I spent my life earning) if I would only
divorce my wife, re-marry her and re-apply. I am 53 years old with only a
few months/weeks to live...shame on the US ARMY. Now the state of
Washington can support them on welfare.