WASHINGTON – The Department of Defense has announced that death benefits will be restored to families of fallen soldiers by a charitable organization.
According to a press release from Pentagon Press Secretary George Little, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel greatly appreciates the generosity of the Fisher House Foundation in making $100,000 death gratuity payments and providing other funds to the families of fallen service members.
The Fisher House Foundation offered to make the death gratuity payments to these families from its own funds, and Office of Management and Budget officials determined DOD can enter into a contract with the Fisher House Foundation to provide these benefits. After the shutdown ends, DOD will reimburse the Fisher House for the costs it has incurred.