Bill Introduced to Support Families of Fallen Soldiers Serving Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Efforts

Press Release

Following the loss of six U.S. Marines in a helicopter crash on May 12, 2015 while serving a military ordered humanitarian assistance mission to the victims of the Nepal earthquake, Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-08) along with Congressman Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Congressman Matt Salmon (AZ-05), and Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) today introduced The Fallen Hero Family Assistance Act.

Currently, the military only covers the cost of travel for primary next-of-kin of service members killed in combat operations to attend the dignified transfer ceremonies. This bill will ensure families of our fallen service members are guaranteed transportation to attend transfer ceremonies and a solemn ceremony to honor their service, whether their deaths occurred in a designated combat zone or an ordered humanitarian relief operation.

Congressman Franks: "To whom do we owe more than those in service to this great nation? Whether in a combat zone or through humanitarian and disaster relief assistance, our servicemen and women sacrifice daily for this great nation. Lives lost abroad during military operations, both combat and relief-related, should be honored with the same dignity and respect. This bill will show gratitude and ensure support for the families of every member of our armed forces in times of great loss."

Congressman Ruben Gallego: "I'm proud to co-sponsor the Fallen Hero Family Assistance Act so that military families who lose a loved one abroad can travel to meet the remains without financial concern. When someone joins the military, they're not the only ones who make sacrifices; their family suffers and sacrifices as well. The least we can do for a grieving military family member is ensure that they can accompany the body of their loved one back home."

Congressman Matt Salmon: "When six brave Marines were killed in Nepal, their families were surprised to find that current Department of Defense regulations did not consider the Marines' humanitarian mission a sufficient sacrifice to fund their families' trip to the dignified transfer ceremony that welcomes fallen service members back to the United States. While I appreciate that the Secretary of the Navy was able to remedy the problem for these Marines, no family members of any service member who dies on any mission should be left with the uncertainty that existed in this case. I am proud to join my Arizona colleagues in introducing the Fallen Hero Family Assistance Act to remedy this problem."

Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema: "We are immensely grateful for the sacrifices made by our service members and their families, in particular those who lost their lives serving our country. The last thing grieving families should be forced to face is a fight with government bureaucracy. It's our duty to return our fallen heroes home to their families with respect and dignity."