Death Benefits Put on Hold for Families of Soldiers killed in Training Exercise

The families of the two Fort Carson soldiers killed in a training exercise in California will not receive death benefits at this time because of the government shutdown.

The death benefit is given to families for the death of a service member for any reason. Families receive $100,000 and can use the money for funeral and travel costs. During the shutdown these benefits can’t be paid out. Lt. Col. Jason Brown, an Army Spokesman says, “Death benefits to families of military members killed in the line of duty will not be paid until appropriations are enacted.”

During the shutdown of 2013, Congress passed a law to allow the retroactive payment of the death benefit.

Major General Randy A. George, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson said in a statement, “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of two 4th Infantry Division Soldiers at the National Training Center today. Our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to their families and friends during this difficult and painful time. The loss of any soldier truly saddens everyone here at the Mountain Post and it is a tremendous loss to the team.”