WASHINGTON – People whose spouses in the military died in combat would be eligible for Gold Star family government benefits even if they remarry under a bill announced Thursday.
“We have to make it known to Gold Star families that they are not alone and will be a part of the military family forever,” Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., a co-sponsor of the bill, said at a news conference outside the Capitol.
Gold Star families are those with a member serving in the military who was killed in war. The term dates back to World War I when families with service members often flew flags with a blue star. If the service member died, they would change it to a flag with a gold star. Gold Star families are given lapel buttons shaped like gold stars; it is not a decoration given to the late service member.
Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., author of the bill, said that is not sufficient for their sacrifice.
Bacon, a retired Air Force General, knows many Gold Star families and has informed families of the death of their loved ones.
“Being part of the military community for most of my life made it easier for me to relate to those who lost loved ones,” said Bacon. “I’ve been at 10 different people’s homes knocking on their door informing them of a loss of their loved one.”
Gold Star families now have lifetime access to certain services and facilities at military bases, but a spouse who remarries and dependent children lose those benefits. The bill would continue the benefits for the remarried spouses and their kids. The bill also extends the privileges to the children event after they reach adulthood, according to the bill.
Although a similar legislation introduced in last year’s defense bill was unsuccessful, Rep. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., a co-sponsor of this year’s bill and one of four female combat veterans in Congress, said the group of co-sponsors is committed to getting it “across the finish line.”
Bacon said this bill was achievable because it was simpler than past versions and a step in the right direction.
“It’s better to takes bites of the apple than try to take the whole thing,” he said.
Bacon said he’s optimistic about the bill’s prospect of moving forward, even though it does not go far enough in providing services for Gold Star families.
“If this is all we did, I don’t think it’s enough, but it’s a start,” he said.