Stop-Loss

Although I am saddened by the untimely demise of Natasha Richardson, the surrounding news coverage leads me to wonder how many people of non-celebrity status die in skiing accidents or due to head trauma. People should be made aware of the importance of prompt medical care, regardless of a victim's social status or career.

According to the Military Times, "the Pentagon . . . will pay for families of fallen soldiers to travel to the Delaware base where the U.S. military's deceased are flown from overseas" (Military Times). I feel that it is the least the government can do for the families of fallen service members -- how horrible would it be to learn your son has died but you can't meet him at Dover because money is tight?

Also, a retroactive monthly $500 will be paid to stop-lossed soldiers dating to October 1, 2008. beginning April 1. The Army will begin to deploy units without stop-loss in January of 2010, and the practice will tentatively be eliminated March 2011.