HERO'S WELCOME FOR FAMILY OF LATE FORT HOOD SOLDIER

The family of a soldier who was murdered by Nidal Hasan got a warm welcome in Texas at a memorial, and his widow spoke about the poor treatment given to victims still alive:

While Greene said she knows her husband died a hero, she said she still hopes the government will one day recognize his sacrifice. In April, the Department of Defense issued a position paper that deemed the deaths the result of “workplace violence” instead of a terrorist attack. The only instance where soldiers stationed on domestic soil qualify for the honor is if they are killed in international terrorist attack. The decision has sparked outrage across the nation as the injured were denied their full military benefits.

“It’s disrespecting all of them,” she said.“They don’t have to say it’s just workplace violence. That not what he went in for. He knew what he had signed up for.

“He wanted a career in the military. That’s where he was happiest.”

While legislation has been introduced that would extend all military benefits to Fort Hood victims, Greene said the journey has been long.

“We’re told so many different things.” she said. “I know it would mean a lot for the wounded. They’re being denied certain surgeries and they have to pay out of pocket for surgeries they desperately need. I just don’t understand why they’re not being taken care of.”

I don't understand why any military official who may say they're concerned doesn't just pay out of their pockets so that the victims don't have to wait. It's offensive indeed that the army/government so far has refused to pay them.

Using her contacts, she arranged to bring the family to the Fallen Warrior’s Memorial and for Christie’s two daughters to receive the Folds of Honor scholarship. The award is only open to family members of soldiers killed or captured in the line of duty, which is significant because it rejects the workplace violence designation.

While Greene doesn’t know if her husband will receive Purple Heart, for now she’s satisfied with the Hero’s Welcome her family received in her husband’s honor.

In September, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn proposed legislation that would provide Purple Hearts and extend federal benefits to the families of the 13 killed in the mass shooting and the injured.

“It's a just and well-deserved honor that these patriots have earned by their own blood, and these families deserve as a way of ameliorating some of the terrible loss that they have suffered in their own service to our country,” said Cornyn in a statement.

Yes, he's right. And every day the government refuses to get behind this legislation and fails to pay the medical bills for the victims, they're only proving they have no commitment to helping them.