Military Families

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Comment by onmyown on April 8, 2013 at 3:38pm

Thank you both for sharing. I know what a hassle it can be to get the ID's and DOD stickers but they really are added benefits. Glad all worked out.

I hope everyone else is doing well. It makes me feel good to know that we have this group for support. It really helps to hear how others are doing. What has helped you during this process and just how your life is generally going.

 

Jen

 

Comment by KitKat on April 8, 2013 at 11:57am

Su - make sure you renew before your ID expires.  We are fortunate to have a military base nearby but during my husband's illness, we failed to get his truck or my van stickers renewed and then I noticed one day that my ID had expired.  (Widow brain really sucks the first year and half!) Because my ID and tags had expired, I had to make an appointment with the ID office, have them send that paperwork to me, then go to the security gate and get a one day pass to be able to go to the ID office to get my ID.  Then back to the security gate to get stickers for the cars.  It would have been much easier to have done before my ID expired. 

Did you check the ID online website to see if you can make an appointment in your area?  This is the website where you can find ID centers and try to make an online appointment:

http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/appj/site;jsessionid=RTJ6RvyBYxbhR9GsNh...

Good luck!

 

Comment by Su on April 8, 2013 at 11:37am

I was getting a military discount at Home Depot the other day and notice my ID card is expiring in May!!! Ted was service connected disabled, VN era. I've never done this on my own. In checking the web, I kept getting the Rapids site. I live in Southern Oregon and that site wanted me to go to Bend, Oregon. That's a 5 hour drive. I knew there was a place closer, but with deployments, it's been changed several times over the years.  I finally found a phone number y'all might be able to use 800-538-9552. The robot lady found the National Guard in southern Oregon where I can get my card renewed. 

Comment by onmyown on April 5, 2013 at 11:32am

Thank you, RJMC and for sharing. I am so sorry for your loss. Glad that you have been abe to find support here and through TAPS. I hope you are doing well.

 

Jen

Comment by RJMC on April 5, 2013 at 7:44am

Hello Ladies,

I am happy to see this group active, but of course sorry for the reason. Onmyown, thank you for taking on the role as greeter.

moderndayjune-I am so sorry for your recent loss. I lost my husband, also AD Navy in December 2011 to a heart attack. He died in our bedroom with me. There was an immediate autopsy with results within 48 hours but in the interim NCIS visited my house, took pictures of our bedroom. It was established pretty quickly that he died (at 37) of natural causes. I received my initial death "payment" and the remaining SGLI pretty quickly and the DIC from the VA pretty quickly. I did not start receiving SBP until 5-6 months later because NCIS needed to close the case and send it somewhere for a sign off.

My CACO was with me every step and kept on top of things. Sometimes it takes time. I am glad you have found TAPS--they have been a great resource for me.

I hope that helped.

Comment by onmyown on April 4, 2013 at 10:51pm

I would think the CACO should know. I would stay on her. Also, the Vets should have contacted you because they have many benefits that you will want to use for purchasing/refinancing a home or pursuing educational goals. Folds of Honor is another great organization, but they have some requirements. Please keep me/us posted.  So glad we have this site.

Comment by moderndayjune on April 4, 2013 at 10:08pm

onmyown- I called SS, TAPS has called me and offered to set me up with a group when I relocate back to Nevada. My CACO has stayed in touch but has said she has no idea the time frame on the investigation, or how she'll know what the status is. I was just curious as to what other people had experienced.

Peaceful, that's terrible that you were legally married but are not a recognized spouse. I'm so sorry :(

Comment by Su on April 4, 2013 at 9:54pm

Peaceful, Push push push. You may be the one to change things. You are recognized in your state. You are married. It will be hard. Good luck. Proud of you and your service. 

 

Comment by onmyown on April 4, 2013 at 9:12pm

Peaceful,

I am so sorry for your loss and all that you are having to go through. Glad to hear about your daughter. You are in my prayers.

Comment by Peaceful555 on April 4, 2013 at 8:50pm

Hi,  my spouse died on active duty on February 10th of this year.  They are still conducting the LOD investigation although our CAO thinks that it should be finished very soon.  My case is a little different because I was in a same-sex relationship (legally married in our state but not recognized by the military and federal government).  I have had to fight every step of the way but our state's National Guard has tried to help me as much as possible.  I cannot get an ID card, health insurance or survivorship benefits because of our status.  I have applied and been rejected for VA and Social Security survivorship benefits.  We were very proud to be a military family and we would serve our country again even though I cannot be recognized as a "true" spouse.  It was definitely the right thing to do- my spouse deployed in Operation New Dawn and I was proud to support her.  My daughter is a legal dependent so luckily, she is taken care of.  It is a relief because it would be much worse to be worried about her status on top of grieving the loss of my spouse.  We were together for 16 years when she passed away from cancer in February.

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