By e-mail, it has been requested through the AP at the suggestion of one of their reporters in New Mexico that I sift through bank records to prove or disprove my word.
At this point, I feel it is all political no matter who wants to know anymore. I truly cannot believe what is happening and what’s more I can’t believe this isn’t information that a reporter could not have pulled up. I did on FOX and then I went and dug this stuff out.
I want this to be the end of it from everyone. Any tiny shred of comfort that might have been brought to me during all of this just continues to be shredded more.
I’m not going down to my safe deposit box or turn anyone on to any of my bank records and if anyone is too simple to figure out the truth from here, then I can’t help you.
I received the check the same day as Captain Teague and Gunny Sergeant Velasquez went with me to the hospital in Lubbock where my mother was recovering from skin grafts. I believe it was on the 28th of April that I went to the Reserve Unit in Lubbock to meet my casualty officers, because the best I can remember it was two days that Jerry and other family members kept the remote control and newspapers hid from Aaron’s granny until I could make it there to tell her in person myself—so that she could see I was okay! The Marines changed into Dress Blues and went with me, Greg, and Tiffany to tell my mother after all of the paper work was signed. I met them there instead of them coming to me.
I used part of this money to cover my half of the remainder of his burial. Note the date of the payment. Funeral homes have no real mercy either.
Clear, now?
Here is a link that I went straight to on FOX that tells how much the death gratuity is, copied here in small part:
At this point, I feel it is all political no matter who wants to know anymore. I truly cannot believe what is happening and what’s more I can’t believe this isn’t information that a reporter could not have pulled up. I did on FOX and then I went and dug this stuff out.
I want this to be the end of it from everyone. Any tiny shred of comfort that might have been brought to me during all of this just continues to be shredded more.
I’m not going down to my safe deposit box or turn anyone on to any of my bank records and if anyone is too simple to figure out the truth from here, then I can’t help you.
I received the check the same day as Captain Teague and Gunny Sergeant Velasquez went with me to the hospital in Lubbock where my mother was recovering from skin grafts. I believe it was on the 28th of April that I went to the Reserve Unit in Lubbock to meet my casualty officers, because the best I can remember it was two days that Jerry and other family members kept the remote control and newspapers hid from Aaron’s granny until I could make it there to tell her in person myself—so that she could see I was okay! The Marines changed into Dress Blues and went with me, Greg, and Tiffany to tell my mother after all of the paper work was signed. I met them there instead of them coming to me.
I used part of this money to cover my half of the remainder of his burial. Note the date of the payment. Funeral homes have no real mercy either.
Clear, now?
Here is a link that I went straight to on FOX that tells how much the death gratuity is, copied here in small part:
Pols Push to Boost Soldiers' Death Benefits
Thursday, January 13, 2005
WASHINGTON — So far, 1,511 members of the U.S. military have died in Iraq (search) and Afghanistan. The government currently pays a death benefit of $12,000.
That's double what was paid a year ago, but a bipartisan push in Congress is seeking to increase death benefits to $100,000. Several states are also moving to increase death benefits for their National Guard (search) and Reserve forces.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
WASHINGTON — So far, 1,511 members of the U.S. military have died in Iraq (search) and Afghanistan. The government currently pays a death benefit of $12,000.
That's double what was paid a year ago, but a bipartisan push in Congress is seeking to increase death benefits to $100,000. Several states are also moving to increase death benefits for their National Guard (search) and Reserve forces.
Follow the link for the rest of the info.
and also, copies of my own little book shown at the top.
Please, please…. everyone leave me alone about this.
PUT this much energy into telling the story of what the first journalist who tried to destroy my life caused. I'm sick of it! But that's right, I'm just the Mom... no one of any real consequence or importance!
Please, please…. everyone leave me alone about this.
PUT this much energy into telling the story of what the first journalist who tried to destroy my life caused. I'm sick of it! But that's right, I'm just the Mom... no one of any real consequence or importance!
There needs to be a law against being used this way!
3 comments:
This is the first time I've read this. I'm ashamed to say that I've never read any of my Blue Star Mother letters that were given me at the funeral either. Every time someone gave me something, I just put it in the chest. I've never gone back to find something until now.
All of the letters I wrote Aaron; when they came back, I gave them all to Lisa, unopened. Except for the last one that I wrote on the day he was killed. I had to open it for Operation Homecoming and even there, the letter was made to sound as of no real determination... as if I came across it. The only things I've "came across" are personal items left behind before he died. Everything since is stored away.
Shortly after Aaron was killed, I rented a safe deposit box to keep as much of his stuff as possible. I would have rented the bank if they'd let me. I had my house re-wired. I became obsessed with not losing one other thing.
I've apologized to the reporter for the scathing post here. I'm sorry. A lot of buttons were pushed last evening, but that still doesn't excuse it. So really, as all can see, the few readers I have, mostly family and on the blessed days, someone who knew or fought with Aaron, but to all of you, I am sorry it has all come to this. I am bitterly hurt and my New Mexico flag will come down just as the sand did. Not because I hate New Mexico, but because it doesn't belong up there now with the cross and Purple Heart, Silver Star and final photo of my baby reading mail. It has been disgraced and I'm sorry for letting it all get to me. I don't like for anything to take from what Aaron and those like him have given. Not even a dipsy mom should have any notoriety. I've done by best to hold my head high with honor, but I am human like reporters and politicians. We all have our things that are important to us and our families and I want no part in hurting anyone. What Richardson did is a disgrace, but it is no more so than those we each pull every day. I forgive him without him asking and I am genuinely sorry for taking issue with the reporter over my absolute distrust of them and total heartbreak of digging through stuff I haven't touched since it was placed there.
My Deely,
No one can blame you for your reaction to what has happened with Richardson. It couldn't have happened at a worse time. You have always held your head high with honor for Aaron, and you always will. You have done nothing to dishonor him, yourself or this family in any way. My heart has been heavy and broken for you all week. This news,the news of Major Zembiecs death, the news of Private First Class Joseph Anzack, Jr.'s body being found, the fear and worry for the other missing troops and then Memorial weekend arriving has had me sad all week. This weekend is no holiday. My heart breaks for Anzack's and the other troops families.
Even with the loss of Aaron, I realize how blessed our family was to get him back to us whole. We have the knowing that he was not tortured, broken apart by an IED or held in captivity. I cannot even imagine what these families are going through and my heart and prayers go out to them.
I love you, De'on, and this too shall pass.
Everything you say is so true. So true. And thank you for saying it. Those poor families. God has given us so many tender mercies. I know He will give them to those families too. Something. There has to be something.
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