Congressman Cohen Introduces the Honor the WISH Act

“On this anniversary, we need to remember the sacrifices of our fighting men and women and do what we can to honor their memory and their wishes,” said Congressman Cohen. “It is a travesty that our laws do not allow a soldier’s wishes to be honored – especially something as simple, yet meaningful, as overseeing the disposition arrangements.”

Members of the Armed Services fill out a DD93 Form to designate who will direct disposition of the member’s remains if they die in active duty. However, current law only allows them to designate a spouse, blood relatives or adoptive parents. Some of our servicemembers would prefer someone who does not fall into these categories to bear that responsibility, but are prohibited by federal law to do so. The Honor the WISH Act would allow servicemen and women to designate whomever they want to direct disposition.

Congressman Cohen was prompted to draw up this legislation after learning of soldier from the 9th District of Tennessee who died in Iraq. He had listed on a form a family friend – a person he saw as a mother figure – to oversee his burial arrangements should he be killed in action. That soldier died in Iraq on September 29, 2008 of wounds he sustained when he encountered small-arms fire while on patrol, and when his remains were returned to the U.S., the person he selected to direct his disposition was unable to collect his remains.

Republican Congressmen John Duncan (TN-02) and Dana Rohrabacher (CA-46) are lead cosponsors of the bill.

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Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265