House Passes Cohen Amendment to Honor Fallen Soldiers Last Request
June 25, 2009
Current law, 10 U.S.C. 1482, limits who can be designated by a service member to oversee the disposition of remains to a spouse, blood relative, or adoptive parent. The Cohen Amendment would require the Pentagon to initiate a study to examine the effects of expanding the current statute to include other people, including foster parents, friends or fellow soldiers.
“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. I believe that this is wrong,” Congressman Cohen said.
Congressman Cohen first learned of this issue following the death of Specialist Christopher Fox of Memphis, who died while serving in Iraq. Fox wanted his mother-figure—the woman who was awarded temporary custody when he was 17—to oversee his burial arrangements. Her name was listed on the DD93 form filled out by Specialist Fox to direct thee disposition of his remains, as required by the DOD. However, due to Federal law, the DOD could not allow his written intent to be carried out.
“Specialist Fox is not alone in wanting someone other than a spouse or blood relative to oversee their burial arrangements,” Congressman Cohen said. “We need to remember the sacrifices of our service members and do what we can to honor their memory and their wishes. This study is the first step toward that end.”
The Cohen proposal has garnered the wide support of many national military and veterans organizations. Expansion of 10 U.S.C. 1482 is supported by: the Air Force Association; AMVETS; National Association of Uniformed Services; National Guard Association of the United States; United States Army Warrant Officers Association; and, the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Steven Broderick
Communications Director
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9)
1005 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Direct: 202-226-7916
Main: 202-225-3265
steven.broderick@mail.house.gov
“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. I believe that this is wrong,” Congressman Cohen said.
Congressman Cohen first learned of this issue following the death of Specialist Christopher Fox of Memphis, who died while serving in Iraq. Fox wanted his mother-figure—the woman who was awarded temporary custody when he was 17—to oversee his burial arrangements. Her name was listed on the DD93 form filled out by Specialist Fox to direct thee disposition of his remains, as required by the DOD. However, due to Federal law, the DOD could not allow his written intent to be carried out.
“Specialist Fox is not alone in wanting someone other than a spouse or blood relative to oversee their burial arrangements,” Congressman Cohen said. “We need to remember the sacrifices of our service members and do what we can to honor their memory and their wishes. This study is the first step toward that end.”
The Cohen proposal has garnered the wide support of many national military and veterans organizations. Expansion of 10 U.S.C. 1482 is supported by: the Air Force Association; AMVETS; National Association of Uniformed Services; National Guard Association of the United States; United States Army Warrant Officers Association; and, the Vietnam Veterans of America.
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________________________Steven Broderick
Communications Director
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9)
1005 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Direct: 202-226-7916
Main: 202-225-3265
steven.broderick@mail.house.gov
Issues:Defense