More than a decade of war has affected both servicemembers and their families in a variety of ways, and that is especially true for those who care for a loved one who was injured during combat. A new study from the Rand Corporation sought to uncover what challenges these family caregivers face on a day-to-day basis, and the findings reveal a surprising lack of information about these vital members of the military community.
Military caregivers face unique challenges
Among the most surprising findings is that 96 percent of people who care for wounded warriors are women, but researchers also determined that military caregivers encounter some obstacles that the civilian population – those who care for elderly or ill relatives – do not. For instance, their loved ones often have more significant injuries and they have to navigate a more complex healthcare system. Furthermore, they often provide care for longer periods of time – sometimes around the clock.
Not much known
Experts say as many as 1 million spouses, parents or relatives provide some form of assistance to a loved one who was injured serving overseas. In addition to the more than 50,000 soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, hundreds of thousands more have post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and other similar conditions. Still, despite the numbers, military caregivers often don't get the same amount of attention that those in the civilian population receive.
"Just as the nation's longest period of wartime has posed challenges for the military, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have created hardships on the family members and others who provide care to the wounded warriors once they return home," said study author Terri Tanielian. "Unfortunately, we know relatively little about this group of caregivers and there is no unified effort to make sure their needs are being met."
What's being done?
While there are no unified efforts to meet the needs of military caregivers, that's not to say there aren't initiatives and benefits available to them. For instance, legislation from 2010 created the Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (SCAADL), which is a program operated through the Department of Defense that offers a monthly stipend to military caregivers. The Department of Veterans Affairs also runs a caregivers program that provides a variety of benefits.
When President Barack Obama officially repealed "don't ask, don't tell" more than a year and a half ago, it was signaled as a big win for gay and lesbian troops, but there is still a lot of work to be done when it comes to extending benefits to same-sex couples. Handcuffed by the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the Pentagon currently denies gay military families nearly 100 individual benefits. However, changes might be in the works.
DOMA heads to SCOTUS
DOMA is one of the biggest obstacles in the path to extending military benefits to same-sex couples. The law, which was passed in the 1990s, prevents the federal government from recognizing any marriage that is not between a man and a woman. While this hamstrings efforts from the Obama administration to advocate for marriage equality, the situation may change in the next few months as DOMA heads to the Supreme Court.
Whether the Supreme Court declares DOMA unconstitutional is still up in the air, but public support for the bill is low, according to MSNBC. In fact, numerous surveys over the last year have shown that the majority of Americans support making gay marriage legal.
How are same-sex families hurt?
As one of his final acts as Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta extended certain benefits – such as ID cards to get on base and legal assistance – to gay couples, but The Huffington Post reports there are still many that they cannot take advantage of. For instance, education benefits offered by the GI Bill, the coverage of reassignment costs and the Family and Medical Leave Act are all still unavailable. Rep. Adam Smith plans on introducing a bill that would redefine the word "spouse" under U.S. Code so that DOMA has no impact.
"The administration is doing what it can within the constraints that are in place, but the job is not done," he said earlier this year.
Obama opposes DOMA
Since officially announcing his support for gay marriage last year, President Obama has not been shy about voicing his opinion on DOMA. In February, his office released a brief that called the act unconstitutional. Specifically, the brief said that the law violates the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment.
Suicide is undoubtedly one of the biggest issues facing the military community. Whether it is soldiers who have separated from service, veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan or active duty troops, it's clear that the rate of servicemembers taking their own lives is on the rise. Though the situation may seem dire, both the Department of Veterans Affairs and Pentagon plan on taking steps to address the problem in the coming years, and there are many resources available to soldiers grappling with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions that may raise the risk of suicide.
Issue on the rise
There's no question 2012 was a bad year for suicide in the military. Pentagon statistics show 349 soldiers took their own lives last year, which was up considerably from the 301 in 2011 and also more than the 295 Americans who were killed in combat. In response to the startling statistics, Senator Patty Murray, the former chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, said that her colleagues in Congress should do more to address the issue.
"This is an epidemic that cannot be ignored," she said earlier this year, according to The Associated Press. "As our newest generation of servicemembers and veterans face unprecedented challenges, today's news shows we must be doing more to ensure they are not slipping through the cracks."
Pentagon recognizes the issue
Given the rise in the number of soldiers committing suicide, it's no surprise that the Pentagon has made prevention a priority. Still, experts say addressing suicide in the military is not an easy task. Kim Ruocco, who heads a suicide prevention program Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), says that it's near impossible to be with an at-risk individual every hour of the day to make sure they don't take their own lives. Instead, she says the goal is to recognize risk factors, whether they be PTSD, substance abuse, or trouble transitioning, and make soldiers aware that there are resources available to them.
"Now that we're decreasing our troops and they're coming back home, that's when they're really in the danger zone," Ruocco, whose husband killed himself in 2005 after serving in Iraq, told the AP.
Glimmers of progress
The situation may seem dire, but some outposts in the military have shown success in preventing suicides, including Fort Bliss. The New Mexico installation had the lowest suicide rate in the military during 2012 and actually saw a decrease from 2011 to 2012. Officials at Fort Bliss say there is no one magic solution to curbing suicide rates, but rather a well-rounded approach to risk education and resilience may be the best method. The base has also made a concerted effort to reduce behaviors such as drug abuse, motor vehicle accidents and other deaths that can be prevented.
"Our approach creates layer upon layer upon layer of safety nets," explained Army Lt. Col. Leonard Gruppo.
Resources available
Veterans and active duty soldiers should know that they have resources available to them if they are considering suicide. Specifically, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates a 24-hour counseling service not only to soldiers, but also to their family members. Known as the Veterans Crisis Line, servicemembers can either dial 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, visit www.VeteransCrisisLine.net or text 838255. Since it was launched in 2007, the line has fielded more than 650,000 calls. There are a number of other places soldiers can turn as well, including the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, which can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Soon after Michelle Obama called on governors to make it easier for members of the military to find jobs after separating from services, second lady Dr. Jill Biden spoke out on behalf of their spouses. During a meeting with the National Governors Association, she said that governors should make it possible for the husbands and wives of servicemembers to transfer their professional licenses from state to state.
Frequent moves threaten stability
Of all the challenges military families face, having to move frequently is one of the most difficult. According to the Department of Defense, spouses of those in the Armed Forces have to move an average of 10 more times than the average person. Aside from causing a great deal of stress, this makes it difficult for them to find jobs. As a result, the unemployment rate among military spouses in considerably higher than it is for the civilian population. However, allowing them to use similar licenses and other credentials across state lines, as the second lady is recommending, could make it easier for them to find jobs.
The time is now
Experts estimate that thousands of soldiers will be separating from service over the next several years, which will place a heavy emphasis on the need for both members of military families finding jobs. So far, 28 states have pro spouse policies in place. These laws include language that makes it easier for teachers, social workers, nurses and other similar professionals to transfer from state to state. Still, Biden told the governors that more needs to be done.
"We hope all of you will reach out to your bases and your National Guard and Reserve communities [and] talk with the military spouses – I'm sure many of you already do this already – and make sure that these laws are working for our military families," she told the governors gathered at the White House.
A longtime goal for Biden
Along with Michelle Obama, Biden has been one of the leading voices behind the Joining Forces initiative. Along with helping military families and servicemembers find employment opportunities, the program has been committed to helping spread support for their causes across the United States. Additionally, Obama and Biden have made a point to help schools recognize the unique challenges faced by military children.
Those who have loved ones in the military face many challenges, and many of them relate to finances. Military Saves Week, which runs from February 25 through March 2, was launched in an effort to improve the financial stability of military families, and there are a few tricks they can learn this week that may help them save money in the coming years, experts say.
Some money-saving strategies only require making changes to where one shops. For instance, families who shop at a commissary can spend as much as 31 percent less compared to other options. Spending less money on basic items such as food and clothing helps families find room for more significant expenses, whether they are paying off college loans or building a savings account.
Paying off debt is another step families should consider during Military Saves Week. According to a study released last year by the Investor Education Foundation, an estimated 25 percent of credit card holders said they were holding at least $10,000 in debt. Even if military families do not have this high a debt paying it down is a must if they want to save more or eventually buy a home.
Perhaps most importantly, however, military families should focus on saving more. According to The Huffington Post, the trick to this is to closely track one's spending over the course of the month to see if there is anywhere to trim expenses.
The deadline for filing taxes is approaching more quickly than some military families might realize. While this process might not be stressful for some people, others may struggle with knowing exactly what deductions they can take. It's an understandable concern, especially with the often-complicated tax rules, but Credit.com reports there are a few deductions that military families should be certain to take advantage of this year.
This year resembles last year
With the discussions surrounding the budget and debt, it may seem like there were considerable changes to the tax code, but such was not the case, according to the website. This year should be similar to when military families filed for taxes in 2011.
Healthcare expenses
Medical costs can be some of the biggest financial obstacles for military families, but the good news is that they can write off some of them when it comes time to file their taxes. For instance, everything from therapy and counseling to dental care and premiums can come into play. However, the medical expenses must add up to 7.5 percent of one's adjusted gross income (AGI) for 2012.
Costs from the job search
This deduction is particularly helpful for those who have recently separated from the service. Anything that goes into the process, even if it does not result in a new job, can be written off. This includes any travel expenses, money used for employment agencies and even resumes. However, the expenses must add up to 2 percent of one's AGI, Credit.com notes.
Moving costs
One of the staples of life for military families is the need to relocate on a regular basis. Known as a permanent change of station (PCS), the regular moves not only can be stressful, they can also cause some financial hardship. The Armed Forces reimburses military families for some of the expenses that result from moving, but there are sometimes still some things that families have to foot the bill for, such as moving household items and adding any personal goods to the new residence.
Combat zone
Active duty soldiers who spent time in a combat zone during 2012 are entitled to many tax write-offs, according to Military.com. For instance, soldiers do not have to pay income taxes on any type of pay they received during their time deployed to a combat zone. Additionally, any imminent danger or hostile fire pay is exempt from income taxes. However, any pay that stems from a retirement plan or pension does not fall under the category.
There are many bills making their way through Congress that could impact the benefits available to military families, and one of the newest pieces of legislation could have a significant impact. Introduced by Senators Patty Murray and Jon Tester, the proposal would extend health coverage to the older children of servicemembers under the Veterans Affairs' Department's Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA), according to Army Times.
The bill would change the age limit for when a veteran's child can receive healthcare coverage from 18 to 26, a change that falls in line with the Affordable Care Act as well as a similar change for TRICARE that took effect in 2011. Murray, the chair of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, says the change is necessary as thousands of troops return home from Afghanistan and to keep it in line with changes to the civilian population.
"In our ongoing commitment to keep the faith with our nation's heroes, this bill ensures CHAMPVA recipients, without regard to their type of coverage, student status, or marital status, are eligible for health care coverage under their parent's plan in the same way as their peers," Murray said in a statement.
The new rules could prove to be a big help to thousands of family members. According to Army Times, the VA estimates as many as 24,000 young adults could receive coverage by 2020.
On Tuesday, President Obama’s State of the Union address attracted a great deal of attention, but it was his announcement of the withdrawal of 34,000 troops from Afghanistan over the next year that arguably garnered the most attention. This was especially true among military families, many of whom are waiting for their loved ones to return from overseas.
While the news that their family members may be coming home is certainly encouraging, some members of the military community are cautiously optimistic, reports ABC affiliate WTVD. Joi Williams, whose husband is currently in Afghanistan, said that she’s happy Obama made the announcement but she’s going to temper her expectations for now.
“I’m excited, but to be perfectly honest, I’ll believe it once I see it,” Williams told the news channel. “I want to see my husband get off that plane.”
There are currently about 66,000 United States troops in Afghanistan, all of whom are expected to be out of the country by the end of 2014. While that’s the plan for now, there is still the lingering question of whether there will be any military presence left in the country after the U.S. officially withdraws.
The impending budget cuts facing the Armed Forces have left many top officials worried, but the concerns extend to military families. Along with potential slashes to benefits and pay, the cuts may also result in longer than normal deployments for active duty soldiers, The Associated Press reports.
Navy officials say the budget cuts could be particularly harmful to their branch. Reduced spending will not only result in fewer funds for training and maintenance, but it could also cause the extension of deployment due to the dearth of resources. Now, the Navy will likely have fewer ships to put across the globe, which increases the likelihood of lengthy deployments. Families say this added uncertainty only increases the stress and anxiety that comes with having a loved one serve overseas.
“Even before the budget cuts and everything, you never have a set time that they’re going to be home. I mean, they have a date, but that can always change so you always have that little bit of a worry that it’s going to be longer than you think,” military spouse Robin Lunsford told the AP.
The military is certainly not ignoring the concerns of the families. For instance, the Navy recently launched a wellness campaign aimed at preventing many of the common problems among the strained military community such as alcohol abuse. The program is a step in the right direction to be sure, but if the across-the-board budget cuts, known as sequestration, take affect starting March 1, there will be other concerns facing the loved ones of servicemembers.
Sequestration could dramatically impact any number of programs available to military families. For instance, schools that cater specifically to children have already seen some changes. In fact, at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas, the school has already had to eliminate some vital positions including English, math and science teachers, according to Stars and Stripes.
Of course, the concerns about the drastic cuts could all be for naught if Congress acts before March 1 to avoid them. The debate echoes a similar one from much of 2012 over whether spending cuts or tax increases are the way to reduce the deficit. Earlier this week, President Barack Obama called on lawmakers to pass a short-term agreement if they could not reach a long-term solution.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) recently celebrated its 20th birthday, and in recognition of the milestone the Labor Department announced that it would be extending some of the benefits to the families of servicemembers. The move allows the loved ones of troops to take time off for a variety of issues without having to worry about losing their jobs, reports the Sun Sentinel.
What are the benefits?
The legislation provides a number of benefits for military families. For example, they can take as much as 26 weeks unpaid leave to care for a servicemember with an illness or injury. Furthermore, the announcement also stipulates that military families can take 12 weeks for a number of service-related emergencies such as deployment or struggles upon returning home. To Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, who is a veteran, the decision to extend benefits for military families was a smart one.
“The Family and Medical Leave act stands up for women, it stands up for families, and it stands up for our brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces,” she said in a prepared statement. “As someone who went through a personal tragedy that required months of care in the hospital, I know how important it is to have a loved one by your side in those moments.”
Has it worked?
The celebration of the 20th anniversary coincides with the release of a recent study that touts the positive role that the FMLA has played over the last two decades. Conducted by the Labor Department, the study found that 90 percent of workplaces that are covered by the FMLA say that the policy has had a positive impact on the work environment. However, there is still work to be done because an estimated 40 percent of all workers are still not covered by the FMLA.
Importance of FMLA
Military families may be one of the groups that need the FMLA, given that their loved ones’ injuries often require a substantial level of care. This is especially true given the events of the last 12 years. Since 2001, more than 17,670 servicemembers have been wounded due to the war in Afghanistan. The figures were even greater for troops who served in Iraq, with more than 32,200 soldiers wounded between 2003 and 2011.