NY Dept. Offers to Cover Death Benefits for Fallen

Commander Governor

ALBANY -- The New York State American Legion is offering to help cover death benefits for Empire State families of fallen service members that were suspended during the government shutdown, announced Kenneth Governor, commander of The American Legion's Department of New York.

"We will advance families the money they need to bring their loved one home and laid to rest," Governor said. That would include family travel expenses and burial costs.

He said it was "outrageous" for the Department of Defense to withhold death benefit payments.

"Families are in shock and pain when a loved one makes the ultimate sacrifice for our country," Governor said. "We can't let Washington politics add to their grief and distress."