Iraq Vets: Benefits Change for Grandparents Raisling Fallen Soldiers Children

Susan Jaenke has advice for families who could face the situation of their loved one, a single parent, deploying and entrusting guardianship to a relative or friend: Get a lawyer to tell you what should be in place, including a will, guardianship papers, and copies of the soldier’s insurance-related information, Social Security number, and medical records.

Caretakers also need documentation stating that guardianship will be rescinded upon the parent’s return from deployment.

Meanwhile, check out the following resources to find out more about the military's death gratuity:

• The Department of Defense: “A Survivor's Guide to Benefits”
• National Military Family Association's “Survivors' Benefits Fact Sheet”
• Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors
• American Gold Star Mothers
• AARP GrandCare Toolkit