releases: https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399523
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399523 | Davis Urges Change in DoD Travel Policy Regarding Family of Fallen Servicemembers | 2017-11-09 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | IL | Rodney Davis | D000619 | rodneydavis.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), along with other members of Congress representing sailors who were killed aboard the USS John S. McCain earlier this year, today sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis urging a change in a longstanding Pentagon policy that does not automatically permit the use of official Department of Defense (DoD) travel for family members to meet the remains of servicemembers who died during noncombat service when they return to Dover Air Force Base instead of being flown home. “Our servicemembers and their families make great sacrifices to protect our freedoms every day. They should not have to rely on an outside organization to be flown to meet their loved one at Dover Air Force Base,” said Davis. “I am urging the DoD to change this policy so there is no question that families of our fallen will be taken care of. The last thing they need to worry about after the death of a loved one is trying to cut through bureaucratic red tape within the Pentagon.” Since 2009, DoD policy has been that the Armed Forces may only cover travel expenses to Dover Air Force Base for family of servicemembers who lost their lives during combat operations. Waivers by DoD have been granted for noncombat deaths, but only upon request. The family of Petty Officer Logan Palmer of Decatur, Illinois, who was among the sailors killed in the USS John S McCain earlier this year, pursued funding from an outside organization to pay for their travel to view his remains at Dover Air Force Base. Full text of the letter: November 9, 2017 The Honorable Jim Mattis Secretary of Defense 1000 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20301-1000 Dear Secretary Mattis, We write concerning current Department of Defense (DoD) policy that does not permit the use of official DoD travel funds for family members to view the remains of fallen servicemembers who have perished in noncombat operations. We strongly oppose this restriction of official travel funds. On August 21, 2017, 10 sailors lost their lives when the USS John McCain collided with a merchant vessel off the coast of Singapore. One of the sailors lost was Petty Officer Logan Palmer of Decatur, Illinois. At the request of the medical examiner, the Navy brought Mr. Palmer's remains to Dover Air Force Base. Due to current DoD policy, however, Mr. Palmer's family was not afforded government sponsored transportation and was therefore forced to pursue funding from an outside organization to pay for their travel to view his remains at Dover Air Force Base. Under current DoD policy, the Armed Forces may only cover travel expenses to Dover Air Force Base for family of servicemembers who lost their lives during combat operations. We therefore request that the policy be changed to include noncombat operations when the remains are brought to Dover Air Force Base. Our servicemembers and their families make great sacrifices to protect our freedoms every day. These families should not have to rely on an outside organization to be provided the opportunity to view the remains of a fallen servicemember at Dover Air Force Base. Thank you for your consideration of this important request. We look forward to your response. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |