Shelley Moore Capito, January 21, 2005

I probably was not the only West Virginian who noticed that President Bush's Inaugural remarks resembled West Virginia's motto: Mountaineers are always free.

President Bush knows that spreading freedom will lead to a more stable world. As I listened to the President deliver his address, my thoughts quickly moved to West Virginia's Guard, Reservists and military personnel who are currently serving their country both at home and abroad. West Virginia and America are free today because of the many sacrifices made by our military and their families. Without their service, America would be a much different place.

During his remarks the President noted, "A few Americans have accepted the hardest duties in this causethe dangerous and necessary work of fighting our enemies. Some have shown their devotion to our country in deaths that honored their whole lives and we will always honor their names and their sacrifice."

As long as the United States continues to call on young men and women to step into harm's way to defend our freedom, we at home must continue to demonstrate our commitment and respect for their sacrifice by ensuring that our military families will be supported in the unfortunate event that a loved one is killed in the line of duty. To this end, I am a supporter of the "Military Death Benefit Improvement Act of 2005," which will increase the tax-free military death gratuity families receive from $12,000 to $100,000.

While it is certain that no amount of money can ever replace the loss of a loved one, the increased benefit could provide a college education for a child or help make the mortgage payment. The additional support would be awarded to the family of any serviceman or woman who has given their life for our freedom since September 11, 2001.

West Virginians will always appreciate the service of our Veterans and the freedoms they've defended on our behalf. Whether helping a community recover from a flood or serving at outposts around the globe, members of the West Virginia National Guard, Reserve and military personnel represent the best of West Virginia. My support of expanding the death gratuity families receive is but one small step we can take to show that service and sacrifice is appreciated and respected in the fight to ensure that Mountaineers always remain free.

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican, represents West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District, which includes Charleston.