The "Flight 293 Remembrance Act" mandates the Department of Defense to create a database of military members who died in non-combat plane crashes, provide comprehensive support to their families, and ensure they receive entitled benefits.
Marilyn Strickland
Representative
WA-10
The Flight 293 Remembrance Act mandates the Secretary of Defense to identify and document all non-combat military plane crashes since 1984, and earlier if possible, and create a public database of the deceased members of the Armed Forces. It ensures that families of these service members receive comprehensive assistance, including guidance on benefits, access to resources, and connection to support networks. The Act also establishes a dedicated point of contact within the Department of Defense to aid families and requires a report to Congress on the progress and effectiveness of these efforts. Finally, the Act ensures nondiscrimination in the provision of assistance to families.
Flight 293 Act Mandates Pentagon Database for Non-Combat Crash Victims, Boosts Family Support
This bill, the "Flight 293 Remembrance Act," directs the Department of Defense (DoD), working with Veterans Affairs (VA), to finally create a comprehensive record and support system for military families who lost loved ones in non-combat aircraft accidents. The core task is identifying all such crashes (officially termed 'Operational Loss-Non-War Loss') going back to 1984, and even earlier using other records, within one year. The goal? To ensure these service members are officially recognized and their families receive the help they're entitled to.
Bringing Lost Service Members into Focus
A key part of this act involves creating a public database listing the names, ranks, and service details of those who died in these incidents. Think of it as an official, centralized place of remembrance. For families whose loved one's loss might have felt overlooked because it didn't happen in a designated combat zone, this public acknowledgment can be significant. Section 2 mandates this database, aiming to provide a measure of long-overdue recognition.
More Than Just a Name: Connecting Families to Support
Beyond the database, the bill requires the DoD and VA to actively assist these families. This isn't just about paperwork; Section 2 specifies help with understanding and accessing benefits like financial aid, counseling, and survivor benefits. It also calls for personalized guidance through the application process and connections to peer support networks. A dedicated point of contact within the DoD will be established to help families navigate the system, get updates, and coordinate with relevant agencies. While the exact scope of 'assistance' isn't fully detailed – leaving some room for interpretation on how comprehensive the support will be – the intent is clear: provide a dedicated lifeline for families navigating a complex and often painful process. Importantly, the bill includes non-discrimination clauses, ensuring support is provided regardless of disability, sex, race, color, or national origin.
Keeping Tabs: Reporting and Refinements
To ensure this isn't just a well-intentioned plan gathering dust, the Secretary of Defense must report back to Congress within two years. This report, outlined in Section 2, needs to cover how many families were helped, the database progress, how effective the support was, family satisfaction, and any recommendations for legislative tweaks. This feedback loop is designed to hold the agencies accountable and refine the program based on real-world experience. The bill also allows the Secretary to consult outside experts, which could bring valuable insights, though care will be needed to ensure diverse perspectives are included.