Respects paid to fallen military servicemen, photo by rachaelvoorhees via Creative Commons

Since the Oct. 1 federal shutdown, over two dozen men and women have died while on active military duty, according to the Los Angeles Times. Due to the shutdown, however, the loved ones of these brave men and women have not been able to receive the $100,000 “death gratitudes.”

"I am offended, outraged and embarrassed that the government shutdown had prevented the Department of Defense from fulfilling this sacred responsibility in a timely manner," said Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel in a statement.

On Wednesday, the Pentagon announced that The Fisher House Foundation, a private charity best known for building family residences at military hospitals, generously stepped up to fund the death benefits for the families of fallen servicemen. 

“The Fisher House Foundation will provide the families of the fallen with the benefits they so richly deserve,” said Hagel. He went on to say that the Pentagon would reimburse the foundation after the shutdown ended.

Congress has been working to restore military benefits, as most people perceive their absence as a symbol of stubbornness and incompetence in the government.  

The House unanimously voted for the federal government to restore the benefit, but it remains uncertain if the Senate will respond in kind. 

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