FORT KNOX, Ky. -- SOS has been an internationally recognized call for help for more than a century.
In the Army family, SOS has come to mean Survivor Outreach Services, a service-wide program designed to assist families of fallen Soldiers.
As the war grinds on in Afghanistan, its longevity contributes to more casualties. The program at Fort Knox is responsible for surviving family members in five states-Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and half of Kentucky (Fort Campbell is responsible for the remaining half.)
Robyn Mroszczyk is the financial counselor for the program. At first blush, one might think that financial aspects are the farthest thing from family members' minds when their Soldier is killed in action. However, the reality of paying bills doesn't respect disaster or grief. In addition, the family might receive as much as $500,000, depending on the circumstances of the service member's death, and the death gratuity generally arrives within three or four days of the Soldier's death.
"The families are still in shock when that large chunk of money arrives," explained Mroszczyk, "and they often make uninformed decisions. Many are totally unprepared and need to talk about budgets and finances."
In addition to the money received automatically, some in the guard or reserve who are killed on active duty may be entitled to additional compensation from their states, but families must request it.
"I was able to secure $270,000 for one family with a five-minute phone call," she said.
Many other provisions and advantages are offered to family members. The Hart Act of 2008, for example, allows surviving family members to put any or all of the death gratuity money into a Roth Individual Retirement Account, which normally is limited to deposits of $5,000 per year. However, that extra large deposit must be made within 12 months of the Soldier's death, Mroszczyk noted.
"I see many surviving family members who are making uneducated decisions," she added. "Many are very young spouses-some may still be teenagers-given the demographics of Soldiers killed in action."
Another option requiring information regards the Frye scholarships. If a Soldier enlisted after 9/11 and was then killed in action, all of his children may attend college tuition-free. In addition, the students will receive a book stipend and a living stipend. The Soldier's spouse may also apply for this benefit.
Although she conducts many financial workshops, Mroszczyk is planning one next month specifically designed for teens to help them with their college finances.
"The Frye scholarship gives (college students) a generous stipend which may leave them in a position to do more with discretionary income than some other college students," she said.
A knowledgeable counselor, Mroszczyk also knows there are many more questions than she can answer.
"I work hand in hand with Jolene Culpepper, the Retiree Services Officer, and Brian Evans at the Legal Assistance Office," she said. "There are so many legal questions, like 'How do I set up a memorial fund'' or "How do I file income taxes for the deceased Soldier'' We also get many questions about what happens to benefits if a spouse remarries, or if a second marriage ends and spouses want to revert to their health plans. I may not know all the answers to all their questions, but I know a lot of people who do."
Mroszczyk is an Army wife who uses her personal experience to assist families. Her husband, an officer with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division, will soon embark on his third deployment.
"I'm very passionate about this program. I don't want it to be a secret," she enthused. "I want everybody to know about it. Sometimes I walk up to people in the commissary and ask them if they know about the SOS program, and then I start explaining. This job is my way of giving back."
In her work with surviving families, Mroszczyk observes their interaction.
"The strength and compassion of these folks is amazing. They reach out to help others, even when they're still grieving. If something ever happened to my husband, that's the help I would want.
"We know it can happen in an instant-no matter what age or status you're in. Your service member can be suddenly ripped away and you're on your own. We don't want anyone to feel alone."
For more information about the monthly meetings or financial workshops, call Mroszczyk at 624-1789 or Tammy Quetot, the SOS support coordinator, at 624-2006.
The program is designed for families, but Mroszczyk said anyone is welcome, regardless of service or relationships.
"We don't distinguish between primary and secondary beneficiaries. SOS is for anyone who loved the deceased service member," Mroszczyk said.
Social Sharing