|
|
Commentary on proposed rules submitted by Rev. Selena Rox
As a minister who has done counseling and psychotherapy for more than forty years, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the VA's proposed procedures -- 38 CFR Part 38, RIN 2900-AM53.The US Department of Veterans Affairs' proposed new procedures for adding emblems of belief to the list of those that can be included on the headstones, markers, and plaques the VA issues to honor deceased veterans are unnecessarily complex and can complicate and prolong the grieving process of next of kin and other loved ones of the veterans who die.
Prior to October, 2005, the VA did not require that there be an "immediate need" in order to have an emblem of belief added to the list of those that can be included on veteran grave markers. I suggest that the VA remove this "immediate need" requirement as well as simplify and streamline the emblem of belief adoption process. The VA needs to consider and decide upon emblem of belief requests in 30 days or less.
I have had direct experience in providing grief counseling to family members of deceased veterans, including some who have had loved ones killed in combat. I know that the VA's failure to add the Pentacle to its list of emblems of belief has complicated and interfered with the grieving process for a variety of families across the nation -- and continues to do so. This is wrong and goes against the VA's central mission of providing support for veterans and their families.
If a veteran who is serving or has served in one or more branches of the US Armed Forces has had his or her religion or belief system accommodated by US Department of Defense, when they die, their emblem of belief should be immediately made available for inscription on their VA issued headstone, marker, or plaque, without any additional review and approval process required by the VA. Furthermore, there should be a process in place where an emblem of belief can be added to the list upon request by the veteran or service member on active duty prior to death, especially those going to serve in war zones.
The burden for making arrangements for an emblem to be added to the list should not be placed on spouses and/or other family members and personal representatives during their time of grieving.
The VA's duty is serve veterans in life and death and to their families. Any decision making process by the VA regarding grave marker emblems must be transparent, done expeditiously, and without prejudice.
Rev. Selena Fox
spiritual psychotherapist & minister