The conference committee (previous items) okayed a rise to
$100,000 for the death gratuity allowance payable to
survivors of active duty members. The provision will be
retroactive to October 7, 2001, the commencement date of
Operation Enduring Freedom. The committee also Increased
Tricare benefits for surviving children of members who die
on active duty, and made permanent the extension of time
survivors may remain in government quarters or receive basic
allowance for housing. In addition the conferees authorized
special pay of $430 per month for members in rehabilitation
for wounds, injuries, and illnesses incurred in combat. And
they axed the practice of dunning certain injured members
for meals in military treatment facilities. They also
directed improvements in the casualty assistance programs,
and charged the Defense Department to establish a service-wide
casualty affairs policy.