Who Should You Trust ?

Who Should You Trust?
(For Supplemental Life Insurance)

It seems there is some confusion over the choices military members have if they want life insurance in addition to the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI). First of all, don’t let anyone tell you how much life insurance you need. No one knows your unique set of circumstances better than you do.

If you decide to buy life insurance, go with a reputable association sponsoring group term life insurance. The premium you are quoted will be the premium you will pay, providing your application is approved. Beware of a “bait and switch” offer where you are quoted very attractive premiums, but required to complete an extensive medical questionnaire. Consider this from Financial Web http://www.finweb.com/:

“When you first hear the terms and rates for the best term life insurance, the prices advertised are extremely low, generally speaking. The rates quoted in these ads are generally the preferred plus rates – for the customers in the best health.

“To get these rates, you must be in excellent health, not smoke or use tobacco, have no history of substance or alcohol abuse, be within the average weight category (not obese), have average (not high) blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

“The majority of people who get life insurance do not qualify for preferred plus rates, so when you compare rates, make sure you’re comparing the actual rate for which you qualify.”

Also, make sure you’re not penalized with a higher premium or no payout because you are in the military or have deployment orders. Good supplemental insurance for the military should not have clauses that limit payout for members on flight duty or when death occurs in an area of conflict.

Remember, whether or not you think you need additional life insurance now, you should have it prior to leaving the military. When you separate, your SGLI will terminate and you will be offered Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI). Compare the cost of VGLI coverage with your association-sponsored insurance. Chances are you can save money and have more benefit options available to you through the association. For more information on association-sponsored life insurance, contact 877-MBA-1020.

The Story and Origins of 'TAPS'

In 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison’s Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moan of a soldier who lay mortally wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern. Suddenly, he caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, he enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was partially granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for the son at the funeral. That request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. Out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of his dead son’s uniform. This wish was granted. This music was the haunting melody we now know as “TAPS” that is used at all military funerals. In case you are interested, these are the words to “TAPS”:
Day is done
Gone the sun
From the lakes
From the hills
From the sky
All is well
Safely rest
God is nigh.

(Via http://www.nefla.com/military/stories.html)