Will WH Offer Condolences on Suicides?

[unhappycamper]

Will WH Offer Condolences on Suicides?
December 11, 2009
Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The White House says it is reviewing a long-standing policy that prevents President Barack Obama from sending a condolence letter to families of service members who have committed suicide.

Some families want the policy overturned and are lobbying the White House to do so.

Press secretary Robert Gibbs said Dec. 9 during a briefing that the policy is under review.

"That review is ongoing," the New York Times quoted him as saying. "Hopefully, we can ... conclude this review shortly."

Obama speaks often about signing condolence letters to the families of each U.S. service member killed in action. Gibbs said the president requested the policy review because he cares about service members who take their own lives.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/will-wh-offer-condolences-on-suicides.html?col=1186032310810