WASHINGTON — Jason Hubbard and his two younger brothers all served in Iraq. He was the only one to return home alive.
After the deaths of his brothers Jared and Nathan, Hubbard left the Army under the military’s “sole survivor” policy, which allows sole surviving siblings to be discharged before their enlistment period is over.
But Hubbard soon found that the Army was denying him benefits he would otherwise have been entitled to, including health coverage and access to the GI Bill. He was asked to repay some of his enlistment bonus.
The House moved Tuesday to restore those benefits to Hubbard and others in his position. By voice vote lawmakers passed the “Hubbard Act,” which ensures that sole survivors are entitled to the same benefits as others who honorably leave the military.
Companion legislation is being sponsored in the Senate. Sponsors hope to move it quickly through Congress so it can go to President Bush for his signature.
By The Associated Press
