Honor

The Air Force Honor Guard firing team carries out a 3-volley rifle salute to honor Col. Wendell Keller, of Fargo, N.D., and Capt. Virgil K. Meroney, of Fayetteville, Ark., during their funeral at the Arlington National Cemetery, Oct. 20, 2012. Keller and Meroney were the crew of an F-4D Phantom II aircraft that went down while carrying out a nighttime strike mission in Khammouan province, Laos, March 1, 1969. Nearby aircrews reported seeing the aircraft hit by enemy fire. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo)

Survivor Benefit Plan: Protecting those left behind

Published April 2, 2015
By Alex Aguilar

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Military retirees are guaranteed a monthly income for life, but retired pay ends on the date the retiree dies leading many families to wonder how they will support themselves.

The Survivor Benefit Plan was created to protect widowed spouses and dependent children from losing the security retired pay provides when their loved one dies. With SBP, a retiree's eligible survivor will always receive part of the deceased member's military retired pay.

Prior to retiring, individuals are offered the chance to enroll. Additional details are available by calling your SBP counselor, Alex Aguilar at 830-298-5828.