SEAL Team 6 Shooter: He Deserves a Hero's Reward, Not a Nightmare On Earth

When killing Osama Bin Laden, the most wanted terrorist in the world, is rewarded by a living nightmare without a job, health insurance, or a military pension, something is very, very wrong in America.

PolicyMic’s, Areej Elahi-Siddiqui recapped the recent plight of SEAL Team 6’s shooter who killed Osama Bin Laden. The former Marine made the decision to leave the corp four years short of the mandatory 20 years necessary for retirement and is currently ineligible for health insurance benefits.

The facts of this situation are not a matter I will expand upon. The rules that govern how benefits are defined for military members cannot be waived without consequences of significant fiscal implication. Asking your indulgence on the emotional battlefield regarding this situation is a concession with a purpose.

What I want to know is this: When did America stop honoring its heroes?

Some may disagree with my assessment that a soldier, even a member of an elite special forces team, who carries out their mission is a hero. We can agree to disagree on that point.

What we can’t disagree on, however, is the fact that for over a decade, Osama Bin Laden was the most wanted terrorist in the World.

This was a man who had a multimillion dollar reward for information and capture posted across the globe both by government sanction and private placement.

Where is the America which would have respected the need for ongoing secrecy regarding the identity of the SEAL Team Six shooter but made certain this hero found a civilian job for life?

Please remember, the SEAL Team Six member who ended the life of Osama Bin Laden is not the same team member who wrote, “No Easy Day,” and could earn royalties lasting a lifetime.

The shooter had no financial interest in Academy Award-nominated film Zero Dark Thirty, which continues to earn millions in profits.

The now retired 16-year veteran of the Marines who ended the life of Osama Bin Laden has shown no interest in even having his 15 minutes of fame. All he wants is a job, health care benefits, and a chance to live a life of peace.

If this great nation cannot provide those basic benefits to one of our heroes, then something is seriously wrong with our country.