True compassion:Sen. Dick Durbin 1, White House 0.

[Cuban_Liberal]

Since we were informed about my nephew's death in Iraq last Friday evening, one of our family's primary concerns has involved bringing his body home for burial. A simple, straight-forward answer to the question of "When and where may Schilling's (the funeral home) pick up his body, and where is his body now?" was unobtainable from either the Army or the Department of Defense. It's hard to describe the frustration this created.

Yesterday afternoon, with my sister once again dissolving in tears and my brother-in-law bordering on homicidal rage, I asked if I might call Sen. Durbin's office, to see if he could help our family. There was immediate agreement, and I made the call as soon as I found the number in the phone book.

The nice lady who answered my call promptly transferred my call to the senator's administrative aide, his 'second-in-command'. After offering his sympathies, he took down all the information he needed to deal with the problem, and told me that he would 'get on it' immediately. 22 minutes later, we received a call from Sen. Durbin himself, asking to speak to my sister or brother-in-law; handing Chuck the phone, all I heard him say throughout the conversation was 'thank you' and 'thank you so much, senator'.

When he hung up about 10 minutes later, Chuck said that my nephew's body was in the US, at the Dover AFB mortuary, and that it would arrive here in Illinois late this afternoon, where Schilling's could pick it up. Problem solved.

That's the difference between Democrats and Republicans, y'all--- Democrats actually care about people who are in pain.

[demnan]

1. I'm so sorry for your loss

If there is anything I can do (and I will be demonstrating against the war in October) let me know.

I'm glad your Senator is a decent human being.

[Cuban_Liberal]

3. Thank you.

If there's anything I tjhink of, 'll let you know, demman. :hug:

sen. durbin is an awesome human being!

[Bettie]

2. Dick Durbin is a good man

When we lived in Illinois, I am proud to say I voted for him.

So sorry that your family is having to go through this though. No one should ever have to bury their child.

[democrank]

A thanks to Senator Durbin

for his compassion at your time of need. I`m so very sorry to hear of your nephew`s death. May your family find the strength to get through this.

[JohnKleeb]

4. Durbin is a great guy, this shows it

I would love to have a senator like him, you know that Kerry gave him a job in the DNC, he doesnt have to give up his seat but it means hes becoming more and more a member of the party's leadership which is great.

[dedhed]

5. To quote Barack Obama...

"Thank you, Dick Durbin. You make us all proud."

As does your nephew!

:hug:

[asjr]

6. I share your tragic loss. You are never alone

on DU. Thank goodness for Sen. Durbin. You are correct about compassion--it belongs to the Democrats, not the Repubs. Bush sent your nephew to war and then never gave him another thought.

[Cuban_Liberal]

7. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall of his office.

I'd have loved to hear the royal a** chewing that obtained such prompt answers.

:evilgrin:

[nomatrix]

8. I am so sorry for your family

with the loss of your nephew. Sen. Durbin is a fine representative of his state. Some day, later, watch him in the Senate. He radiates compassion.

[Cuban_Liberal]

9. Kick. n/t

[greatauntoftriplets]

10. Hooray for Senator Durbin.

That is action. Great idea to have made that call. Sorry this will be such a sad day for you and your family.

[Pallas180]

11. Durbin is one of the only and best fighting senators for us.

.

[LuminousX]

12. Awsesome story

:kick:

And if I may put a crass twist on this, Durbin would have done the exact same thing even if you were a Republican and never voted once for him. That is the true difference between a Democrat and a Republican.

Durbin is a national treasure.