Oprah Assists with Funeral Expenses
After the death of Sgt. Paul M. McAlister II, “The Oprah Winfrey Show” contacted the bereaved family’s funeral home and offered to pick-up the tab on any unpaid funeral expenses, which was more than $3,000.
Oprah interviewed McAlister at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., for a special February 2009 program. The solder suffered a brain injury and the amputation of both legs below the knee while serving in Iraq, after his unit came across enemy roadside explosives. During his stay at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, McAlister had the opportunities to meet Oprah Winfrey and President George Bush, which his mother says were the highlights of his life.
The “Hannibal Courier-Post” reported Sgt. McAlister, 37, died of natural causes on August 2, 2010 in his home. It also stated, “During the funeral, hundreds of area residents showed their support for the family by lining the parade route and waving flags. Others offered gifts of food, money and other help for the family.”
Although the funeral expenses were generously taken care of, the family still needs to deal with the disposition of McAlister’s home and personal belongings. When individuals preplan their funeral, an event that seems unthinkable, they help make a situation that seems impossible more manageable. Preplanning can help eliminate the worry of funeral expenses. Additionally, creating a will or trust can help your family take care of your personal assets in the manner you wish and eliminate confusion.
Learn more about preplanning your future.
See links for veteran resources.
[photo: Alan Light]
Tags: funeral expenses, funeral preplanning, oprah, U.S. veterans
