Perhaps, in addition to a CACO, there should be someone else assigned to widows/widowers for any other support they might need. It's important to have the CACO for funeral arrangements but that's the final act of care for the lost. What about looking after the living who are left with shock and an unexpected vacuum in their lives? Especially if the one left behind is also military, and decides to do right by fellow soldier/sailors by reporting back for duty, there ought to be something in place in which a counselor checks in with the widow/widower, repeatedly. They may be reluctant to accept help at first but in addition to the counselor providing their contact information, they could let the widow/widower know that they will be checking on them again in a few days. I think those like Kathleen need to have repeated opportunities to accept help whether they accept it or not because they just might be willing to accept one of the many offers of a friendly ear than they would to dial the number and ask. To have a counselor call regularly throughout the first month(s), tapering down as appropriate over time, is the least America can do for active duty widows/widowers.
