Chattanooga Families Still Wait For Terrorism Decision

Tenn. attack still not called terrorism; indecision affects benefits to families 
The Washington Post
By Dan Lamothe
Published: December 5, 2015

Military officials have proactively prepared Purple Heart nomination packages for the troops involved, said Maj. Rob Dolan, a Marine Corps spokesman in Quantico, Virginia. But the awards are still in limbo while the investigation remains open.

A memorial stands outside of the Armed Forces Recruiting Center Chattanooga on Aug. 13, 2015.
JUSTIN WOLPERT/U.S. NAVY

WASHINGTON — More than five months after attacks on two military facilities in Chattanooga, Tenn., left four Marines and a sailor dead, federal investigators still have not determined whether the attack was terrorism - and it's financially costing the families of those who died, as Purple Heart awards hang in the balance.

The July 16 attack killed Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, 40; Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, 35; Sgt. Carson A. Holmquist; Lance Cpl. Squire D. "Skip" Wells, 21; and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith, 26. Other service members and a Chattanooga police officer also were wounded by Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez, 24, a naturalized U.S. citizen, who was born in Kuwait.

The attack was carried out at the Chattanooga Naval Reserve Center and a recruiting station a few miles away. read more here