White House reviews policy on military condolence letters

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The White House says it is reviewing a long-standing policy that prevents President Obama from sending a condolence letter to families of service members who have committed suicide.

Some families want the policy overturned and are lobbying the White House to do so.

Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said today that the policy is under review. He could not say when the review would be completed.

Obama speaks often about signing condolence letters to the families of each U.S. service member killed in action. Gibbs said the president requested the policy review because he cares about service members who take their own lives.

-- Associated Press