The plot thickens. Usually people aren't declared dead before seven years have gone by. Yet, the Army has made this declaration regarding Kelli after only one year.
In an old Army guide, I found a description for the role of a "Line-of-Duty" officer. This soldier's role is to determine whether an individual's disease or injury was incurred while the person was conducting himself or herself properly in his or her role as a member of the Army. Those assigned to investigate and make these determinations must do so carefully, since they will have a great effect upon the concerned individuals and their dependents. Investigations are made primarily to provide data for the administration of federal statutes affecting the rights, benefits, and obligations of members of the Armed Forces.
Under specific circumstances, a finding could cause a person to be separated from the Service without entitlements to severance pay. In the case of death, these investigations could lead to findings that would make some person's dependents ineligible for many or all normal benefits. . . . .
Rule 1. Injury or disease proximately caused by the intentional misconduct or willful negligence is not in line of duty. It is due to misconduct. This is a general rule and must be considered in every case in which misconduct or willful negligence appears to be involved.
Rule 2. (regarding criminal activity.)
Rule 3. Injury or disease that results in incapacitation because of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs is not in line of duty. It is due to misconduct.
Rule 4. Injury or disease that results in incapacitation because of the abuse of intoxicating liquor is not in line of duty. It is due to misconduct.
There are twelve rules total.
When thinking about Kelli's situation and the fact that the Army has declared her dead (which seems odd to me), it caused me to think of the reasons why this federal agency would proceed this way. It's possible they found a way around paying any benefits beyond the first year of Kelli's disappearance. It's possible no insurance is being paid out to anybody if they decided the above criteria applies to her situation.
I find this particularly intriguing considering that, according to FB's personnel, Kelli's bar tab was left behind unpaid. I'm not sure why this factor seems unusual to me. Nick claims that Kelli said she was tired and wanted to go home. There'd be no logical reason for her to leave her bar bill unpaid if she prepared to go home. It doesn't make sense. No one has ever implied that Kelli was on a date with Nick - just that he provided rides for patrons who didn't want to drink and drive. As a soldier, Kelli would not want to drink and drive and risk getting a DUI as that would mess up her career track record.
Asking for a ride was meant to be a good choice/decision. I'm not sure how the Army would judge the total scenario though when it came to paying out the big bucks.
