Uncle Sam to soldiers: Thanks For Nothing

[SLCPUNK]

Wounded Soldier: Military Wants Part Of Bonus Back

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―

The U.S. Military is demanding that thousands of wounded service personnel give back signing bonuses because they are unable to serve out their commitments.

To get people to sign up, the military gives enlistment bonuses up to $30,000 in some cases.

Now men and women who have lost arms, legs, eyesight, hearing and can no longer serve are being ordered to pay some of that money back.

One of them is Jordan Fox, a young soldier from the South Hills.

He finds solace in the hundreds of boxes he loads onto a truck in Carnegie. In each box is a care package that will be sent to a man or woman serving in Iraq. It was in his name Operation Pittsburgh Pride was started.

Fox was seriously injured when a roadside bomb blew up his vehicle. He was knocked unconscious. His back was injured and lost all vision in his right eye.

A few months later Fox was sent home. His injuries prohibited him from fulfilling three months of his commitment. A few days ago, he received a letter from the military demanding nearly $3,000 of his signing bonus back.

"I tried to do my best and serve my country. I was unfortunately hurt in the process. Now they're telling me they want their money back," he explained.

It's a slap for Fox's mother, Susan Wardezak, who met with President Bush in Pittsburgh last May. He thanked her for starting Operation Pittsburgh Pride which has sent approximately 4,000 care packages.

He then sent her a letter expressing his concern over her son's injuries, so she cannot understand the U.S. Government's apparent lack of concern over injuries to countless U.S. Soldiers and demands that they return their bonuses.

While he's unsure of his future, Fox says he's unwavering in his commitment to his country.

"I'd do it all over again... because I'm proud of the discipline that I learned.  I'm proud to have done something for my country," he said.

But Fox feels like he's already given enough. He'll never be able to pursue his dream of being a police officer because of his wounds and he can't believe he's being asked to return part of his $10,000 signing bonus.

KDKA contacted Congressman Jason Altmire on his behalf. He says he has proposed a bill that would guarantee soldiers receive full benefit of bonuses.

[Bandita]

This is despicable, yet I am not at all surprised.

[Mr. Redman]

Does is suprise you with this "country"?

[The Dog]

Just in time for thanksgiving too 

[DEAD HORSE]

Thats USA for you

[The Chad Cometh]

To get people to sign up, the military gives enlistment bonuses up to $30,000 in some cases.

 

So is that

[fuckin crazy]

Don't bite the hand that feeds you!

[mrlee]

looks like americans running low on money from all that wa ssucked up in its war machine.

so screw over the soldiers to get it back, lovely.

[Drew]

Kind of reminds me of how California is the only state in the union that will not pay for a college education for its military servicemen.

This coming from a state(that's right, a state) that has the seventh or eighth largest economy in the world! How despicable of California!

[SLCPUNK]

Clown Shoez! ^^

You can't hold anybody accountable without finding some liberal boogie man to attack can you? I'm surprised you didn't bring up Clinton while you were at it.

Just admit this government says "Support the troops", when in reality they screw 'em every turn of the road. From shoddy body armor, to atrocious medical care, to this shit.

[fuckin crazy]

Kind of reminds me of how California is the only state in the union that will not pay for a college education for its military servicemen.

This coming from a state(that's right, a state) that has the seventh or eighth largest economy in the world! How despicable of California!

Burn, strawman, burn

[Izzy]

truly saddening

[fuckin crazy]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

[Dr. Blutarsky]

Where did that article come from?

If it is true, thats pretty fucked up.

[SLCPUNK]

"If it's true" 

See here

Complete with video interview of soldier.

[Bandita]

Supposedly the Army has since reversed this-


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/21/national/main3529961.shtml?source=mostpop_story

[freedom78]

This disgusts me so completely. 

[Drew]

And as usual, SLCPUNK and fuckin crazy are name calling when they have no ground to stand on for their argument! Great contribution as always you two.

Good job California, good job. 

[SLCPUNK]

Bush could eat a live baby on TV and you'd say the kid had it coming.

Be a man for once in your life and admit this administration treats our soldiers like shit.

[-Jack-]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Lol.

And yeah that's pretty fucking bad. :/.