Why does the radio ask me to donate for food for military families?

Question

I am happy to do it but I am dumbfounded. I mean, why don't we pay military families a really good wage to begin with? Wow!

UPDATE: Thank you for so many wonderfuyl replies. Unfortunately I don't see anybody really answering the core question: why aren't they apid more/enough?

UPDATE: In answer to what several of you asked, several private groups in my area solicit. Here is one:
"Financial grants for each eligible member or members family to meet personal, short and long term living needs in these areas: Food, rent or utilities (etc)"
http://www.operationfamilyfund.org/Support.htm

Answer 1

several people here make VERY good points but really I think that you would be shocked to realise that most if not all serving members are actually eligible [and do claim] WIC when they are E4's and below....YES they do get their housing etc but that system is rapidly changing and as such may well have to put into for electric even when on base housing..........YES they do get their medical paid for and YES they do often extend them selves far beyond their means BUT especially for the lower ranks money is VERY tight and without some basic good budgeting skills [which MANY lack] they can get into deep holes pretty quick, it only takes one major car repair bill to make things go wrong.

Regards

Answer 2

Nothing has changed when it comes to the uniforms and housing. Those in the military do get a yearly clothing allowance which needs to be used for just that their uniforms. The difference is before the housing allowance they were eligible for was just not included in the LESs (pay statement) as it was transferred from one department/office to another. Now that it is privatized in most places they DO get the housing allowance (BAH) and it is then deducted from their pay as an allotment and goes to the company. They have always had to pay for cable, internet and phone when in housing and it is unfurnished. Now actually housing is BETTER than it was before, in many places the housing has been remodeled or rebuilt completely when before a lot of the housing was condemned. Yes those in the military do qualify for food stamps and/or WIC but that is unfortunately not just because of low salary because it would be the same or worse in the civilian side. It is also because of over spending and not budgeting properly when it comes to deciding if something is a need or a want.

Answer 3

The lower enlisted ranks do NOT make a lot of money. Money is tight for these people, especially those with children. Military families have to move every 3-4 years, which is expensive and makes it difficult for their spouses to have a steady career. Many bases are located in very rural locations where jobs are hard to come by, or in places like Washington DC where the cost of living is very expensive.

For Reservists, many of those serving in Iraq are taking a drastic pay-cut by serving in the military, and they often need extra help while they cannot work their civilian job.

Yes, the active duty military receives free health care and housing, but their wages are still often not enough to make ends meet. I live in Europe, and even with a Cost-of Living Allowance, many families struggle here and most are completely dependant on the base, because our pay is not enough to off-set the $ exchange rate.

I'm not saying that all military families are poor, or need help or pity. But let's not knock those who do need a little extra financial support.

"Redhead" - Your attitude towards military families is horrible and unappreciated. Take your bitterness out on someone else, not the hardworking people who are defending this country.

Answer 4

Okay if a military member is new to the military, they start out making about 600 bring home every 2 weeks. They have to have a car to get back and fourth to work and gas, diapers, formula, ect. If a family has 2 children, and a spouse, that money doesn't go very far. Many young families also have issues with budgeting, Additionally, most families move across country to relocate to military installations, moving away from their families and support systems. If you are really that annoyed, you should instead donate to Navy/Marine Corp Relief Society or programs like that who teach money management classes to military.


There are many great charities who donate food you lower enlisted military families. They usually have a cut off of E5 and below. There are many families that don't always need assistance but its great to know they are there if they do!!



And "Redhead" You should be thankful to all the military members that volunteered to join so you aren't forced to!!

Answer 5

Being in the military isn't like it used to be. When my dad was in... after the Korean conflict.. and when my brother was in, during Viet Nam, the military paid for housing, uniforms, and meals. There were not other expenses, so the low-end wages of enlisted men were adequate.

My son is a US Marine, and must pay for his own uniforms, meals, and would get only a portion of the cost of his off-base housing, if he chooses to move off-base. Until then, he's living in base housing, which is in poor repair.

Those enlisted men with famliies can live off base, but their housing offset is not enough to cover the cost of their living expenses, and they are still required to purchase their own uniforms and gear, and they have to pay income taxes, as well.

So, for those enlisted folks with small families (including children) really do, in some case, need our support. I'm a little surprised that someone's doing a food drive for them, though. I'd bet it's not sanctioned by the military...

Answer 6

Some military families need asst, if their low ranking, and have more debt than ratio, being in the military has pro and cons, just like other jobs, but i dont see where alot of military members would need asst, and one more thing, for people like sexy red saying sh-- about the military, your lucky to have the armed forces fighting to protect you, or u might just be the next inline for foodstamps, or a plane ticket to another country, where people dont give a rats --- if you live or die, be a true american, and stop putting down the very people who put their life on the line for your pitiful butt, even if you dont believe in the war.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

I really don't know why you are being ask to provide food for military families? You should check well the source, you should find out why? and where is going? I might be missing something, but, I don't think military families need that kind of charity. I speak for myself.

The Army takes care of my family pretty well. A great company to work for. I don't see anyone starving, I don't see anyone on post in a corner holding a sign begging for money.

Ask your question to the people are asking for that money before you give it to them and please, let me know the end of it. In fact, could you please give me more details about this campaign?

aiminhigh24u2: you forgot to include in there that, yes, it is not a lot of money to support a family, but, together with that comes housing, you can live on post, you get rooms according to the size of your family. you do not pay a cent, whatever your house allowance is, that will provide a house that cover your needs including utilities. also, the health benefit, you do not have any co-payments and even medicine is totally free.

Thank you.

Airborne!

Answer 8

Per the 2007 Military Pay scale, an E3 in any service with 3 years of service time makes 1729.20 a month. Pertty pathetic huh. Lets see, thats about what 20k a year? THat won't go real far, especially when a wife and kids are throw into the equation. In fact, many of the lower renking personnel with fa,ilies qualify for food stamps........Pretty sorry isn't it?

Answer 9

ive been in the Army active duty for five years and 9 month (3 months to go)!!!!!!! I make $750 every 2 weeks, as a matter of fact I had to take my change to a coinstar to have money to do my laundry today. The officers get paid really well, i was talking to a Captian last week who hasnt been in the army much longer than me and is making literally 7 times my salary. The money isnt worth some people in some crazy *** country tryin to blow you up, thats for damn sure. I can make 10 times my salary as a civilian doing my same militay job.

Answer 10

the donations usually go to the low ranking privates that have 2-3 kids to support on one income. its hard to support a family on a privates pay especially having a car note to pay, diapers, formula and so forth. sometimes you barely squeak by. there are soldiers that overextend themselves, but most of them are struggling. you have to have more years in to get paid more, so they need help like everyone else in the civilian world. just because we are in the military, doesn't make us rich.