He lost an arm...the government is cutting off the other

[Bucklion]

http://www.recordonline.com/archive/2004/12/10/abandon1.htm

This seems pretty crappy to me...am I wrong? Also what do you military folks think when you see an incident like this?

 

[BUCKWEISER]

I for one think that the system is definately flawed when something like this is brought to light. But the finger of blame points towards the soldier also. He could have pointed out that he was wrongfully getting seperation pay for his time in the hospital and he also could have put in the paperwork for replacement of damaged/lost equipment during enemy action to keep from being billed when he was clearing Ft. Hood. So even though the article points out all the seemingly wrong and uncaring things the ARMY is doing it fails to point out that this individual will be receiving 100% disability pay the rest of his life and free medical too. Sure it sucks to lose an arm, and military paperwork can be a bitch without someone knowledgeable to help you submit all of it, I still say the system works overall and he will be given his fair share of monetary compensation over the course of his remaining productive life. Besides, you know the risk in enlisting into the military today, it's not a college cakewalk anymore. Either way best of luck to this soldier and his family.

 

[ArtilleryBuck]

O.K. It sucks that the guy did not manage his money, especially money that he knew that he was not supposed to be receiving for 10 months (but every Soldier knows that when you are getting benefits that you are not entitled to, the Government will take them back when they catch it or when you tell them...and this is usually a lump payment back to the Government). The Government is more than likely not trying to screw this guy. They didn't mention many particulars to this guy's discharge. This was a totally one-sided article. I am sure that having lost an arm that he is getting some sort of a medical discharge which will include a pension plan. It is just that....right now...he owes money back and he apparently spent every penny as soon as he received it. There are agencies out there to help him get home. I have no doubt that he will make it home. I hate that he lost an arm, but repaying entitlements that he wasn't supposed to be receiving happens all the time. Paying for lost equipment happens all the time...although there are circumstances when the lost equipment is not due to the individual's negligence that he would not be held liable. Like I said before, this is totally one side of the story. I wish him all the luck in the world and hope that he can get out there and have a wonderful life...there are worse alternatives suffered by military families every day. From a Soldier.