What CJ is saying people is that, if you are in your initial eight (8) year contract you probably shouldn’t get this payment as you did sign for eight (8) years, NOT four (4), or any other number. I can understand that many are affected by the Stop Loss because you intended to get out at 2, 3, or more years, but also understand, I or many, many (vast majority) other military personnel ARE NOT getting this “bonus” for our time away from family, friends, and careers (for reservists) in a combat zone.

I do feel that if you were involuntarily kept on duty after your initial eight (8) years and were intending to seperate from service that you are very much entitled to this money, it is only fair.

I think many of the above people took CJ’s comments way out of context. Please re-read his comments.

It is very unfortunate that your husband was subject to stop-loss. I don’t personally agree with the practice, but until Congress changes the law, it is perfectly legal and will continue to happen.

What is further unfortunate is your playing of the PTSD card. I highly suggest you don’t continue marching around blogs throwing it around without knowing the author you’re throwing it at. Take a look at CJ’s other blog, A Soldier’s Perspective at http://www.soldiersperspective.us. You’ll understand why I suggested so once you’re there and read back a bit.

Others have said it before but I’ll reiterate; our government rewards losers with welfare and food stamps and a number of other programs which has created multi-generational .gov teat sucklers who contribute nothing but CO2 while living in subsidized housing and pumping out another monthly stipend generator whenever they feel the need.

Why don’t you blog about slashing welfare? when an able-bodied female bitches about how medicaid won’t cover her name brand antidepressants I die a little inside. Yet you want to flex your iron fist on a bunch of guys who WENT TO WAR???

I don’t recall any veteran groups marching on washington demanding we get $500 per month we were stop-lossed. Our bloated and inefficient congress decided to give a little taste to the troops as they spend our grandchildrens money.

I’m looking forward to the 7k I should be getting, I don’t think I “deserve” it but I know for a fact that I earned it. I doubt you have the slightest clue what members of the military go through when in a war zone. I’m not presumptuous enough to think I speak for the troops but when you find yourself on a rooftop behind a wall that is slowly but surely being knocked down, you look to your buddy so you can share the “this is it” look-only your “buddy” in this instance is an Iraqi Lieutenant bleeding from a nasty cut on his neck…tough break GI! But I know others have similar stories-the fact is that war is pretty tough. I may be biased but I think that veterans are a national treasure and deserve any good thing that comes their way.

Please don’t cheapen their sacrifices with your indignation. Its misplaced and makes you look like a tool.

Yes, I signed a contract. Yes, it was for 3 years + 5 IRR. Still…I believe that some un-needed pyscological tampering could have been avoided. 6 dead Brothers, my driver that will never walk correctly ever again and 2 Purple Hearts for myself later…….I welcome the compensation. If things are going to be a little easier for my family, I’m happy. Is that wrong?

Scars are forever, we fought hard.