Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
February 24, 2010 By CJ
Posted in Uncategorized
I had no idea this existed, but it couldn’t have come at a more convenient time. Last week, we got our tax refund (which is already spent) and paid off some bills. We are now almost completely debt free and it feels good. This week is National Military Saves Week. I’ll let LTG Robert Cone tell you what it is, but first I want to tell you how we’ve managed to get out of debt.
When I first joined the Army, my TAKE HOME pay was a little less than $300 every two weeks. With this nearly $600 each month, I had to pay a car payment, insurance, gas, and food. My wife and I were newly married and she became pregnant immediately. With a baby on the way, all we had to live off of was ramen and spaghetti for a LONG time.
We made a bunch of stupid decisions beginning with the decision to purchase a brand new vehicle (Suzuki Esteem) instead of finding a cheap used one. When our family grew, we tried to trade into a bigger car (Suzuki Esteem Wagon) but owed more money than it was worth and ended up added that cost to the new vehicle. Things went downhill from there. We (meaning me most of the time) ended up charging a lot of stuff and digging ourselves into debt. Fingerhut owned us and Sears wouldn’t stop calling.
After about five years of almost unmanageable debt, I started working with our creditors to get out of debt. We began by convincing the credit card companies it was in their best interest to lower our interest rates so we could pay the cards off as opposed to just filing bankruptcy. Filing, of course, would have ruined my security clearance and there was no way I was going to do that but they didn’t know that.
Once rates were lowered, we targeted our smallest bill and made minimum payments on everything else until that bill was paid off. Then, we took the money we WERE paying each month on that bill and applied it to the next bill ON TOP OF the minimum payment. Once that one was paid off, we rolled that monthly payment to the next and so on. We got to a point where we were literally paying $600 a month on ONE bill with a minimum payment of about $20. The snowball effect of such a tactic is amazing!
On top of this, we continued to pay our tithing, which according to biblical scripture is 10%. We did so regardless of our financial situation and I believe we were blessed because of it. We are now almost completely debt free from unsecured debt. We still – for just a few more months – owe on our cars and still have house payments, of course. It’s taken us less than five years to get rid of more than ten years of debt this way.
Now to the point of National Military Saves Week. This is from LTG Robert Cone, III Corps and Fort Hood commanding general.
As Soldiers, you work very hard for your money, and most of the time it never seems like you have enough. How many times have you looked around at the end of each month and asked yourself where did it go? Every month you pay your utility bills, car payments, insurance premiums, rent or home mortgage and credit cards bills, BUT are you paying yourself?
If you’ve ever been to a financial planning seminar the advice they always tell you up front is to “pay yourself first.”
Next week, February 21-28, is “National Military Saves Week.” Military Saves is a national campaign to persuade, motivate and encourage military families to save money every month, and to convince leaders and organizations to be aggressive in promoting automatic savings.
One of the main secrets to accumulating wealth, and more importantly financial stability and security in the long term, is consistent action over time. These actions include setting financial goals; creating, and sticking to, a budget; consolidating and paying down debt; and saving and/or investing your hard earned money.
One of the easiest and best ways to save money is to set up an automatic bank draft. By having a set amount of money deposited into a savings account each month you are effectively “paying yourself first.” Start out small and be realistic with your needs and goals. Look for ways to cut back on your spending and take personal responsibility for your financial future.
You can start right now by taking the Saver Pledge: “I will help myself by saving money, reducing debt, and building wealth over time. I will help my family and my country by encouraging other Americans to build wealth, not debt.”
There are a whole host of resources available here on Fort Hood to help you on your way to financial readiness and future wealth. From your unit command financial noncommissioned officer to the Personal Financial Assistance Center, located in the Resiliency Campus, professionals are standing by to help.
The Army Community Service Financial Readiness Branch offers classes about credit, savings, investing, home buying, banking, budgeting/debt management, insurance and consumer awareness/identity theft.
Financial readiness is a personal obligation for every Soldier. You cannot effectively focus on your mission if you are worried about finances and debt. Take charge of your fiscal future by taking advantage of these resources and developing healthy money management habits and routines.
I personally encourage all of you to begin saving this week and make it a lifelong commitment. Good luck on your quest to build wealth, eliminate debt, and achieve financial independence.
Pay Yourself First. Phantom Warriors!
2 Comments »
February 23, 2010 By LL
Posted in Uncategorized
There are a lot of resources for the military nowadays, but you can never have too many.
The Department of Defense, in conjunction with Veterans Affairs and Department of Labor have a central website called the National Resource Directory. From the About Us page:
The National Resource Directory (NRD) is a Web site for wounded, ill and injured Service Members, Veterans, their families and those who support them.
It provides access to services and resources at the national, state and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration. Visitors can find information on a variety of topics including benefits & compensation, education & training, employment, family & caregiver support, health, homeless assistance, housing, transportation & travel and other services & resources
If you know a wounded warrior or you work with them, you might want to use this to help them get all the information and benefits and/or assistance they are entitled to. According to the DOD press release,
NRD users can also recommend additional resources. All resources are thoroughly vetted prior to inclusion on the National Resource Directory, and as always, content is updated and reviewed daily by a content management team which includes veterans and subject matter experts.
I think you can feel secure in that the DOD is taking the time to make sure these are legitimate and legal avenues of aid when it is necessary. That can only be a good thing.
1 Comment »
February 22, 2010 By Troy
Posted in Uncategorized
You may remember that we had BG Abrams on You Served Radio a few months back. You can hear the interview here, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/youserved/2009/10/22/episode-61–general-abrams-and-darrell-griffith-1.
As my old Commander from Desert Storm and one hell of a leader, I am glad to see BG Abrams engaging new media and doing his part to support it.
Fort Irwin/National Training Center Commanding General Brig. Gen. Robert “Abe” Abrams checks his Twitter page after appearing on 88.3FM’s “Newsmakers” program with Fort Irwin/NTC Media Relations Officer Etric Smith on Feb. 3, 2010.
FORT IRWIN, Calif.- Fort Irwin/National Training Center Commanding General Brig. Gen. Robert “Abe” Abrams is a regular on 88.3FM KNTC, Fort Irwin and the National Training Center’s post radio station, but his Wednesday morning appearance wasn’t his usual show.
Instead of just fielding questions from callers, Brig. Gen. Abrams, who has a Twitter page himself, took questions from the Fort Irwin/National Training Center Facebook page and Twitter page, demonstrating yet another way the installation is using Social Media.
As he spoke about a wide variety of topics ranging from the value of Social Media to the current Canadian rotation and the installation’s DUI prevention and awareness efforts, Brig. Gen. Abrams fielded a question from the Fort Irwin/NTC Facebook page about one of the many on-going construction projects on the installation.
Although Brig. Gen. Abrams didn’t have an immediate answer to the question, it didn’t take long for him to provide the correct answer to the question about the improvements being done to one of the many recreational fields at Fort Irwin.
“There is great power for us because of our remote location and our ability to communicate using a combination of Facebook and Twitter primarily to help message to the community,” he said. “It’s a way to quickly get out short bursts of information on what’s going on: road closures, if there’s an incident or accident.”
Before the current rotation began, there was an incident at the front gate that provided an opportunity for the installation to leverage and quickly send out information to the community, he said.
“If we can leverage our Social Media, following NTC_UPDATE on Twitter, you like me would have gotten an immediate message on what’s going on,” he said. “It’s just another way leverage what we have and get the word out on things. It’s a great tool from a command information standpoint to be able to get the message out.”
Currently, Canadian soldiers are conducting training at Fort Irwin and the National Training Center as they prepare to deploy to Afghanistan and Brig. Gen. Abrams said the Canadian military leadership has been impressed with the quality of training at the National Training Center.
“It’s been a fantastic rotation. Great opportunity for a joint, intergovernmental, multi-national training experience right here at the world’s finest combat training center,” Brig. Gen. Abrams said.
Several high profile Canadian military leaders including the Canadian Chief of Defense have come to the National Training Center to see the ongoing training and have been pleased, he said.
“They came down here and they just couldn’t say enough good things about all the good support and the great training their soldiers are receiving,” Brig. Gen. Abrams said. “They just couldn’t be more pleased.”
One thing most people don’t know is that the Canadian Army has been side-by-side U.S. Forces in Afghanistan since the beginning, he said.
“Per capita they have sacrificed more blood and treasure and human life than we have,” Brig. Gen. Abrams said. “They are true professionals. They are absolutely incredible fighters. They’re great coalition partners and they don’t get a lot of recognition in our national press, but as soldiers we stand by and recognize their competence, their confidence, the professionalism of a great Army and a true friend to the United States of America.”
In January Fort Irwin and the NTC had its first DUI-free month in 13 months, Brig. Gen. Abrams said.
“I think we’re doing a much better job than we had previously. We went the month of January without a DUI,” he said. “That’s a significant accomplishment, especially based on the numbers. We averaged seven a month.”
The DUI awareness and prevention effort is an ongoing campaign that the installation must keep going, he said.
“This is about taking care of each other. This is about protecting the force and protecting the great soldiers and families at Fort Irwin,” Brig. Gen. Abrams said. “We’re only one DUI away from killing somebody and that’s the sad reality of things. I just ask that everybody on Fort just keep their eye on the ball and continue to press.”
2 Comments »
February 18, 2010 By CJ
Posted in Uncategorized
Side FX (you may remember them from last year’s milblog conference) announced the dates for the first leg of their “It’s Your Turn” tour today. The tour coincides with the bands sophomore CD, Turning Point, which releases this month. Kim Cameron, the band’s singer and songwriter struck a deal with the Veterans Administration that will offer Veteran hospital patients all across the United States the ability to attend any of the bands performances for free. Cameron, an avid supporter of the troops approached the Veteran’s Administration after performing on Veteran’s Day at Walter Reed hospital. “It’s Our Turn to show support,” says Kim.
In addition to the Veteran’s attending performances at no cost the band will perform a special show in Athens, Georgia on February 11th at “Atlanta VA Medical Center” that will include a one-on-one interactive performance with the patients.
The tour also includes dates in the following cities: Los Angeles, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Birmingham, AL, New Orleans, LA, Austin, TX, Houston, TX, Dallas, TX, Lincoln, NE and Wichita, KS. The band’s CD
is already being played on over 100 radio stations in the United States and internationally. They have been featured on Fox news, The Pentagon Channel, CBS, MTV, Pop Culture Madness, Fashion Week, The Joey Reynolds show, radio stations through out the country and More Magazine just to name a few. The band developed a strong following with over 55,000 views on their youtube channel which features some of Kim’s journey thus far through video diaries. Side FX’s shows are family friendly, offer hope, fun and an escape. The tour was named It’s your turn after Cameron and the band decided that they really wanted to help people focus on taking some time to enjoy their lives and make a difference in others, turning the tides from this past year into a positive 2010.
Realize Records CEO Michel Grey states, “The band’s motto is More than Music and as this tour launches, people around the US are going to get to see exactly what that means. The band’s focus and drive to get their music out there, while simultaneously helping people is inspiring.”
No Comments »
February 15, 2010 By CJ
Posted in Military News, Uncategorized
The New York Times is reporting that the Taliban’s top military commander was captured several days ago in Karachi, Pakistan, in a secret joint operation by Pakistani and American intelligence forces, according to American government officials.
The commander, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, is an Afghan described by American officials as the most significant Taliban figure to be detained since the American-led war in Afghanistan started more than eight years ago. He ranks second in influence only to Mullah Muhammad Omar, the Taliban’s founder, and was a close associate of Osama bin Laden before the Sept. 11 attacks.
Mullah Baradar has been in Pakistani custody for several days, with American and Pakistani intelligence officials both taking part in interrogations, according to the officials.
No Comments »
By CJ
Posted in Uncategorized
A few weeks ago, the IRS put out an acquisition notice that they wanted to purchase 60 12-gauge shotguns. I understand that there is an enforcement arm of the “Service” (they really need to change the name of the IRS, since I have yet to realize what “service” they really provide as implied in their name), but I don’t see why need weapons at all, other than perhaps some protective sidearms.
In the United States, we have local police departments, county police departments, state police departments, the FBI, BATF, etc. All these law enforcement agencies could easily provide protection while IRS agents are out harassing Americans.
While I’m annoyed that the IRS is purchasing MORE guns on its own, something else stands out that makes me even MORE pissed off at this purchase.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) intends to purchase sixty Remington Model 870 Police RAMAC #24587 12 gauge pump-action shotguns for the Criminal Investigation Division. The Remington parkerized shotguns, with fourteen inch barrel, modified choke, Wilson Combat Ghost Ring rear sight and XS4 Contour Bead front sight, Knoxx Reduced Recoil Adjustable Stock, and Speedfeed ribbed black forend, are designated as the only shotguns authorized for IRS duty based on compatibility with IRS existing shotgun inventory, certified armorer and combat training and protocol, maintenance, and parts.
Notice I highlighted the barrel length. The IRS wants 14-inch barrels – something we’re not allowed to carry as everyday citizens. According the National Firearms Act, shotguns with barrel lengths of less than 18 inches are legislated out of our of our possession. I missed the part of the second amendment that prohibits so-called “short barreled shotguns.” Yet, the federal government…no, the INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE is allowed to possess them. They are not even a militia or military department, yet seem to be immune from the same laws you and I are forced to abide by (those that DO abide by such silly laws).
So tell me: what does the IRS need with “illegal” shotguns, besides intimidating the populace into oblivion? In 1998, the IRS vowed to become more taxpayer friendly. They then ordered $1.2 million in pistols and shotguns for their “customer service representatives.” Now, they’re purchasing more firearms with top of the line sights and specs. Most likely, to better serve you, right?
You can view the entire solicitation order HERE.
4 Comments »
January 17, 2010 By LL
Posted in Uncategorized
In the military, you make family, not friends. And sometimes, they will go beyond the call of duty.
This is a sad and touching tale of how a widow had her deceased husband’s wedding ring returned to her through sheer determination and force of will on the part of her military family and others.
Bless their hearts.
No Comments »
January 16, 2010 By LL
Posted in Uncategorized
UPDATE: Badger Jake is most likely in the Dominican Republic right now. His father is updating his posts. American Airlines charged them for overweight bags and lost one with water purifiers and food for the guys while they are there. Keep up-to-date on Jacob Wood and his team on Jake’s Life. Also, if you want to help financially, the medical team that has volunteered needs assistance. The follow up medical team consists of a doctor and his 5 assts (3 nurses, one Army reserve combat medic, and a medical asst.) Check this post if you can help.
——————————————–
There are a vast number of veterans out there that have unique skill sets. Some dangerous, some amazingly helpful.
If you have never read the blog Jake’s Life, you would be unaware of a former University of Wisconsin football player turned Marine sniper. He recently got out of the Marines and has been working towards attending a prestigious business school to continue his education. He also recently stopped blogging because he didn’t have time.
Then the earthquake in Haiti happened.
Jacob Wood has coordinated with some former Marine buddies and others in a stunningly fast plan to go into the Dominican Republic, cross the border into Haiti, and to help set up an aid station plus help with any search and rescue efforts.
You can read his posts in order here, here, here, and here.
An excerpt from one of his posts reads as follows:
Our advance team, consisting of two Marines and two firefighters, and being led by two individuals local to the area, is flying to the Dominican Republic this Saturday. Once there, we are being housed for the night by a friend of our local guide. On Sunday we have reserved tickets on a bus heading all the way to Port au Prince. We have obtained personally signed paperwork from both the Dominican Republic and Haitian embassies in Washington, DC, guaranteeing our safe and unchallenged crossing at the border checkpoint near Jimani.
That is some fast work and I am proud that these men and women are doing something proactive to help the Haitians in this devastating time. If you can aid them with a small financial donation (the method of donation is here), that would be great, but I’m sure prayers and positive thoughts would be just as appreciated because this is going to be a very hairy trip for them. They are not going in under the auspices of a large aid organization or with government help. They are doing it as citizens of the United States willing to help a people who are struggling to survive.
Good deeds, indeed.
No Comments »
