GI’s shouldn’t pay for own necessities

Last night my wife and I went out to dinner with another couple whose son recently spent time deployed in South Korea and Afghanistan as a member of the United States Army. They told us a story that appalled us both.

1) While deployed in South Korea the soldier had money taken out of his paycheck to pay for his food! He received a card, similar to students in college, to pay for his meals at the mess hall.

2) While deployed in Afghanistan the soldier had to pay for his own pillow, sheets and blankets.

What is wrong with the people in Washington who are “running this country”? Have they all lost their minds? We give millions of dollars away to Third World countries and offer free medical and unemployment to illegal aliens, yet we can’t feed and offer bedding to our American soldiers? These kids who volunteer to leave the comforts of their home, traveling to nasty, dangerous places in the world to protect our freedoms, are America’s best and bravest citizens who sacrifice everything for us, and we charge them for their own meals and bedding? I am simply appalled and am very angry — you should be, too. What a shameful disgrace!

If you are as angry as I am, I ask that you follow my lead and contact your congressman and senators and demand an explanation and a policy change. This just isn’t fair, and it’s not right.

Jim Costas

Elk Grove Village