Some Fairbanks military families are stuck between celebrating homecoming or providing for children
Published Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Digg
delicious
Facebook
Mixx
Reddit
Stumble It!
FAIRBANKS — Now that the troops are back home, some formal ceremonies are in order, including a round of Battalion Balls beginning in early November.
For active-duty soldiers it’s no problem. They simply don a dress uniform.
For female spouses, a ball gown is essential to attend the formal affairs.
And if the family budget can’t absorb the cost of a fancy dress and accessories, military spouses often will skip the event.
Armed Services YMCA is putting out a desperate call for donations of formal attire such as dresses, shoes, coats, stoles, and accessories like evening purses and jewelry to outfit the ladies for a special evening out.
In January, ASYMCA opened an “After Five Boutique” for the purpose of loaning out free formal clothing and accessories to military dependents.
The boutique is located in a small walk-in closet at the ASYMCA Fort Wainwright offices. A nearby bookcase displays a small store of dress shoes, purses and jewelry.
Alex Lewis, who oversees the boutique, would love to see donations of stylish gowns and accessories in good condition to enlarge the boutique’s meager collection.
“We don’t have many dresses, and some of them are outdated,” Lewis said.
The gowns are loaned out for special events such as military balls, banquets, recognition ceremonies and proms at no cost, and are made available again after they are returned.
“We just ask that they get (dry) cleaned before they are brought back,” Lewis said.
Although the After Five Boutique is located at Fort Wainwright, it is open to all Army, Air Force and Alaska National Guard service members and spouses.
To donate clean formalwear and accessories, contact the ASYMCA offices, 1047 Nysteen Road, No. 4, Fort Wainwright, at 353-5962, Monday-Friday to coordinate donation pickups or drop offs.
All donations are tax-deductible.
Contact staff writer Mary Beth Smetzer at 459-7546.
Community Discussion
Newsminer.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full user's agreement.
What a nice idea. After all the sacrifices they've made, they sure deserve some fancy party time. I don't own any dresses like that, but if I did, I'd be donating them. I sure hope this article brings in a bunch of party clothes for these deserving recipients.
in total agreement with doris.
Standing by for the anti-military Obama lovers to disagree....
This is the difficult solution to an easy problem. Change the dress code.
What about the husbands who aren't in the military, is there someplace that will loan a suit or tux for these events. My husband and I wanted to go to the Air Force Gala but didn't have the money for a him to have the right male attire. I am so tired of hearing about everything that is being done for the wives but there are husbands that aren't in the service too that make just as big a sacrifice as their female conterparts. I know husbands make up only a small percentage but that still doesn't mean they should be left out.
I thought the article the other day stated about how "flush with cash" returning soldiers are? Active duty combat pay for a year, tax free? Maybe we should have a class on budgeting? I'm all for the dress donations and the event because what girl doesn't like to get all fancied up? Just something to think about too before you feel too bad.
Let me see if I can predict the reasoning of the conservatives, at least many of the conservatives who post here:
1. Nobody has been drafted. It's an all-volunteer army.
2. This means that people enlist of their own, free will, just as they'd take a civilian job. It's up to them to look at the fine print of what's actually in their employment contract (including all the obscure laws governing how people get paid and whether or not anybody cares for them after their service is over).
3. So this is a circumstance that they chose. Maybe not the can't-afford-fancy-clothes-for-the-military-ball circumstance in particular, but generally: they made their bed, now they can sleep in it.
4. If they don't like the benefits their employer is offering them, they can de-enlist at their earliest opportunity.
5. Ultimately, the mass de-enlistment from the under-paying, under-benefiting armed services will cause the Department of Defense to sit up and take note. They'll increase pay and benefits for their enlisted soldiers, while taking money from the over-paid high-ranking officers.
6. The military, offering more benefits, will get better applicants and will get to be more selective. Future soldiers will enjoy better treatment. And those who de-enlist will get to enjoy the lucrative world of the private sector, which will surely be eager to snap up our best and brightest. Everybody's happy!
See? There's a solution that requires no sympathy at all, and no sense of collective, social responsibility for our soldiers.
Have I got the conservative answer right?
One more vote for a budgeting class. There's tons of tax-free extra money coming home from Iraq.
Rex -
Really? That is the best you could post to this article? And you think the 'conservatives are the problem?
Get a clue...
I got three children over twenty and under thirty. Only one has a clue as to how to budget. Not being able to budget one's money has got nothing to do with being in the military.
"A ball gown is essential..."
What a load of crap. Are you kidding? No, snowy, this isn't a dress code issue. Dress code applies to the troopies, not the spouses.
By the way, everything they've made during deployment was tax free. If these people need a "gown", do you mean to tell me they don't have anything in the bank??
shokd - that so called extra for being in harms way, isn't all that much!! Ask any soldier.
Some of us are not "flush with cash" some of us have never had to deploy and experience that wartime pay. My husband and I decided it was best for him to stay home and take care of our children then to let daycares raise our children. If he did go to work his take home pay would be all for daycare. So he stays home and takes online classes. We are due to move back to the lower 48 so we are in the process of paying off credit cards. We just paid off 2 and half of one in the last 2 months. We are pinching pennies so we can save for a family vacation on the way to our next duty location. We would have loved to get a night out away from the kids for a change but just could not foot the bill this time. Everyone has a different situation.
mmmwpch - the fact that you are managing your bills so that one spouse can stay home with kids is admirable. I too know the sacrifice that that requires. However, most families (not just military families) want to have their cake and eat it too - they "need" fancy cars, snow machines, new clothes and then they don't understand where the money goes every month.
Now I worked in the mortgage industry in Fairbanks so I don't buy into the "poor military". I'm not saying they don't deserve what they make, I'm just saying that they are not lining up for the bread line unless there are some serious underlying issues.
For example, an E-4 with three years in with dependents makes the following:
Base Pay: $2025/ mo
Food: $272/ month (tax free)
Housing: $1565/month (tax free)
Cost of Living Allowance for Ft Wainwright: $545/month (tax free)
So to recap: $2,025/ month - taxable and $2,381/ month tax free. That means in this situation the soldier would be BRINGING HOME $4,000 a month.
And that's during a non deployment situation. I consider that a respectable wage.
the government has spent many dollars and much time devising the perfect way to make the general population believe that what it wants is consistant with what god would want if he wasn't so busy getting life just so. I believe that time and money should not go to waste. Aside from whether war is right or wrong, we should support our troops and make them feel at home.
Rex_Podicum-
Actually, it was President Obama who floated the idea of veteran's private insurance paying for war related injuries since it is an all volunteer military. I've never heard of a conservative supporting that idea, or any of the ones you sarcastically offer.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/us/pol...
Military Spouse posting here....I was active duty for eleven years, I have been an Army Wife sense seperating from the USAF. For many years I have owned one or two formals and a cocktail dress just for these events. Every other year I exchange them out and purchase new ones.
These functions are not a new happening. Tried and true over time and one of those wonderful occassions filled with heritage and meaning. They were important enough of an event for me to plan ahead. I had gotten emails for weeks and months before the soldiers returned from Iraq this time about the Balls and Ceremonies being planned.
We have one child getting married, one in college, and two school age children. Some how we manage to raise these children and get formal attire all on an enlisted soldier's pay.
This wonderful thing called the Internet opens up formal stores from around the world and at various price ranges to fit most any budget.
Our deployed spouses are home, and still those left tending the home fires can find a reason to whine!
Being a military spouse use to describe a person that was independant, possessed coping skills and could troubleshoot why something wasnt working the way it was suppose to. They solved issues, not created them.
Now the cat is out of the bag.. I admit I am Old School.
Some of us put the money to good use such as; paid extra on house payments,doubled up on car payments, put it into retirement funds, put it into college funds. Lots had to buy all the required gear for babies. Some even paid for there own college not just their kids. Some had to pay for weddings. Paid off debt,got divorced. Some had family emergencies in the lower 48. Most of the ones you here about wasting the money are the single guys in the barracks who have no bills but car payments.Some of us are saving the money for downpayments on a house or adoption cost. I guess aktreefrog forgot about the cost of food,utilites,gas,car repairs,clothing,school supplies. ya know the things that are needed in life.
Color me confused, but I haven't read anywhere in this article where spouses are whining that they don't have the money. The article is about an already established Boutique asking for donations. So, please don't put words into this article. Read it for what it is. A request for donations.
Is it really that difficult to help out? If someone has a dress or accessories that they would like to donate, then donate them and do something nice for someone. If it doesn't apply to you, then don't. Everyone's situations are unique and no matter what the income is, there are those who may be financially struggling for whatever their situation is and doing something nice for them is what the spirit of giving is all about.
I just don't get why it's so difficult for some in this community to keep their derrogatory comments to themselves *sigh*
It boggles my mind wondering why these affairs are 'formal' instead of expecting all to dress 'nicely'. Ridiculous. I'm sorry the families have to stress over one more completely unnecessary thing. The military needs to get with it and change the style of these parties so that all can attend without hardship!
Oooooh! Let's fight about donating dresses to a nice cause! Yay humanity!
okbound - I have not forgotten about those expenses. I merely point out that as a former military spouse, civilians also have all those expenses you speak of. My husband and I have been raising a family on LESS than 4k a month take home pay since he seperated and I feel that we live comfortably within our means. We paid off our debt, we bought a house, we had a baby and bought the required gear, we budget for college (both my husbands and our kids) and are saving for retirement. Those expenses are called LIFE, my friend, the military certainly doesn't have a corner on them.
In my experience, it was not just E-2's and E-3's living in the barracks carrying a debt load they couldn't handle, it is the norm and not the exception with MOST families, not just military. I was merely trying to illustrate that there are families doing more with less out there. I respect what the military and the spouses do (having been there myself), but I am shocked that people still don't know how to budget in advance for a $100 dress or tux rental.
Military life and pay sounds pretty nice. The other option, civilian life, is not always that great. Ask me how I know. Whats the current unemployment rate in the military? And how much does health insurance cost on base? Housing cost?
Oh really? Must be nice...
I will be donating. There's no reason why a wife can't get all dolled up and celebrate the return of their husbands!
It provides a huge boost to morale among the soldiers and their wives.
We also have a tux we will attempt to donate too.
wish I had it so easy, tax free money from Iraq, no brough taxs, free heat, no rent, milatary discount here and their give me a break, seee what I mean by wellfair state Give me. Give me. Give me.
I agree with lots of the others that military (and non-military!) needs to learn budgeting (I'm 22 and clueless about it, I really wish it was taught in school or something).
But I don't think a little lending boutique like this is hurting anyone...it's a nice way for people who can't or don't want to budget formalwear into their expenses--I know I'm not exactly keen on paying for a formal dress when I'm still eating frozen veggies instead of fresh.
I think it's a nice way to make sure the spouses can have a little fun. It's a sweet notion, and I may well be bringing some shoes by.
So if we were donating to non-military, would you gripe about that, too? I mean, those lousy civilians that make use of the Fairbanks Rescue Mission...pfffft. What complete non-foresight having, lazy, completely-at-fault-for-their-own-circumstances nincompoops! Fie! Fie! I berate thee regardless of knowledge of your particular situation! Huzzah for my moral superiority and impeccable judgment! Huzzah for the anonymity of the internet! Huzzah for sarcasm!
Chilly...it's a Formal Ball. Soft lights, good music, proud and rugged men in tuxes, women dressed to the nines in a beautiful long dress, high heels and what ever sparkling jewels they can adorn themselves with. Can you imagine what it's like for these women to walk in on the arm of their man, led to the dance floor for a slow 2 step, and to engage in gentle conversation while your man looks at you like you're the most beautiful woman on the planet?
I'm so happy for the women that get to attend and whatever it takes to get them their for their night of magic...I say DO IT. You just watch, Fairbanks will come through for them.
And Donna62, maybe some of the men of Fairbanks have Tuxes they can lend (if Carharts made Tuxes that is) What about it guys?
WHOA Pathfinder....
That wasn't cool. Sure, there are perks involved. But these men and women are literaly on call at their jobs 24hours a day. When my husband was an E-6, we figured his pay based on hourly...he was making $.62 an hour. It's not give me give me give me in our house. We have NEVER used WIC or food stamps or anything for what we have. We both work and work hard and give back wherever and whenever we can...and typically, it is our family who suffers without daddy home for little things like Birthdays, Christmas's and special school events.
boomvan:
“The other option, civilian life, is not always that great.”
As a 20 year retire from the Army, I can tell you that civilian life is a cake walk. I have not had to move in 10 years now! No one calls me at 3 am for recalls, I get off work at the time I am supposed to. If I want I can quit my job. And best of all no one sends me to places where people want to kill me!
“Whats the current unemployment rate in the military?”
Huh? The folks in the military are employed, meaning they have a job.
And how much does health insurance cost on base?
Health costs are placing your life on the line for folks like you and showing up at 6:30 in the morning to stand in line to see a doctor (sick call) since you can’t just call in. And last but not least be on duty 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
Housing cost?
Soldiers receive a housing allowance in which the amount depends on your rank and your location. I found that it was never enough to cover actual costs of renting or owning a place off post never mind the utilities. On post you have to put up with all the military regulations covering housing. I once got a ticket for leaving a tire outside of my garage that I was taking to get fixed.
So how much is enough to pay soldiers? I lived in a tent in the Saudi Arabia Desert and Iraq for 7 months and then had to invade Iraq where people were trying to kill me. How much should I have received in payment for that?
I was not a soldier for the pay or benefits because they are not good enough for anyone
I started recieving information about the ball last spring. So in July I went and purchased a gown while my husband was deployed and making hazard duty pay. And it was reasonable. Knowing the strain on our current cost of living I planned ahead. Just a heads up soldiers do not make that much money. Yes we have to pay for our housing and just FYI the medical benefits up here are substandard. I won't even go on base for my care anymore. I have had to work two jobs just to help make ends meet. The cost of living in Alaska is extremely high and our pay does not offset that. But I definatley agree that the spouses knew this last spring and should have made plans. That being said I will be donating a couple of gowns because thats just how I roll. Also I bought my gowns from Value Village and Goodwill. They are all used.
and this is news how?
If you don't want to donate a nice dress to this then don't donate. If you want to donate, then donate. Criminy. How this has become a huge liberal vs. conservative or donate dresses vs. teach them how to budget discussion is beyond me.
Let's see here...over the health care issue, the republicans were telling all of us that are working stiffs, without health insurance to just "eat cake". I knew they thought this was just hilarious. There is a difference in the social classes in this country. There are the ones that have never worked a day in their lives and have no compassion for anyone but themselves. And there are the rest of us that live on a budget and try to find happiness whenever we can. If i were one of those rich republicans, i would buy the dresses for these wives and moms so they could enjoy their lives and feel like we are all supporting them. Thanks to all the military for their sacrifices and that of their families, too. God Bless you all!!!
Hmm... sorry, I couldn't EVER afford a ball gown for any occasion and I'm not suffering from it.
I'm surprised that the larger issue went undiscussed this long - that is, with our Community Organizer-in-Chief promising certain interest groups that he will end "Don't ask, Don't Tell!" the real question is: when will the males FINALLY be able to wear a svelte formal gown and ravage-me pumps?
I think this article does take it to the extreme saying that some spouses have to choose between a formal gown and putting food on the table but as in civilian life there are some military families that are struggling to make ends meet as well. Military spouses face unemployment, layoffs, etc. the same as civilians do. They also face the added burden of sometimes having to quit their job during a deployment due to health issues or a sick child that keeps them out of work too much and daycare won't take. I even know spouses that have had to quit work because their child has to go to a specialist out of town routinely and could not get the time off work. These are things that all families face, not just military families.
However, this article is about donations of formal gowns so that people are not left out due to their financial situation whether it is due to bad decisions, the unforeseen, or maybe just saving for something more important. It is not any different from a place in town that may do the same for civilian families.
Despite how much soldiers make and whether it is an acceptable wage, these men and women do put their lives on the line for our country and the spouses endure a lot during deployments. These families do deserve a night of getting dressed up, enjoying a nice dinner and some dancing. I think it is nice that such an organization exists. If you are able to donate, please do. If you are anti-military, maybe donate to some place in town to help a civilian family. A lot of the single soldiers take local girls that cannot always afford dresses as well. For example, the young private taking a freshman college student that isn't working while attending classes. Maybe a local high school student cannot afford a dress for Homecoming or Prom. So if giving is in your nature and you can help, please do. I hope some day someone helps you if you are in need.
Bottom line, let's not make this about what military families should be able to or not to afford but instead about helping someone in need.
Some of these comments are cold and mean. Some of the best memories of my childhood are when my Mom and Dad attended these balls. We're going back to the sixties. Some folks need a reality check.
MrsS
WELCOME HOME TO OUR TROOPS AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES.
Doris ..glad your commit was first.
Let me see if I got this right. Troops leave their family to go to war. Papers have articles about their death. Everyone supposedly feels bad. I think our society and somewhat our military all the often forget the male spouses. OUR VOLUNTEER MILITARY TAKES WOMEN TOO, AND THEY ALSO BLEED. Some people's minds are still in the draft era.
Meanwhile back home, junkies, & the drunks get free warm bed, shower, clothes and three squares a day at the locally supported rescue mission. Than there is the locally supported food bank for the too lazy to work. (I know there is a lot of hard working people who need & deserve deserve this. I'm trying to make a point here) Everyone thinks Fairbanks is the GOLDEN HEART CITY.
GI who are blessed and or lucky enough to make it home, come home. (LETS NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT THOSE WITH LOST LIMBS AND SLEEPLESS NIGHT FROM PTSD that will haunt them for the rest of their lives) After all they made a FORTUNE for it.
Our Golden heart City whines about donating clothes for them to wear to a ball. (Clothes that would go to value Village anyway)
Yea, Volunteer military.. Who thinks they could live a comfortable live in America without them???? Besides the insane and democratic brainwashed?? SHOW ME ONE PERSON!!
One word on military retirement. What retirement from the military is, it is a bet that you will not survive 20+ years to receive it. Than they tell you how long you will live.. Me, they said I got 10 more years. Funny how after 11 years retirement I needed 4 stents put in my heart. I consider myself to be one Lucky SOB. The military knows exactly what they take out of you. Retired military know exactly what I am talking about. You civilians who couldn't make the Boy Scouts do not know WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.
Too you military enjoy the ball. THE REAL AMERICANS WHO ALSO FOUGHT FOR OUR FREEDOM KNOW FAR TOO WELL THAT YOU'VE EARNED IT. I hope the population of FNSB has enough people who care enough to donate needed clothing, I'm pretty sure we do.
Marketdaddy...do post more. lol@ ravage-me-pumps...
I suppose Formal Balls could be changed to Come As You Are gatherings. Or maybe the women could wear a tux and the men evening gowns? I'd be game for either!
However, I do enjoy tradition, and it's nice to break out the ettiquette do's and don'ts once every blue moon or so.
Right on... the military has been good to me, having been on a different front, the coming home thing is great, but the idea of all the pomp and elegance of a ball would make me think more like.... a few kegs of good beer, a big barbecue pit and a pile of thick cut ribeyes.
Welcome home !!!
Come on everyone, how bout a chorus of big balls by AC DC.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YUuyzQDm...
What about PFD's? Were they spent on.....tv's? furniture? bills I hope. I wouldve budgeted for a nice dress, and there are some nice cheap ones on ebay, and there are some super prices (cheap) at the mall in Anchorage, and also here at Paparazzi
Doris wrote: "What a nice idea. After all the sacrifices they've made, they sure deserve some fancy party time...."
Donna62 wrote: "Military Spouse posting here.... I was active duty for eleven years.... These functions are not a new happening. Tried and true over time and one of those wonderful occassions filled with heritage and meaning...."
Kathleeninthearctic wrote: "...it's a Formal Ball. Soft lights, good music, proud and rugged men in tuxes, women dressed to the nines in a beautiful long dress, high heels and what ever sparkling jewels they can adorn themselves with. Can you imagine what it's like for these women to walk in on the arm of their man, led to the dance floor for a slow 2 step, and to engage in gentle conversation while your man looks at you like you're the most beautiful woman on the planet?...."
For those that have missed the point of the article please re-read it. This is a request from Fairbanksans to help other Fairbanksans in need. Donate if you can and WELCOME our troops home.
sspunisher, if you want to talk how it use to be i as an E6 was making $.48 on a 24hr clock. todays soldiers are a bunch of crybabys, so dont tell me how it used to be. back in the day you earned repect, to day they expect it. todays militery ack like the Goverment issued them a wife and kids. todays wellfair program cost me and you the tax payer to much money. I will support the armed forces. they can support their own familys.And still belive they take take take sorry. not trying to be mean just the way it is.you like the idea that it cost you and not them for fishing hunting trapping.and so on thanks if you dont see it. get some to open up your eyes you probly took the diveden free rent fuel no tax and all the other stuff life was easy for you And as far as getting up at all hours of the day THAT WAS THE JOB YOUR HUSBAND CHOSE and your still wheining.
wow, that was a spelling clinic!
coolron, solders sleep on cots in the war zone. did you for the job discription? that the crying Im talking about
To All of the Military Folks:
Thank you for your service to our country and thanks to the support structure (families) who have endured your absence for service for our country.
These social events are an incredible release from what you have put into your active duty and I hope all of you have a wonderful time at whatever ball you and your spouse/significant other attend.
To All of the Ridiculous Posters on These Blogs:
Grow up.
Look everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but some of you people have no clue!! Our Military guys and girls do choose to enlist, but most aren't doing it for selfish reasons most want to do something to help their country and protect it.. You people that think tax free money is worth what they go through when they deploy overseas are highly mistaken!! I would give all of it back times 10 if it meant that I didn't have to wake up at night to the sounds of my husband screaming or throwing fists or him waking up in a cold sweat because he just relived in a dream, one of his best friends getting shot!! The Mothers and Fathers that stay behind at home and take care of the kids and home or whatever else comes their way deserve to go to a ball and if they need dresses or tuxes in order to be able to go, and someone has one just sitting in their closet, then why be so selfish to not share!! We teach our kids everyday to share and do the right thing, but yet some of you all are not setting a very good example!!
Maybe if they cut out a few dozen trips to the fast food joints and walmart and the bars they could afford to buy their wives a dress. I need a new truck will the folks of Fairbanks donate money for me to buy this truck? Pretty please.
I get so tired of the people on this forum turning everything into a huge argument over the military and the money they make or don't make or their integrity. This boutique is no different than the one the high schools in town open up for the Prom season because no matter what you do for a living there is always bound to be someone who just can't afford a brand new dress during the correct time. Yes it may be a question of budgeting issues or it just may be that they had to put new tires on the car, replace the furnace, and buy heating oil at the same time. If you don't want to donate fine don't, but stop bashing this charity organization, just because the are military.
For goodnes sakes. No one needs anyone to tell them how to live. If you don't know the person wanting a dress, give it a rest. If you have one to donate then donate it. If you don't or don't want to, then don't. It's as simple as that. Not all of them get PFD's. This was about AFYMCA asking for people to donate if they wanted. Nothing was mandatory or coming out of your pocket involuntarily. The military spouses didn't ask Fairbanks for a handout. I wish we could have all the money back for formal wear my wife had to purchase for all the military formals we were "highly encouraged" to attend. I got my Dress Blues from the thrift store on post. It was better than spending $500 for something to wear once a year. These ladies would borrow a dress for a night, get it cleaned and turn it in for others to use who in the future may not be getting the hazard pay or PFD. No let's not look past the end of our nose.
If Value Village asked for dresses for people to attend prom's would you complain then or criticize the ones who purchased them?
icedogfan - well said!!!
There is a big difference between a dress and a truck!! Why are you people so hard on the people that go and fight for you?? I am a military spouse, and for one I cook a home cooked meal for my Family just about every night, it is not very often that we eat out. Secondly, in order for me to cook for my Family everynight, I might need to go to Walmart!! Third My husband never goes out to bars!! And for the guys that might go to the bar every now and then I think they have earned the right to have a beer or two!! So don't go and put us all in the same catagory!! All they are asking for is some used dresses, its not like they are asking people to go out and buy new ones, have a heart!!
As a married man speaking on behalf of the military wives I have something to say. For all you who think that changing the dress code is the solution, you are wrong. Women love to dress up and look beautiful, especially for their husbands. Also, speaking from experience, there is nothing better than coming home to your wife after being gone for a long time and seeing her all dolled up in a pretty dress. Those soldiers just spent long time away from their spouses. Let them have some fun. If you don't want to donate a dress then don't. Problem solved.
To all you military wives out there: ignore most of this nonsense! If you score a dress from this place wear it with the joyful spirit it was certainly given with. God bless and enjoy your special night out. I'll be donating a dress.
(This comment was removed by the Newsminer.com staff. Please see our User Agreement for further information.)
I almost forgot one thing,
Welcome home soldiers! Others... go get a job or go jogging!
Pay no mind to people like Salmonslayer. They're trolls. Disgusting little trolls looking to get a rise by their filth.
MamaBearOf2
You are correct, I do apologize, I should not have said DPP plan
GET UP AND GO JOG OR JOB, that will help get you a formal gown much faster than responding to replys on the daily newsminer
I think the time to celebrate is when everybody gets home.
aktreefrog ..... My husband has been USAF for 13 years with 4 dependents(including myself). He does NOT bring home $4000 a month.We live on base and, because of that, the government(in all of their infinite wisdom) decreased our COLA at the beginning of the year and increased the BAS for those living off base. The commisary prices continue to go up but we are receiving less every month.
And let's not overlook the fact that over half of the money you mentioned is for housing. Please tell me where you can get a house large enough for a family of 5 for $1556 a month. Please also quote the inflated cost of heat, electricity and all other utilities.
Like everything else up here, the prices of rent/houses are grossly inflated due to the fact that there is a military presence and people know they can get astronomical amounts for essentials.
Let the ladies have their dresses and shut up!
Wow. I am amazed at some of the vitriolic comments on this thread. My wife served in the AF for 22 years and I can tell you it was not always a walk in the park. We raised three children and between household bills, keeping them in clothes, gear for the sport of the moment, saving for them to go to college, etc. money was sometimes an issue.
If we can help those wives (and husbands) by donating a dress or a tux (or donating the $ for a rental) then I'm all for it. If you don't support this endeavor, then don't, but for goodness sakes the men and women who serve this country deserve better than what I'm reading here.
It is too bad that showing support for our military families has come down to a political debate. Finding a way to celebrate the return of loved ones is an excellent idea and I contributed immediately, as did several of my neighbors.
Post a comment
Commenting requires registration.