Service members and their families have responded very carefully to all that’s been asked of them, especially since the start of combat operations over 10 years ago. They have and deserve respect and support for continuing to serve honorably despite the many challenges associated with the vibrant military lifestyle through this government shutdown.
Unfortunately, as we all are now aware, another one of those challenges that all of us will have to contend with is the government shutdown. The government shutdown is affecting quality of life, family support, and child and youth programs that service members and families value. It is unfair to these families that their program plans aren't following up since the shutdown. I personally think they should figure out a way to continuing the programs and support systems even though there is a shutdown. Less fortunate families in the military are taking a big hit to this shutdown. For instance, right now if you are a service member and die during a lapse in funding, the death benefit will be delayed. This is unfortunate, and sad that a family would have to go through this all because our government can not be mature and compromise.
To be clear, military members and veterans will eventually be paid their contracted salaries and benefits, but the key word is eventually. Civilian defense department personnel may not even be that lucky.
Military members have been ordered to report to work as usual during the shutdown. Because of this, they don’t have the liberty of trying to secure other employment in order to pay for their expenses while Congress fights out the funding. This means that their mortgages, utility bills and other obligations will go unpaid. And while it’s a struggle for many to pay bills, military members are often penalized for not meeting their financial obligations.
Once a member becomes behind on payments, their command is notified, usually prompting a meeting with command brass and some course of action. Some military banks and credit unions may work with families during this time to avoid penalties, but it is up to each individual institution what course of action it will take, if any at all. This means that the services could be overrun with requests for help, and it’s impossible for them to help everyone in need.
And if that wasn’t bad enough, other benefits that military families depend on may be unavailable as well. Exactly what medical services will be available will vary by location. It’s advised that service members and those who receive treatment at these facilities call in advance of appointments to be sure that services are still available.
Veterans are not immune either. While lawmakers had the foresight to fund VA healthcare a year in advance in 2011, that is not the case throughout the entire VA. In fact, as reported by the Washington Post, if the shutdown lasts more than a couple of weeks, veterans who receive compensation from the VA will not receive their money, which is a switch from their position just last week. This prompted some to criticize the VA for not giving veterans enough time to prepare for that possibility.
Works Cited:
Lambert Desiree. Published Oct 1 2013.
http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2013/10/continuing-family-support-during-a-government-shutdown-2/
The shutdown may not be affecting me but I know some of my friends parents are going through a rough time and the Government should take in consideration to families deeply feeling the affect of this.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good, informative post. The military families, I think, care caught in a Catch-22: they must report, but they won't be paid. That is very different from other military-dependent workers, who might be considered "nonessential" and won't have to report.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the reality is of finding alternative, short-term employment in either group while the shutdown exists? Sometimes it takes six months to a year to even find employment--so is this a realistic option for most?
In your estimation, what can military families actually do to participate in the political process? Can they speak out? Can they become active in voicing their understandings of the dual pressures (work/no pay) that significantly affect military families? I think this blog starts that process! Maybe in a second post you can provide action recommendations?
Another thing affected by the shutdown was the veteran funeral arrangements. The entire time the shutdown was happening people that had were to have their funeral arrangements by the government were not able to happen. Im sure they were reimbursed after the shutdown was over but, what? They were supposed to let their loved ones rot while they waited for the government? I think not. And were they still able to be buried in Arlington? I'm not sure exactly how that works but, seriously. Were they not burying people because of the shutdown?? Just a thought.
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