An article released by the Associated Press this week reported that nearly 10,000 California National Guard members will have to repay enlistment bonuses after re-enlisting to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The so called over payments were discovered after federal audits were conducted that the bonuses were doled out by higher ups to hit enlistment goals because of a shortage of troops during the two wars.
One of those soldiers was the recipient of a Purple Heart who at first thought it was a joke when he received a letter several years ago that he was never entitled to enlistment bonuses and that the money would have to be repaid. Refusal to pay would subject them to wage garnishments and tax liens.
As if there was not already a travesty in the way our country’s veterans are treated, this is more salt in the wounds of soldiers who held up their end of the contract by serving not one, but two or possibly three tours of duty.
The law states the over payments have to be paid back by the soldiers and the Pentagon is demanding the money.
This is another example of incompetence in the federal government and of those who play politician to the public in order to look good. Some of our veterans are being forced to repay promised bonuses because they were improperly given out by higher ups who tried to make target goals and look good.
In the words of Donald Trump…..this is a disaster and this is sad.
