Lose An Arm, A Leg And Your Bonus

How heartless is the army and the Bush Administration that governs it? Sending our troops into harms way for an illegal and immoral war is already well known, but could it be worse? Oh you bet your a-s-s it can. When those shiny commercials come on and bait young men and women into serving your country with those $30,000 enlistment bonuses. Well they should add an asterisk, because if you get injured during your tour, the army is going to want some of it back.

From The Carpetbagger Report:

In Jordan Fox’s case, he was seriously injured when a roadside bomb blew up his vehicle, causing back injuries and blindness in his right eye. He was sent home, unable to complete the final three months of his military commitment.

Last week, the Pentagon sent him a bill: Fox owed the government nearly $3,000 of his signing bonus.

“I tried to do my best and serve my country. I was unfortunately hurt in the process. Now they’re telling me they want their money back,” Fox said.

Yep, thats our military screwing over wounded combat veterans. This is why I would trust an used car salesman over a military recruiter any day of the week. The former just wants to sell you a car, the latter is getting you to risk life and limb.

Thankfully Jordan's Congressman is stepping into help. Altmire (D-PA) is introducing a bill that stops George Bush and his military brass from demanding veterans pay back their bonuses. The legislation should be easily passed by Congress, the question is will George veto it? He says he supports the troops, we'll see if he means it this time.

UPDATE: The Pentagon claims that Fox's little letter was a mistake, but no word on the policy as a whole.