Support Your Troops During the Government Shut Down

As of midnight tonight, the United States Government may shut down if they do not come to a budget agreement. While the government is shut down, the military will not see a paycheck. They will still have to come to work, but until the budget has been passed, they will not see any of the money that they are earning. Depending on how long the government is shut down, this could become a major hardship on the people that keep us safe. It is time for the rest of us to step up to do our part to support the troops while the government is shut down. Here are some ideas of how to support the troops:

Invite a Soldier to Dinner

Our soldiers are only receiving half a paycheck, as of today. Our soldiers do not get paid a great deal to begin with (especially at the lower ranks), and many are not likely to have a great deal of savings built up. Most could not have predicted that the budget would shut down, and therefore wouldn't have spent any differently up until the last paycheck. Since some may not have enough money to feed themselves or their families, if you know a soldier, consider inviting them over to dinner. Not only are you likely to enjoy the company, but you can make sure that they don't go hungry for a day.

Be Understanding

There are plenty of soldiers that live in off-base housing with their families. They normally receive a housing allowance to cover the costs of their housing. If you own an apartment complex and are renting to military families, please try to be understanding. When the budget is passed, they will get all of their back pay, and they will be able to pay you. If a sailor owes you money, go easy on them until they get paid again.

Look to Meet a Need

Just like you, soldiers have many needs. If you know of a soldier or sailor that has an empty pantry, offer to help them with groceries. If you have a sailor or soldier friend overseas, send them a care package with shampoo, soap, and other toiletries (find out the regulations of what you can and cannot send first). If you know of a sailor with any other needs, ask if there's anything that you can do.

Donate

If you don't personally know a soldier, then you can still help out our soldiers in this time of need. The American Legion has a Family Support Network in order to help out soldiers and sailors that have a pressing need like groceries or a car repair. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is also able to give interest-free loans to soldiers and sailors who need it, although if the government shutdown is prolonged, the small loans that they give may not be enough. These organizations will do their part to help soldiers during this time of need, but they do rely on donations. If you can (obviously if you have your own financial struggles you might not be able to), donate something to these or other organizations like these, especially if the government shutdown is prolonged.

The last people that should be suffering are the people that give their lives to protect us. Let's do our part to help the military when they need us.