When I was in, if you were in a combat zone, it was tax free pay, I believe that still applies. If you were to ask a soldier if he wanted a free phone card or a raise in pay, I believe he would opt for the increase in pay for his family"s sake. GW has a little rebuilding to do after the past administration decreased the military. Vote for those who will support the military with money and equipment.

 

AMEN!!!!

X-President Clinton did nothing for the military but use them as some new toy.

If it was up to me the military would get a 100% pay raise and the money to fund that would come from 50% for federal prison funds, and 50% of the money that goes to the states for welfare.

As an added benifit there would be NO taxes what so ever, no federal taxes nor state taxes. If they are in a combat zone they get 50% more money for the risk, this to is to come from the federal prison system and welfare.

 

so how would you break it down? if you are married, government pays. does the government also pay for girl friends and boy friends? what about friends? what about people doing business? what about calls to kids? parents? grandparents? aunts and uncles? cousins? what about gay relationships? does it pay for incoming calls as well? how often, daily, weekly or hourly? what is the time limit? are the calls screen since national security is at risk? do you think other are listening try to figure out if something is getting ready to go down?

ever been around when a buddy got a break-up phone call? how about a phone call from another buddy informing you that he just saw your girl with another guy, is that the guy you want to make life and death desisions. flip the coin, a guy gets a call the the girl he left 4 weeks ago is 6 weeks pregnet, is that the guy you want to cover your back in life and death situation.

Do you think this is an issue of money or that just maybe a few of the above have a little to do with it?

 

It is an issue of money only.

I would not break it down at all, with the exception of incoming calls, none of those. There are ways a family member, be it wife, child, father or mother etc can get a message to a service person.

Other then that I would say 10 minutes a week period. How they use it is up to them, if they waste it calling a buddy then after the 10 minutes it is back to $1 a minute.

No carry over, you either use the 10 minutes a week or you lose it. Very simple, very easy, no hassle no problem.

 

Lightningquick, I'm not trying to bust your *****, but if everyone thought that way you WOULD be having to take up arms to protect yourself and family. The best defense is a good offense. Yes, there has been occasions where we have stepped in and did something for political reasons. But for the most part the things we do is to protect our way of life, directly or indirectly. If it wasn't for 8 years of Clinton burying his head in the sand and ignoring the growing threat we wouldn't be in this dire situation. But I'll stay away from that soap box.

I don't blame AT&T, they are not a charity organization. You've got to remember, most of the places our folks are at there is no infrastructure. If AT&T funds setting up phones there, I don't have a problem paying a reasonable amount. Would I prefer it free? Hell yes! It cost's a pretty sum to send thousands of calls by satelite.
Uncle Sam has made HUGE gains in providing troops with morale calls and e-mails, unfortrunately it's never enough. You can never talk to a loved one enough to ease the pain of seperation. Where commercial industry doesn't/can't set up, military communication equipment is used. Morale calls come second to official commiunications. The calling cards are great morale boosters, but not enough folks has the capability to use them unless AT&T (or others) goes through the hassle of setting up phones on location.

If you want to see someone who is taking advantage of people in uniform, go to your nearest military installation and see what some rental landlords, used car dealers and other greedy people who has no problem with stealing/conning a young persons money who has just commited to protecting their freedom.

Biggest morale booster? Let's go kick ***, get the job done, come home, then there won't be a need for morale calls.

 

2fords... right on!

Everyone that wants the government to foot the bills, so you don't mind it if your taxes go up even more?

And those that want ATT/Verizon/whoever to foot the bill, ever try to bring that up at a board meeting?

If you really want to do something, buy a phone card and donate it.

And please, two years from now when the military isn't in the headlines like they are now, don't forget about them.

 

I agree that $1.00 a minute is not bad. I remember one phone call I made during Desert Storm. I got the bill for $385.00 for approx 45 minutes.

The Red Cross and other aid affiliations do a good job of trying to provide ways of communication for our troops. The biggest thing right now is mail. A lot of the land troops do not have access or it is limited to make calls or emails. They really rely on written letters and cards.

I know that during Desert Storm, we received letters from unknown people just writing to lend support. If any of you have the time, you can look up how to send a card or letter just to express your support. It really means alot. I wish them all the best.

sarge