The guy is 50yrs old and can barely remember to take a weekly shower. He is fixated on reading internet news, or hell, reading anything on his Nook. He's a "retired" U.S. Army First Sergeant (1SG) that is stuck in a Catch-22 and nobody is listening.
Sound familiar? We know plenty of these guys, but crap, when did I become one of those guys? The story is familiar and here's how I'll outline this:
* 1982-1985: U.S. Army Military Police - rose to the rank of Specialist (P)
* 1985-1986: Tried to go to college, but type-A, partying took over.
* 1986-1994: Rejoined Army - Got married same year way too young bride and immature Soldier. Went to college for Information Systems Management with a keen interest in x86 systems (think pre-Windows = DOS)
* 1994-1995: Fulfilled life long goal of becoming a certified and sworn police officer
* 1995-2003: Couldn't continue making only 21k/year as police officer; submitted resume to SunTrust Bank and hired immediately.
* 2003-2014: Could not stand on the sidelines watching 2 x wars (Afghanistan and Iraq), re-joined military in the Georgia Army National Guard
* 2004-2006: Deployed for combat operations in Iraq
* 2009-2010: Deployed for combat operations in Afghanistan
* 2011-2012: Deployed for combat operations in Afghanistan
* 2013-2014: Deployed for combat operations in Afghanistan
His final deployment, 2013-2014 was the most taxing. During all deployments, he had the trust and confidence that his wife could make the best decisions financially and supplied her with a General Power of Attorney on all deployments. She did good things, such as having a screened in porch installed and bought me a shed. He never took a look at money, she did it all (she was a non-employed mother). He was easily taking home over $11k per month.
So, what about SunTrust? Where do they play a part? Fantastic military support. Per their internal policy, they will pay differential pay to any employee who is called to active duty (there's a bunch of codes and mumbo jumbo, but all was legit). So, here he is, at the pinnacle of my career with SunTrust on the "Fast-Track" (namely because I was bringing in x86 technologies to a mainframe based world) manager. Each time he deployed, it was within SunTrust policy and support.
So, back to the last deployment. His wife really does leave him. Unknowingly to him, she has racked up over $50k in credit card debt, left their home completely abandoned without electricity (not a good idea in the deep south), moved out of state with their daughter. Still unknowing - when he returned from his latest combat deployment, 14FEB2014 (Valentine's Day anyone?).
He's an E8/1SG now, that means he's in charge of over 140 Soldier Souls on combat (along with his Company Commander - a Captain). As he gets everyone ready to march into the gymnasium, he does not see his family. He scans the hundreds of family members, but cannot find his wife or children. As a matter of fact, he doesn't see any family.
As the shock wore off, he quietly asked an E3/PFC for a ride home.
Returning to an empty home was a nightmare. All the power was out and as he entered the home, the smell of mold and mildew was overpowering. A check of the power showed the main breaker was shut off. Mold and mildew had permeated the basement, where everything will either have to be disinfected or thrown out.
15FEB2014: day after returning combat - a deputy sheriff knocks on the door and hands him what? Divorce Papers. All finalized June 2014 paying 2500./month for child support and alimony.
OK, I gotta cut this short, 'cuz I'm starting to lose it again. Went back to Active Duty to finish his 20yrs, but traveling 135miles ONE way was taxing. They didn't care. He's seeing a therapist, but got committed to a psych ward instead. Some BS about TBI, PTSD, multiple combat engagements. Admittedly, he couldn't think straight, but nobody listened. So, when it came time for him to retire, what happens? He's essentially given 3 days to GTFO (that means medical screening, turn in gear, VA appointments...blah, blah). He could not get his retirement orders because they forgot. WTF.
At first, this wasn't too bad. He was not only able to pay all of her credit card debt, he was also able to save money. He saved about $6k before the next event.
30NOV2014 - last day of Active Duty - could not fully outprocess (need gear turned in); 1DEC2014 - return to work at SunTrust as agreed. Met with manager in her office and I was provided a "Package" (basically I'm terminated and they are offered a severance to keep the mouth shut). It would have been nice to have been notified prior. Great. So, now I go from TAKE-HOME $11k/month to zero.
So, the questions needed to be answered: why didn't he go back to the Army and finish? Answer: no income, can't afford the gas, has to pay child support. Although he is not opposed to paying child support, he is opposed to paying alimony.
Get another job? easier said than done. Although he has a Top Secret clearance and can manage hundreds and is a technical whiz, he suspects most employers are look at his age (50).
Unemployment Benefits? Georgia denied his original claim, showing he only made $500+/- for 2014. Submitted a lengthy appeal and has yet to hear from anyone.
Is he homeless? Not yet. He has applied to HomeSafe Georgia, but they are asking for a ridiculous amount of paperwork that he has previously supplied - oh - by FAX only. Who the heck uses FAX in 2015?? He imagines he has about 60 more days.
Food/Electricity/Gas/Water? He took one of the (ex) wife credit card to eat with. He hasn't paid anything else.
Transportation? He has a 2003 GMC Sierra that get's 17MPG. It's almost empty.
SunTrust Severance? Yeah, STI wasn't exactly gracious with the package. Attorney contacted, waiting settlement or court.
Sell everything? Get out? He doesn't know how to do that.
What about the VA? 3-days to outprocess - he did not have time to submit a claim; however, he was able to get an appointment 20FEB2015. All this did was submit the claim, but they said they want that DD214 that he can't get.
So, the whole thing here is that this is a Catch-22. He has no energy to fight anymore. He is taking 8 different medications to keep from losing it; developed high blood pressure in the Army. This combat veteran/retiree was caught in a tornado of misfortune. He doesn't feel sorry for himself, but can't focus on more than one task and maybe 1 minute ahead. He acknowledges that his mental state of mind is probably not the best.
Here's hoping he lives through 2015.
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