military reserve callup

[woobiewill]

I'm from KY. Currently work for an offshore oil company and have a large income that allows me to easily service a monthly debt of over $4200/month. Am in the naval reserve and have been activated; as a second class petty officer in the USN I will be paid less than half what it will require to pay my monthly debts. To complicate this matter I have just finished moving into my new home and I have a mortgage of $1285/month. The only relief that I am aware of is the Sailor and Soldier's Act which will lower my interest to my debtors to 6%, but my mortgage is already at 6.8% so this will not be very helpful. I have made this information known to the local reserve center where I am being mobilized from and they have allowed me a 7 day delay while I get all of my documentation together to present to some type of board at the NMPS at Great Lakes. I am told that financial hardship situations are not looked upon very well in the military and that I don't have a very good chance. This will undoubtedly leave me in a situation where I will suffer not only a large loss of income for the 12 months I am being activated, but will also cause a significant amount of arrearages to accumulate.

Any advice?????

 

[Debra Harris]

You have received benefits from the naval reserves since the time of enlistment. They are now calling on you to serve your country. That is the downside of being in the reserves however it was a choice you made and now have to endure. Hopefully you will find some aide for your problem, but my question is why were you in the reserves if you were not prepared to serve?

 

[gmom101]

I'm looking forward to a legal response to the reservist as regards the question of what to do. i think many reservist are going to find themselves in this situation, as until 9-11-01, most of us didn't expect the reservist to be activiated for any length of time or unexpected length of time. this may be the same situation for reservists with debts/obligations. i don't think many reservists have based their financial responsibilities on active reservist pay as opposed to private citizen pay; and i don't think it's fair to have expected them to live a lesser life-style in civilian life just so they could rush off and give their lives defending those of us here at home.

 

[HomeGuru]

I suggest that you read the SS Civil Relief Act as it applies not only to mortgages but other creditor bills as well.

 

[Debra Harris]

reservist

My point is... why does anyone sign up with the reserves if not to serve? I certainly don't want to think that people only sign up with the reserves is to receive the "easy" money and benefits. I prefer to think that those individuals who are actually prepared to "go off and defend" the rest of us are the ones signing up. And, that that is why we pay them the money and why they receive the benefits. As it is military and times are uncertain to say the least, how can anyone be in any form of military service and not think about actually being called to duty. I believe that there should be some sort of assistance for all who serve their country in times of war, in addition to what we pay them when they are in training. And I hope this person finds the help he needs, however, I hope that he and others in his situation aren't trying to bail on the "country" in OUR time of need.

 

[reconmp]

The day you enlisted you knew this could happen. The fact that you are not prepared for it is not an excuse to not serve your country. I have 20 years experience as a Army Military Police Officer, and will be departing soon.. It will be tough on me financially, but somethings in life, like freedom are more important.

I wish you luck, but honestly, I do not feel for you, you made a choice, now your country has.