As a 100% disabled veteran of the USMC and a proud parent to active and reserve service members, I have witnessed first-hand the financial struggles faced by our lower-ranked military personnel. These brave men and women are paid so poorly that they qualify for welfare, food stamps, and WIC when they have children. This is not only impacting recruitment and lowering morale among our troops but truly is a National Disgrace!

It's disheartening to see parents and grandparents draining their own savings to help cover basic survival costs for their loved ones serving in the military. It's even more distressing when base commanders impose additional blocks on obtaining second jobs and charge for on-base services and facilities that should be free for struggling service members and families! For example, charging their base personnel to access a pool, in the desert base. The cost for these services forces a family to decide to go without milk or pay for the pool for the day.  A real-world decision for  "something special" for the struggling family.  This is just one example of abuse. 

This situation is a national embarrassment. Our military personnel should not be living in poverty while serving our country. They are already requiring additional services from our country due to their low pay, so increasing their wages would not necessarily mean an overall increase in budget.

We need to rectify this situation immediately by requiring the military to pay lower ranks more. This will ensure that those who risk everything for our freedom can live comfortably without needing assistance from welfare programs for themselves or family members.

Please sign this petition if you believe that no member of our armed forces should struggle financially, under the poverty level, while serving their country.