A Reservist's Reward -- Bankruptcy

On a sun soaked street in northern California, Air Force reservist Oscar Rodriguez is finally back home from active duty, where, as CBS News Correspondent Byron Pitts reports, the high and unexpected cost of war has taken a toll.

"They ain't giving us a loan cause I got bad credit," says Rodriguez.

"It was hard seeing my mom," says his daughter Desiree. "I mean seeing her stressed and seeing her cry - it hurts a lot."

When Master Sgt. Rodriquez and his company were activated for one year -- on eight hours notice -- he left behind his wife to run the couple's construction company.

"My dad was away and so she's pretty much was doing this on her own cause he can't do anything about it when he's gone, and I can't really do anything about it, but I try," says Desiree.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/11/06/eveningnews/main582347.shtml

I saw the last part of that. I can't believe his wife left him when he needs her. Do you think they should of been living within his reserve pay in case he ever got deployed? I figured base pay for an E-7 is about 3200.00 a month, housing allowance about 800.00, subsistence 243.00, hazard pay, 225.00, - all tax free while he was gone. The housing varies from place to place, it could be more for California. He would also get to claim a family separation pay when he got back.

so no, i don't think it would be reasonable to ask a guy to live on 1/5 his income "just in case". what would have been more reasonable is not to be in the reserves in the first place.

But dont' you think joining the reserves is like playing the lottery? You don't think he could have gotten by on about 4500.00 a month and have some money saved just in case something like this did happen??

and he'll be swimming in $$$ soon :eyes:

... he might as well re-enlist.

What were to happen to the guy if he were to have cancer or something?

I think...or maybe CBS news...

pretty sure it's the same dumb prick.

>>>The strain of duty and debt may have cost this couple their marriage. Yet, Rodriguez has re-enlisted.<<<

It really pains me to see good folks like him used and abused by Bush*.

Welcome home.

they are eating 2000 dollar a plate dinners, fatcats with champagne flowing and people dressed in Givenchy dresses and Armani suits...they could CARE LESS what happens to the military...all these people are to them are fodder to be butchered for their "war", things to use to up their own incomes...the evil ones? right there on Pennsylvania Ave. The Tsar and his wife. King George and his cronies. Beyond my comprehension how they can actually BE so evil.

From the article:

"I lost the bids for my construction projects," says Rodriguez. "I lost my savings. I lost my credit. My credit history - it's in shambles."

Despite federal laws protecting active duty reservist from creditors during wartime, the creditors kept calling. Their home is now in foreclosure.


&

He's suing his creditors as much for the principle as the money.


Why didn't she ask her husband's father for help?

He is sueing the creditors because they broke the law. I hope he wins...