[viepedorlella]

You would think there is a better way to perform force management than to alter timelines people do long term planning to so that end strength can be achieved.

http://azstarnet.com/news/local/arti...76644d9ae.html

Technical Sgt. Thomas Devine, of the 355th Equipment Maintenance Squad-ron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and his family of six are having a rough time financially.

After 21 years in the Air Force, this vet and father of four is facing abrupt retirement three years before he was ready due to a policy change in the military. In addition to a student loan, his wife has been able to find only temporary work.

Devine is scrambling to find a civilian job. He had hoped to use his last three years in the Air Force to pay his loans, move off-base to settle his family in Tucson, and find a job working on airplanes.

The Devines now must move off the base, and they need car repairs.

They are close to a financial crisis as their small reserves dwindle. Without a job, some financial counseling and help from the community, this veteran could soon face homelessness.

How to help

The Southern Arizona Chapter of the American Red Cross Service to Armed Forces, the Arizona Daily Star and KVOA News Channel 4 have joined together to help military service members and their families win personal battles here at home. Go online to www.redcrossarizona.org if you would like to make a donation to help military families in need.

[Podborodok]

It's the Year of the Air Force Family, ladies and gentlemen!

[vRmy0Fzg]

With 21 years of service the Tech. Sergeant could probably take one or two classes at a local college and have a Bachelors degree. This would vastly improve his changes of getting a good job to take care of his family. He will also be receiving a retirement check every month for the rest of his life. Pretty hard to have sympathy for someone that hasn't taken any steps to better himself or prepare for the possibility of this day. I have great doubt that if he was given another 3 years he would have paid anything off. He would probably be in EXACTLY the same position he is in now.

[Frannypaync]

You reaaly should have just left it at your comment and not added the quote---you must be a loser yourself to have taken the time to find such a quote you a$$.

[mazabotman]

This really sucks for TSgt Devine, however one thing I realized along time ago that is whether you do 4 years or 20 years in the military, this lifestyle is all temporary. You need to have a plan that is at least 3 - 5 years out, in the event something sudden like this happens. I will never forget when I attended the NCO Academy at Ramstein - the Command Chief of USAFE came to speak to our class and she told us she had no idea what she was going to do once she left the military. For those of you who know who she is, you would imagine a better answer coming from her, considering all that she has accomplished.

Bottom line is that the more Blue Kool-Aid you drink, the less clarity and perspective you have. Learn to live within your means and always plan for a rainy day.

[downtowndude]

It's called a signature you dolt and it's automatically put on the bottom of every post I make. I didn't "find" it, I created it. You seem to be around the same intelligence level as some others around here.

By the way, if you are looking for sympathy, go see your chaplain or your Mommy.

[CiccoineFed]

Gonna be a lot more stories like this if we have a RIF, especially if the economy stays stagnant like it is now.

[Kghyutgykim]

People like this amaze me. I hate being an A-hole, but what on earth were you waiting for? You have to start planning very early for retirement, both financially and long term career. Plus, you better have a backup plan. I know LOTS of MSgts who are "getting screwed". Yeah right, you knew it was coming from the moment you made the decision to stick it out till retirement.