Former Navy SEAL Says His Government Abandoned Him - But Did It?

Yesterday we read the story of Staff. Sgt. Clinton Romesha who won the Medal of Honor for heroism and gallantry on the battlefields of Afghanistan.

Usama Bin Laden

Today we hear the story of another hero. But it takes a different turn. Fox News reports the Navy SEAL who says he put three bullets in the head of Usama bin Laden is out of work, separated from his wife and believes he's been abandoned by his government. Read More: Disgruntled SEAL

SEAL Team

As the news article stated, he has no medical benefits or pension. To qualify for medical benefits and retirement pay, military personnel must serve at least 20 years. He was short of the mark by 3 years. Surely he was aware of this having spent as much time in the military has he did. The question is, why did he leave the service? As we know, all members of the armed forces, and their families, are under an unduly amount of stress, especially during these times. Members of elite commands, like the Navy Seals, are under enormous amount of stress, just by the nature of their jobs. Perhaps this young man was physically and emotionally spent.It's too bad he couldn't have made it to the required have made it to the required 20 years to receive the benefits he deserves. 

Perhaps there should be a change in rules here, allowing certain  military job categories such as Special Operations people like the SEALS and Delta Force to retire after 15 years with full benefits.

Navy SEALS

There are benefits available to him, however. President Bush signed into law a bill allowing ex-service personnel to receive insurance benefits through the VA, but the Defense Dept. does a poor job in relaying this information to departing troops.

Army Delta Force

 As a side note, this unnamed SEAL is also out of work. He is not alone. The total number of veterans unsuccessfully looking for work (yours truly among them) rose to 844,000, almost 150,000 more than it was four months ago.

Air Force Special Operations

 Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the overall unemployment rate for veterans 7.6 percent.  
                      


















Tweet