If you're so moved

ladybug · Feb 6, 2009

Hello.

I know there are many military families on this board (and many who support military) and I have recently felt compelled to write my congress regarding this recent stimulus bill. It completely ignores a huge group of Americans who seem to be suffering in silence... Military members who are forced to PCS and thereby lose their homes because they cannot possibly sell them at what they bought them for only a few years ago. It is heartbreaking.

Feel free to visit the following site for stories:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://vrsam.conforums.com/index.cgi?board=Support&num=1193804319&action=display&start=60">http://vrsam.conforums.com/ind...ction=display&start=60</a>http://vrsam.conforums.com/index.cgi?board=Support&num=1193804319&action=display&start=60

I am attaching a pre-written letter if anyone feels moved to send to their members of congress. Just copy and paste to a word doc, fill in your information, add or modify the letter as you see fit, address to your representatives (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://directory.usayfoundation.org/">found here</a>found here) and send today.

We are currently $150,000.00 upside down in our mortgage and are scheduled to PCS in a few months. We are facing some difficult decisions. Others' stories are far worse.

Again, I'm not trying to impose a view on anyone or make this into a political issue. It is simply allowing those who want to do something about it, the means to do so. Thanks.

Letter:

(insert date)

Dear (insert representative or senator),

I am an (insert affiliation i.e. active duty military member, parent of military member, spouse of military member, concerned citizen, etc.) from the state of (insert state). I am deeply concerned about the devastating impact of the current housing market on Military Families and the readiness of our fighting forces. In many cases, Military Families purchase homes when base housing and rentals are unavailable or inadequate. When ordered to move (PCS orders) Military Families must move and are entirely on their own to resolve the housing issues.

By some accounts, the foreclosure rate among Military Families is four times higher than the nation average. The financial impact for individual Military Families should be obvious. They incur debts that may not be paid off for decades and endure even more family separations on top of the extended deployments. In some cases damaged credit may prevent renewal of the security clearances required to do their jobs.

This will undoubtedly affect the readiness of our fighting forces. Despite their commitment to service in our country's defense, highly experienced service men and women will be forced to leave the Military. We have service members in combat zones today while their families are dealing with foreclosure! Clearly this issue has a huge impact on our fighting forces morale.

I urge you to support two initiatives to relieve this unprecedented and unfair financial burden on our Military Families:

-Immediate tax credits for Military Families suffering financial loss when unable to sell their homes in a down market.

-Parity in Home Buying benefits for career designated Military Members similar to that enjoyed by employees of other Federal Agencies to include; settlement cost reimbursement and a guaranteed buy out when unable to sell in a down market.

I firmly believe there are substantial cost offsets in recruiting, training, and retention that would make such a program cost-effective. More importantly, it is simply the right thing to do! Military Families should not be denied the American Dream that they defend. Please act today!

Sincerely,

(insert name and contact information if you choose)

ladybug · Feb 6, 2009

Hello.

I know there are many military families on this board (and many who support military) and I have recently felt compelled to write my congress regarding this recent stimulus bill. It completely ignores a huge group of Americans who seem to be suffering in silence... Military members who are forced to PCS and thereby lose their homes because they cannot possibly sell them at what they bought them for only a few years ago. It is heartbreaking.

Feel free to visit the following site for stories:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://vrsam.conforums.com/index.cgi?board=Support&num=1193804319&action=display&start=60">http://vrsam.conforums.com/ind...ction=display&start=60</a>http://vrsam.conforums.com/index.cgi?board=Support&num=1193804319&action=display&start=60

I am attaching a pre-written letter if anyone feels moved to send to their members of congress. Just copy and paste to a word doc, fill in your information, add or modify the letter as you see fit, address to your representatives (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://directory.usayfoundation.org/">found here</a>found here) and send today.

We are currently $150,000.00 upside down in our mortgage and are scheduled to PCS in a few months. We are facing some difficult decisions. Others' stories are far worse.

Again, I'm not trying to impose a view on anyone or make this into a political issue. It is simply allowing those who want to do something about it, the means to do so. Thanks.

Letter:

(insert date)

Dear (insert representative or senator),

I am an (insert affiliation i.e. active duty military member, parent of military member, spouse of military member, concerned citizen, etc.) from the state of (insert state). I am deeply concerned about the devastating impact of the current housing market on Military Families and the readiness of our fighting forces. In many cases, Military Families purchase homes when base housing and rentals are unavailable or inadequate. When ordered to move (PCS orders) Military Families must move and are entirely on their own to resolve the housing issues.

By some accounts, the foreclosure rate among Military Families is four times higher than the nation average. The financial impact for individual Military Families should be obvious. They incur debts that may not be paid off for decades and endure even more family separations on top of the extended deployments. In some cases damaged credit may prevent renewal of the security clearances required to do their jobs.

This will undoubtedly affect the readiness of our fighting forces. Despite their commitment to service in our country's defense, highly experienced service men and women will be forced to leave the Military. We have service members in combat zones today while their families are dealing with foreclosure! Clearly this issue has a huge impact on our fighting forces morale.

I urge you to support two initiatives to relieve this unprecedented and unfair financial burden on our Military Families:

-Immediate tax credits for Military Families suffering financial loss when unable to sell their homes in a down market.

-Parity in Home Buying benefits for career designated Military Members similar to that enjoyed by employees of other Federal Agencies to include; settlement cost reimbursement and a guaranteed buy out when unable to sell in a down market.

I firmly believe there are substantial cost offsets in recruiting, training, and retention that would make such a program cost-effective. More importantly, it is simply the right thing to do! Military Families should not be denied the American Dream that they defend. Please act today!

Sincerely,

(insert name and contact information if you choose)

ladybug · Feb 6, 2009

Hello.

I know there are many military families on this board (and many who support military) and I have recently felt compelled to write my congress regarding this recent stimulus bill. It completely ignores a huge group of Americans who seem to be suffering in silence... Military members who are forced to PCS and thereby lose their homes because they cannot possibly sell them at what they bought them for only a few years ago. It is heartbreaking.

Feel free to visit the following site for stories:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://vrsam.conforums.com/index.cgi?board=Support&num=1193804319&action=display&start=60">http://vrsam.conforums.com/ind...ction=display&start=60</a>http://vrsam.conforums.com/index.cgi?board=Support&num=1193804319&action=display&start=60

I am attaching a pre-written letter if anyone feels moved to send to their members of congress. Just copy and paste to a word doc, fill in your information, add or modify the letter as you see fit, address to your representatives (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://directory.usayfoundation.org/">found here</a>found here) and send today.

We are currently $150,000.00 upside down in our mortgage and are scheduled to PCS in a few months. We are facing some difficult decisions. Others' stories are far worse.

Again, I'm not trying to impose a view on anyone or make this into a political issue. It is simply allowing those who want to do something about it, the means to do so. Thanks.

Letter:

(insert date)

Dear (insert representative or senator),

I am an (insert affiliation i.e. active duty military member, parent of military member, spouse of military member, concerned citizen, etc.) from the state of (insert state). I am deeply concerned about the devastating impact of the current housing market on Military Families and the readiness of our fighting forces. In many cases, Military Families purchase homes when base housing and rentals are unavailable or inadequate. When ordered to move (PCS orders) Military Families must move and are entirely on their own to resolve the housing issues.

By some accounts, the foreclosure rate among Military Families is four times higher than the nation average. The financial impact for individual Military Families should be obvious. They incur debts that may not be paid off for decades and endure even more family separations on top of the extended deployments. In some cases damaged credit may prevent renewal of the security clearances required to do their jobs.

This will undoubtedly affect the readiness of our fighting forces. Despite their commitment to service in our country's defense, highly experienced service men and women will be forced to leave the Military. We have service members in combat zones today while their families are dealing with foreclosure! Clearly this issue has a huge impact on our fighting forces morale.

I urge you to support two initiatives to relieve this unprecedented and unfair financial burden on our Military Families:

-Immediate tax credits for Military Families suffering financial loss when unable to sell their homes in a down market.

-Parity in Home Buying benefits for career designated Military Members similar to that enjoyed by employees of other Federal Agencies to include; settlement cost reimbursement and a guaranteed buy out when unable to sell in a down market.

I firmly believe there are substantial cost offsets in recruiting, training, and retention that would make such a program cost-effective. More importantly, it is simply the right thing to do! Military Families should not be denied the American Dream that they defend. Please act today!

Sincerely,

(insert name and contact information if you choose)

ladybug · Feb 6, 2009

Hello.

I know there are many military families on this board (and many who support military) and I have recently felt compelled to write my congress regarding this recent stimulus bill. It completely ignores a huge group of Americans who seem to be suffering in silence... Military members who are forced to PCS and thereby lose their homes because they cannot possibly sell them at what they bought them for only a few years ago. It is heartbreaking.

Feel free to visit the following site for stories:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://vrsam.conforums.com/index.cgi?board=Support&num=1193804319&action=display&start=60">http://vrsam.conforums.com/ind...ction=display&start=60</a>http://vrsam.conforums.com/index.cgi?board=Support&num=1193804319&action=display&start=60

I am attaching a pre-written letter if anyone feels moved to send to their members of congress. Just copy and paste to a word doc, fill in your information, add or modify the letter as you see fit, address to your representatives (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://directory.usayfoundation.org/">found here</a>found here) and send today.

We are currently $150,000.00 upside down in our mortgage and are scheduled to PCS in a few months. We are facing some difficult decisions. Others' stories are far worse.

Again, I'm not trying to impose a view on anyone or make this into a political issue. It is simply allowing those who want to do something about it, the means to do so. Thanks.

Letter:

(insert date)

Dear (insert representative or senator),

I am an (insert affiliation i.e. active duty military member, parent of military member, spouse of military member, concerned citizen, etc.) from the state of (insert state). I am deeply concerned about the devastating impact of the current housing market on Military Families and the readiness of our fighting forces. In many cases, Military Families purchase homes when base housing and rentals are unavailable or inadequate. When ordered to move (PCS orders) Military Families must move and are entirely on their own to resolve the housing issues.

By some accounts, the foreclosure rate among Military Families is four times higher than the nation average. The financial impact for individual Military Families should be obvious. They incur debts that may not be paid off for decades and endure even more family separations on top of the extended deployments. In some cases damaged credit may prevent renewal of the security clearances required to do their jobs.

This will undoubtedly affect the readiness of our fighting forces. Despite their commitment to service in our country's defense, highly experienced service men and women will be forced to leave the Military. We have service members in combat zones today while their families are dealing with foreclosure! Clearly this issue has a huge impact on our fighting forces morale.

I urge you to support two initiatives to relieve this unprecedented and unfair financial burden on our Military Families:

-Immediate tax credits for Military Families suffering financial loss when unable to sell their homes in a down market.

-Parity in Home Buying benefits for career designated Military Members similar to that enjoyed by employees of other Federal Agencies to include; settlement cost reimbursement and a guaranteed buy out when unable to sell in a down market.

I firmly believe there are substantial cost offsets in recruiting, training, and retention that would make such a program cost-effective. More importantly, it is simply the right thing to do! Military Families should not be denied the American Dream that they defend. Please act today!

Sincerely,

(insert name and contact information if you choose)

ladybug · Feb 6, 2009

Hello.
 
 I know there are many military families on this board (and many who support military) and I have recently felt compelled to write my congress regarding this recent stimulus bill. It completely ignores a huge group of Americans who seem to be suffering in silence... Military members who are forced to PCS and thereby lose their homes because they cannot possibly sell them at what they bought them for only a few years ago. It is heartbreaking.
 
 Feel free to visit the following site for stories:
 <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://vrsam.conforums.com/index.cgi?board=Support&num=1193804319&action=display&start=60">http://vrsam.conforums.com/ind...ction=display&start=60</a>http://vrsam.conforums.com/index.cgi?board=Support&num=1193804319&action=display&start=60
 
 I am attaching a pre-written letter if anyone feels moved to send to their members of congress. Just copy and paste to a word doc, fill in your information, add or modify the letter as you see fit, address to your representatives (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://directory.usayfoundation.org/">found here</a>found here) and send today.
 
 We are currently $150,000.00 upside down in our mortgage and are scheduled to PCS in a few months. We are facing some difficult decisions. Others' stories are far worse.
 
 Again, I'm not trying to impose a view on anyone or make this into a political issue. It is simply allowing those who want to do something about it, the means to do so. Thanks.
 
 Letter:
 
 (insert date)
 
 Dear (insert representative or senator),
 
 I am an (insert affiliation i.e. active duty military member, parent of military member, spouse of military member, concerned citizen, etc.) from the state of (insert state). I am deeply concerned about the devastating impact of the current housing market on Military Families and the readiness of our fighting forces. In many cases, Military Families purchase homes when base housing and rentals are unavailable or inadequate. When ordered to move (PCS orders) Military Families must move and are entirely on their own to resolve the housing issues.
 
 By some accounts, the foreclosure rate among Military Families is four times higher than the nation average. The financial impact for individual Military Families should be obvious. They incur debts that may not be paid off for decades and endure even more family separations on top of the extended deployments. In some cases damaged credit may prevent renewal of the security clearances required to do their jobs.
 
 This will undoubtedly affect the readiness of our fighting forces. Despite their commitment to service in our country's defense, highly experienced service men and women will be forced to leave the Military. We have service members in combat zones today while their families are dealing with foreclosure! Clearly this issue has a huge impact on our fighting forces morale.
 
 I urge you to support two initiatives to relieve this unprecedented and unfair financial burden on our Military Families:
 
 -Immediate tax credits for Military Families suffering financial loss when unable to sell their homes in a down market.
 
 -Parity in Home Buying benefits for career designated Military Members similar to that enjoyed by employees of other Federal Agencies to include; settlement cost reimbursement and a guaranteed buy out when unable to sell in a down market.
 
 I firmly believe there are substantial cost offsets in recruiting, training, and retention that would make such a program cost-effective. More importantly, it is simply the right thing to do! Military Families should not be denied the American Dream that they defend. Please act today!
 
 
 Sincerely,
 
 
 (insert name and contact information if you choose)

65rosessamurai · Feb 6, 2009

I'd just like to add....

Because I've been in Japan for so long, there is no direct effect on me...however, with the amount of "Chain Mail" my dad would send me, I would always send it back and add "Why don't you send a letter/e-mail to your congressmen?!". It's common sense that just complaining about the problem won't do anything, you have to act upon it yourself to the best of your ability.

(Also, the chain mail idea of writing your name and sending it to 10 people is illogical...you then have a billiion lists that will never reach 2,000 signatures!)

I would certainly think that any e-mail can be filtered/rejected or basically ignored, but the old Snail-mail method will always prevail. Why? its the start of a "paper trail" and if enough people send enough letters, it'll certainly lead to a "crumb trail" where eventually somebody's gotta react to...

My belief is that the congressmen, etc. don't have any idea what the average american is doing to survive...its time to tell them our "needs" and not let them think of what our "wants" are...

And, like Sonia said.."Please act today"!

God Bless America!

65rosessamurai · Feb 6, 2009

I'd just like to add....

Because I've been in Japan for so long, there is no direct effect on me...however, with the amount of "Chain Mail" my dad would send me, I would always send it back and add "Why don't you send a letter/e-mail to your congressmen?!". It's common sense that just complaining about the problem won't do anything, you have to act upon it yourself to the best of your ability.

(Also, the chain mail idea of writing your name and sending it to 10 people is illogical...you then have a billiion lists that will never reach 2,000 signatures!)

I would certainly think that any e-mail can be filtered/rejected or basically ignored, but the old Snail-mail method will always prevail. Why? its the start of a "paper trail" and if enough people send enough letters, it'll certainly lead to a "crumb trail" where eventually somebody's gotta react to...

My belief is that the congressmen, etc. don't have any idea what the average american is doing to survive...its time to tell them our "needs" and not let them think of what our "wants" are...

And, like Sonia said.."Please act today"!

God Bless America!

65rosessamurai · Feb 6, 2009

I'd just like to add....

Because I've been in Japan for so long, there is no direct effect on me...however, with the amount of "Chain Mail" my dad would send me, I would always send it back and add "Why don't you send a letter/e-mail to your congressmen?!". It's common sense that just complaining about the problem won't do anything, you have to act upon it yourself to the best of your ability.

(Also, the chain mail idea of writing your name and sending it to 10 people is illogical...you then have a billiion lists that will never reach 2,000 signatures!)

I would certainly think that any e-mail can be filtered/rejected or basically ignored, but the old Snail-mail method will always prevail. Why? its the start of a "paper trail" and if enough people send enough letters, it'll certainly lead to a "crumb trail" where eventually somebody's gotta react to...

My belief is that the congressmen, etc. don't have any idea what the average american is doing to survive...its time to tell them our "needs" and not let them think of what our "wants" are...

And, like Sonia said.."Please act today"!

God Bless America!

65rosessamurai · Feb 6, 2009

I'd just like to add....

Because I've been in Japan for so long, there is no direct effect on me...however, with the amount of "Chain Mail" my dad would send me, I would always send it back and add "Why don't you send a letter/e-mail to your congressmen?!". It's common sense that just complaining about the problem won't do anything, you have to act upon it yourself to the best of your ability.

(Also, the chain mail idea of writing your name and sending it to 10 people is illogical...you then have a billiion lists that will never reach 2,000 signatures!)

I would certainly think that any e-mail can be filtered/rejected or basically ignored, but the old Snail-mail method will always prevail. Why? its the start of a "paper trail" and if enough people send enough letters, it'll certainly lead to a "crumb trail" where eventually somebody's gotta react to...

My belief is that the congressmen, etc. don't have any idea what the average american is doing to survive...its time to tell them our "needs" and not let them think of what our "wants" are...

And, like Sonia said.."Please act today"!

God Bless America!

65rosessamurai · Feb 6, 2009

I'd just like to add....
 
 Because I've been in Japan for so long, there is no direct effect on me...however, with the amount of "Chain Mail" my dad would send me, I would always send it back and add "Why don't you send a letter/e-mail to your congressmen?!". It's common sense that just complaining about the problem won't do anything, you have to act upon it yourself to the best of your ability.
 
 (Also, the chain mail idea of writing your name and sending it to 10 people is illogical...you then have a billiion lists that will never reach 2,000 signatures!)
 
 I would certainly think that any e-mail can be filtered/rejected or basically ignored, but the old Snail-mail method will always prevail. Why? its the start of a "paper trail" and if enough people send enough letters, it'll certainly lead to a "crumb trail" where eventually somebody's gotta react to...
 
 My belief is that the congressmen, etc. don't have any idea what the average american is doing to survive...its time to tell them our "needs" and not let them think of what our "wants" are...
 
 And, like Sonia said.."Please act today"!
 
 God Bless America!

ladybug · Feb 6, 2009

Thank you, Fred! Well said.

I totally agree snail mail is absolutely necessary. If you visit any "legislative action" page on nearly any issue, you will find they strongly suggest snail mail over email to get results.

I actually cut and pasted into a word doc which I printed out and sent AND cut and pasted into emails to all of my senators and reps. Its the exact same letter, but I felt like since this is so time-sensitive, I wanted to cover all my bases.

ladybug · Feb 6, 2009

Thank you, Fred! Well said.

I totally agree snail mail is absolutely necessary. If you visit any "legislative action" page on nearly any issue, you will find they strongly suggest snail mail over email to get results.

I actually cut and pasted into a word doc which I printed out and sent AND cut and pasted into emails to all of my senators and reps. Its the exact same letter, but I felt like since this is so time-sensitive, I wanted to cover all my bases.

ladybug · Feb 6, 2009

Thank you, Fred! Well said.

I totally agree snail mail is absolutely necessary. If you visit any "legislative action" page on nearly any issue, you will find they strongly suggest snail mail over email to get results.

I actually cut and pasted into a word doc which I printed out and sent AND cut and pasted into emails to all of my senators and reps. Its the exact same letter, but I felt like since this is so time-sensitive, I wanted to cover all my bases.

ladybug · Feb 6, 2009

Thank you, Fred! Well said.

I totally agree snail mail is absolutely necessary. If you visit any "legislative action" page on nearly any issue, you will find they strongly suggest snail mail over email to get results.

I actually cut and pasted into a word doc which I printed out and sent AND cut and pasted into emails to all of my senators and reps. Its the exact same letter, but I felt like since this is so time-sensitive, I wanted to cover all my bases.

ladybug · Feb 6, 2009

Thank you, Fred! Well said.
 
 I totally agree snail mail is absolutely necessary. If you visit any "legislative action" page on nearly any issue, you will find they strongly suggest snail mail over email to get results.
 
 I actually cut and pasted into a word doc which I printed out and sent AND cut and pasted into emails to all of my senators and reps. Its the exact same letter, but I felt like since this is so time-sensitive, I wanted to cover all my bases.

kayleesgrandma · Feb 7, 2009