There's nothing wrong with helping people get back on their feet although I think the Church probably does a better job with far less overhead.
They'd probably save money if they taught these people a trade or something.
A Korean War veteran on oxygen who mostly wanted to talk, so Nerios listened: 32 years in the military, a sergeant major, Germany, Iron Curtain, medals and awards. “A hell of a life,” the veteran said. “So if I signed up, what would I tell my wife?”
How is this possible? Thirty five years in the military he should have retirement benefits (he retired as a SGT Major) as well as healthcare. It's not a ton of money but he should be able to live on it and social security.
Family is the safety net....But the government has gone all out to destroy that.
That’s whatr I was thinking. He should have retirement pay, privileges at the PX, health care (VA)etc. etc. thirty-two years sounds odd unless he was retired because of health but even then...
He should be getting about $50,000 per year in military retirement as an E-9 with 32 years of service retiring in 1982 (based on his comment he was a Korean War veteran).
That would make him born in 1932 (80 years old). He could have been born earlier, but probably not too much earlier. He could have been born a couple of years later (the Korean War lasted until 1953). But either way, the $50K/year number will be close.
The military paid into Social Security since 1957, so he should have considerable Social Security contributions from his military career.
Also, if he retired from the military in 1982-1985 at age 50, he may have also had a second career, with more Social Security contributions, and potentially another retirement or savings.