I would say that it’s the “do nothing” Congress.
They are the one’s responsible, by the Constitution, to write military regulations.
Mr. Jordan Fox will not be required to pay back or “recoup” any enlistment money he received from the U.S. Army. By all accounts, his case seems to be an isolated one. If anyone else does have an issue we encourage them to call the “Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline” at 1-800-984-8523.
The Army does not require repayment of any enlistment bonus when a Soldier is separated because of a combat injury. That is the Army’s policy.
The policy prohibits what is described as “recoupment” when it would be contrary to equity and good conscience, or would be contrary to the Nation’s interests.” Those circumstances include, for example, “an inability to complete a service agreement because of illness, injury, disability, or other impairment that did not clearly result from misconduct.”
We are looking into Mr. Fox’s case now and appreciate his service to the Nation. We will see more about the specifics surrounding his situation … and appreciate his efforts to help fellow Soldiers.
Once again any Wounded Soldiers or Veterans with a pay concern or any other concern may call the Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline 1-800-984-8523 for personal assistance. This Hotline was stood up in March 2007 and is manned by real compassionate human beings who are mandated to get answers and help find solutions to problems or get them to right people who can.
Over this Thanksgiving Holiday period, I’d like to give special and sincere thanks to all our men and women serving our great nation in harm’s way!
Very Respectfully,
Col Dan Baggio, U.S. Army
Chief, Media Relations Division
U.S. Army Public Affairs