About Military Town, Inc.

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Ask a service member why they joined the military and the one thing you will never hear, is they joined for the money.  Our fellow citizens choose to serve for many different reasons - but whatever the reason, less than 1% of the population is on duty, standing a post, manning an outpost in a foreign country, on our ships at sea, deployed to every clime and place.  While the 99% live in the protective shadow the military provides, people are unaware of the struggles of our active duty members and families.   The struggles are real and far too many are suffering in silence until desperation sets in - then panic ensues for a young family. 

Many service members are away from home for the very first time - often with a young spouse and even young children.  Lower credit scores increase payments for cars and loans - and many do not have help from family any longer.   Many factors can lead to struggles and financial strain - but no matter the reason, it is often hard to find help, any help.  Which is where Military Town can help...  Family members can tell their miliitary loved ones about our programs - other military members share it - commands spread the word - social media etc...  If they are active duty, we will assist in whatever way possible.

It is common knowledge that out of pocket expenses are increasing for everyone, in and out of the military 

 - BUT for military families making less money than most, it adds up:

 Military pay is far lower than civilian jobs

No overtime pay

Months spent away from family, friends, support groups

Moving as often as every 18 months

Military Spouses face unemployment / underemployment at rates 5 TIMES the National Average

Children are uprooted during school years to move

Necessary to reestablish care with doctors, therapists, child care providers

Worldwide moves are common

Moving from one weather pattern to another can be drastic (Hawaii to upstate New York for example)

Moving to area where health insurance program has no providers

Vehicle registration fees

Schools and other program fees need to be paid again after a move

Car insurance rates change from move to move

Mandatory Rental Insurance rates change from move to move

Deployments and training will take a member away from children months or a year at a time

Moving forces separation from family and friends

Increased costs for international moves

Out of pocket expenses for storage during moves - or waiting for movers to arrive with your items

Dental coverage out of pocket just increased again this year

ADA homes are few, making families having to pay out of pocket for specialized medical equipment

Travel to specialized medical appointments more than 30 minutes from home

Living in rural area on a military base (Laughlin for example) means increased costs to travel

Dependent pay structure is not based on number of children

Living in expensive areas of the world is higher out of pocket costs - (not covered by taxpayers)

Extra-circular activities fees are all out of pocket for children

Privatized government assets have not reduced costs for the family - (only the government) leading to higher out of pocket costs

Housing issues have caused increased expenses for military families - (repairs slow / infestations / mold / mildew / understaffed)

Waiting for housing requires out of pocket for families in hotels and other rental properties 

Car repairs often surprise families - who do not have the money to repair

Many families only have one car - do not earn enough for two cars

Living in the coldest parts of the world have increased heating costs - much not covered by taxpayers

Emergency travel for sick family members is also a real struggle for military families

CHILD CARE is always a challenge and expensive - often waiting more than 6 months for a slot in child care programs

Commissary and Exchange prices are often very close to the same prices as off base stores, sometimes even higher

Gas stations on base are now at the same price or higher than off base stations

Fast food restaurants on base are the same as off base locations

Non military spouses face extra costs for their professional licenses from state to state, waiting months 

WE DOES THIS MATTER?  

Military families make LESS MONEY than civilian counterparts, with no overtime.  Because of this, it is easier for military families to struggle financially -  military families  start from a lower paycheck to begin with.  

One of the goals of Military Town is to provide services that retain military members in their service.  The more experienced are the most benefit to National Security and Defense.  Constantly training new personnel costs taxpayers millions a year - retention is key.  Part of retention formula is Morale and Welfare of service member families.  Take care of the family, and the service member reenlists.  Simple formula really.  With our programs, the family is the key - supporting the family will keep the service member in the military - defending all of us.   Family Security is National Security.  

A struggling family will leave the military, but a supported family stays.  Many leave the service over one simple thing - MONEY - they make more money outside the military, so they leave.  Despite the urge and draw to serve others and defend a nation - MONEY is the catalyst.  We are trying to reverse that trend by creating a network supporting member and families - and the military serves us all, which is why donations from all are necessary to support, build, advance the programs we offer.

Fewer young people are drawn to the military today - recruiting shortfalls are common.  Retention is key.  

Military pay grades tell the real story however - Base pay does not reach $1,000 per week until E-5 !  So the youngest service members earn less than $1,000 per week for their first 4-5 years in service.  Take out taxes, insurance, retirement and other mandatory deductions and they earn far less than $1,000 per week.  Once they have a car payment, car insurance, cell phone, streaming service, cable, internet and routine bills to pay, and you can see how one emergency can be disaster.   The vast majority of service members are the lower enlisted ranks, and they are the focus of our programs.  However, personnel are not immune from emergencies, so we stand ready to support them.