Soldiers going to Iraq worried about economy

[unhappycamper]

Soldiers going to Iraq worried about economy
By John Milburn - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Sep 30, 2008 18:07:26 EDT

FORT RILEY, Kan. — Soldiers and families who deal with enough stress during 12-month deployment to Iraq now acknowledge they are keeping a little closer eye on their finances.

Turmoil in the credit and financial markets has members of the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Infantry watching their money closely and planning for emergencies. They know their paychecks are secure, but it’s their investments, however small, that makes them worry.

Command Sgt. Maj. Julia Kelly is not amused with the talk of bailing out Wall Street with $700 billion when taxpayers are expected to pay for their own tough times. Kelly is trying to sell a house in Billings, Mont., knowing that some properties in that area have been on the market for as long as three years.

“I’m feeling that pressure right now with that,” said Kelly, adding that she didn’t want to find a renter because the last one cost her money in repairs.

About 3,700 soldiers will be leaving for Iraq in the next few weeks, some in coming days. While in Iraq, their pay will be tax free and they will receive bonuses for being in a hazardous locale. Soldiers with families will receive an extra $250 per month.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/09/ap_soldiers_economy_093008/%2e