Homeless former colonel's story illustrates broad problems facing U.S. vets (Air Force Reserve, reserve)
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So now the truth changes. It might have been fairly useful to know that:
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Freniere, who spent 30 years in the military, both in active duty and the reserves
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Freniere said he has seen in online comments that some readers, including veterans, questioned his living situation and annual pension of more than $40,000, thinking the amount should be higher for a colonel. Freniere said he wanted to clarify that the money is compensation only for injuries he sustained while on active duty.
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He said he doesn't know whether he will receive more retirement pay when he turns 60, as most veterans do.
I suspect he actually does know. It's easy to figure out.
"Freniere, who spent 30 years in the military, both in active duty and the reserves, estimates he has gotten two dozen offers per day since The Inquirer published his story."
This explains the questions about his retired pay. Not all his 30 years were on active duty.
"He said he doesn't know whether he will receive more retirement pay when he turns 60, as most veterans do."
Sounds like a retired reservist scenario. I'm beginning to believe this guy is more of a civilian, using his reserve officer status for publicity. It's certainly a lot different view than seeing him as a 30 year Colonel retiring off 30 years active duty. I know ministers and school teachers who are O-6's in the reserves. Doesn't mean their ability to find employment is greatly enhanced. Enhanced some yes, but not to the same extent if they were entirely 30 years active duty.
Reading through 903 comments will perhaps help to get the whole picture. I just am glad that he is able to find job now and he is receiving some kind of help. Seeing a 59 years old living in a van is certainly not easy.
So now the truth changes. It might have been fairly useful to know that:
I suspect he actually does know. It's easy to figure out.
Exactly. I don't believe for a minute he doesn't know exactly how much his pension will be. And, he doesn't have to figure it out if he really doesn't know. One phone call to his last servicing personnel office or retirement specialist would provide the number.
It will be interesting to see if he accepts any of the offers made to him for employment.
We have too many real homeless veterans to be turning the spotlight on this "30-year military career", "three graduate degree", "colonel" who now lives in his van...
There are a ton of holes in this story. (I'm a retired AF officer). Quotes that do not make sense. They need to have the story written by someone who understands the military and the retirement system. I assume the paper has very few people like that.
I'll bet there are thousands of homeless vets, without anything approaching his income, who could offer him practical financial management advice.
I feel for them.
I have to say, I have a number of friends married to vets who are in their late 20s and 30s who have no sympathy at all for this man - if his story is even true, and they suspect it's highly embellished. We have so many homeless vets in this country and vets who need mental health care who would be thrilled to have his resources (many people live on far less) and have articles written about them personally so that people would offer THEM jobs.
My favorite comment under one of the articles I've read is "I wish him the best, even if his story is bogus as heck. I'm sure there are a lot of postions where being able to be creative with facts is a highly desired skilled; politics and Wall Street banking come to mind.'
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