so Buggyone,what is your point?

Basically, I would say my point is the quoted poster has his information wrong.

An enlisted soldier does not have it too bad in terms of earnings.

The only reason a military member would have to pay for his own meals is if he is Already receiving extra $$ in his paycheck for rations.

Most service members receive extra $$ for going to the Middle East- Hazardous Duty Pay and are paid extra if they are married and $$ for each dependent.

In the last year I spent in US Navy, I made more $$ than after I got out, went to college and got my first civilian job. It took me 2 years to make what I was making in the Navy.

Just sayin'.

and so Buggyone from your earlier post that soldiers can use the post exchange to purchase items inexpensively,is there anything wrong with Operation Shoebox donating items to them? I'm just asking and not making any judgement on your position.

It's a good organization. If you would like to donate your time, money, material than do so. If not, that is ok too. It's that simple!

Operation Shoebox is the best run organization I have every donated my time to.
an yes it the 'homespirit' that makes it so wonderful. The notes that are added are just the beginning of how appreciative we are of there service. after that the bags are filled with the things that we take for granted ..Baby wipes are at the top of that list. An am sure everyone knows why!!.. anyone who thinks that making 21,000$ a year is alot of money for the sacrafice that these service members make, never had anyone in the service..We can use teabags an material and donated money for postage..

That may be the Navy...but other branches are different...and things may be different than when you were in the Navy...our country had cut back on many things due to the economic situation.

All the best and our sincere thanks for your service...Peace, R.

Sorry, I was speaking of a service member in the military about over 13 years ago, I should have specified not in 2012. I do not know what an E 3 is but do know that at that time the person paid for the dress blues.

Yes, it is sad that there are families earing less than that all over our country. Challenge for anyone to live on.

Peace, R.

Gompers is right about the rations pay and the hazardous duty pay, and the dependent pay. Do not forget the soldier does not pay housing on post and gets housing allowance if off post. All branches are the same for pay benefits.

The $21,450 I mentioned was for a Private First Class with less than 2 years of service. Not bad pay for a person who has only graduated high school, is it?

If Villagers want to send packages, I have absolutely no problem with their project.

I choose donating money and food to local food pantries as my project.