Andre Carson: “Every year, thousands of troops return home from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan prepared to separate from military…”

“Every year, thousands of troops return home from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan prepared to separate from military service and begin their civilian lives. Many of these service members enlisted right out of high school or college and have spent their brief military service in the structured atmosphere of a military base or deployment operation. They have trained and disciplined themselves to become members of the greatest military the world has ever seen and have protected our nation diligently. Yet, while serving our nation at home and abroad many have missed the opportunity to find reasonably priced housing, manage day-to-day bills associated with living on a civilian income, or have yet to start saving for their futures. These skills are absolutely critical for a smooth transition back to civilian life. For these service members, proper training can mean the difference between financial stability and long-term growth and foreclosure and unmanageable debt. I believe that every service member, including those whose short careers have kept them from basic financial opportunities, deserves to leave military service with a full understanding of important financial principles.…”