A listing of German food aid services, initially included on a U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria webpage as a resource for furloughed employees, has since been removed. The list of support organizations was meant for local national employees, not American troops, due to concerns about potential payment issues during the government shutdown. The information was part of guidance provided by the Army’s Installation Management Command-Europe. Despite the removal, various American-run sources, such as food pantries and school donation drives, are available to assist U.S. military families with food aid during the shutdown.
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During a recent C-SPAN call, Speaker Mike Johnson was confronted by a Republican military spouse worried about the government shutdown’s impact on her family’s financial well-being and access to healthcare. Despite her pleas, Johnson deflected blame onto Democrats, prompting criticism for his response. Reports indicate that Democrats and some Republicans are pushing for legislation to ensure military pay during the shutdown, which Johnson is currently blocking. The article emphasizes the disparity between the financial security of Congress members and the struggles faced by military families as the shutdown continues.
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The federal government shutdown is impacting thousands of families connected to Offutt Air Force Base, with approximately 2,300 civilian employees furloughed, though active-duty service members continue their missions. Uncertainty over delayed paychecks is causing financial stress for military families, and resources are available to help with essentials. Airmen are taking on extra responsibilities to cover critical civilian roles, but despite these challenges, base officials state missions continue uninterrupted while awaiting funding.
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Jermaine Thomas, born on a U.S. military base to a U.S. citizen father, was deported to Jamaica, a country he had never lived in. Despite his father’s citizenship, a court ruled that Thomas was not a U.S. citizen due to the location of his birth and his father not meeting the physical presence requirements at the time. Thomas was arrested in Texas, leading to his transfer to ICE and subsequent deportation to Jamaica, where he now faces homelessness and statelessness, lacking legal status and access to work. His family fears visiting him due to potential repercussions for their own immigration status, highlighting the tragic consequences of his complex citizenship status.
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A Blue Star Families survey reveals that 83 percent of military families believe a major U.S. conflict is likely within the next three to five years, compared to 67 percent of civilians. This disparity may stem from President Trump’s recent aggressive rhetoric and actions regarding Greenland, Canada, Gaza, and the Panama Canal, coupled with the U.S. Naval Institute’s prediction of a 2026 war with China. Military families may also be reacting to the administration’s weakening of civilian protection within the Pentagon and changes to rules of engagement. Experts and military family members cite these factors as potential catalysts for increased global tensions.
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A last-minute amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would eliminate TRICARE coverage for gender-affirming care for transgender children of military families. This provision, deceptively framed as preventing sterilization, targets medically necessary care like puberty blockers and hormone therapy, not surgeries which are rarely performed on minors. The amendment has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and some Democrats, who argue it jeopardizes the well-being of military families and recruitment efforts. The fate of the provision hinges on a potential Democratic-Republican coalition to remove it from the bill.
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The recent incident involving Donald Trump and the family of a deceased veteran at Arlington National Cemetery has once again highlighted the despicable nature of the man currently occupying the White House. Instead of taking responsibility for his actions, Trump has once again resorted to blaming others for his own mistakes, this time targeting the grieving family who lost their loved one in service to our country.
As a retired member of the US Army who has seen combat firsthand, it sickens me to see how Trump continues to manipulate and exploit the military and their families for his own personal gain.… Continue reading
When I read about President Biden’s call to the grieving parents of the soldier killed in Jordan, I couldn’t help but be moved by his compassion and empathy. As someone who has experienced personal tragedies, he understands the pain and grief that comes with such a devastating loss. His words to the parents, “It takes a hell of a long time to get there, but I promise you you’ll get there. I know that is no consolation now,” struck a chord with me. It’s a reminder that healing is a gradual process, but eventually, we find moments of joy amidst the tears.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood