[Publib] U.S. Army Pursues Homeless Youth

[Fred Beisser]

Does it matter for what reason the homeless or others sign up for 
military service?  Some may become heroes but most will be just one 
person among the 1.4 million or so in uniform that we have on active duty.

It seems to me that it is a personal economic choice to either remain 
homeless and late in life die under a bridge during a cold Minnesota 
night or to have income, health care, direction in life, maybe learn a 
useful occupation. Yes, even the armed forces on the front lines learn 
such things as security, communications, logistics,  leadership and 
organizational skills that transfer well into the civilian world and 
post-service into a reasonable job and an acceptable standard of living 
if that is what they want. Even better, each will have an excellent 
opportunity for access to higher education either during 
military.service or after when they can, if they choose, use their 
veteran's benefits.

And, come to think of it, their departure from a homeless shelter 
reduces social costs and their military service contributes to better 
national security. And we gain a productive citizen in the long run.

Fred Beisser
Parker, CO



jgehner at hhptf.org wrote:

>A few years ago while employed in the Minneapolis shelter community, I met
>Monica Nilsson, an experienced anti-poverty advocate and knowledgeable
>social worker. She often serves as the de facto voice of Twin Cities
>homeless people and the agencies that support them.
>
>Below is a letter she wrote to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, published on
>9/1/07.
>
>My thanks to SB for the tip.
>
>John Gehner, Coordinator
>Hunger, Homelessness & Poverty Task Force - SRRT/ALA
>jgehner at hhptf.org
>http://www.hhptf.org
>http://www.libr.org/srrt
>
>- - - - -
>
>A Disturbing Trend
>
>Local Army recruiters have found one solution to their recruitment crisis:
>pursue homeless youth ("Military recruits cash in on $20,000 'quick-ship'
>bonus," Aug. 27).
>
>With recent visits to Minneapolis homeless shelters and drop-in centers,
>our military is ending homelessness with a $20,000 signing bonus if
>recruits can leave home by Sept. 30.
>
>Easy to do when you don't have one. Who knew some of Minnesota's heroes
>were once Minnesota's homeless?
>
>Some would say that this is a terrific solution for those without options.
>I just wonder if our newest heroes enlist for America's survival or their
>own.
>
>MONICA NILSSON, MINNEAPOLIS
>
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