Support out Troops? Not if we can help it!

* The 2,600 members of the Minnesota National Guard returned recently from extended duty in Iraq, which was reportedly the longest consecutive deployment of any outfit (22 months, counting extensions). However, the Guardsmen still do not qualify for government education benefits. The law allows the benefits only for those on "active duty" at least 730 days, but the Minnesota Guard's orders (as well as some other outfits' orders), were specifically written for "729 days."

Write your congress critter NOW to protest this government weasel action. To specifically limit deployment orders by ONE DAY in order to avoid making educational benefit payments is an unconscionable and heinous act. The uncivil servants who came up with this cost saving idea should be booted from any future government service as a distinct warning to others who would try such a despicable ploy to avoid dispersing benefits to vets. What a great way to promote joining the Guard.