SSG Powell
USA#2Author of original report
Thu, October 29, 2009
This is going to be long winded so I can make sure I am clear. First off, I know scamming the military has been around forever as well as scamming the public, nothing new there but that doesn't mean we should stand by and let it happen. Why involve the Army Times? Simple, the Army Times is the #1 read paper in the Army by Soldiers. In my opinion, the Army Times should hold themselves to a higher moral standard and not sell ad space to a business such as this. Soldiers get info such as state of the Army, results from gear fielding, and new training ideas. All of it helpful to them. They should not advertise for a business that they know will do more harm than good.
You asked if I bought anything from them. No. I have good financial sense, but alot of young Soldiers do not. Why the wrath you say? As a Non-commisioned Officer I have two basic responsibilities, accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers. I care about Soldiers and their families, and do my best to keep them away from harm on and off the battlefield. I put the copy of the letter I sent on this website for the simple fact that if a Soldier Googles the business they would come across my letter and the examples in it. Hopefully that would discourage them from making a serious mistake. Im not benefitting whatsoever from any of this, but I believe Soldiers will. You think that these companies are not doing anything wrong. I disagree. I think it is morally wrong to seek out people that they know cannot afford to be buying from them and then selling them a product at 3x the fair retail market value. In society these days, people are morally bankrupt just as much as they are financially.
Your right about the BBB, it may not do any good. But a part of the BBB's mission statement is "denouncing substandard marketplace behavior" and this company fits the mold. Now you assumed that I think I am entitled to better treatment than everyone else. I know I am not, nor do I think I am better than anyone else. I have never had that kind of mentality and dispise that type of behavior. I have never expected more than I deserve, but I do expect to get what I pay for. As soon as I leave a military installation, I'm John Q. Public waiting in line like everyone else. But if a company says they only cater to active military and gov employees, then there should be a better reason then knowing they will recieve their monthly payment on time. Otherwise they should cater to the public as well.
Serving is an honor and my duty, and part of that duty is taking care of Soldiers which is not a trivial duty and should never be taken lightly.
There is something I would like to know about you. Do you support these companies or are you just playing devil's advocate? I would think that a vet would understand where I am coming from and would like to see these companies disappear.Lastly, you said I had my moment in the sun when I came home. What did you mean? Did you think it was a privilege for me to come home? Did you think I got a parade or alot of people where cheering for me? There was no ceremony or party for me of any sort. Just my family waiting at the airport, and that's all I wanted, nothing more.
Jeanski
Hamburg,#3Consumer Comment
Wed, October 21, 2009
Jason, first of all, thank you for your service. I am also a vet, my ex-husband was a careerist, and my daughter is in the Air Force. She served in Afghanistan.
Please consider contacting your post Inspector General. I believe he has the authority to make a business "off limits". Also, see if there are other military sites (military.com and the AKO come to mind).
What this company is doing is reprehensible, whether the customer is military or not.
Inspector
Tobyhanna,#4General Comment
Wed, October 21, 2009
Scamming the military has been around forever. Every merchant outside the gate of the military bases are selling products at higher prices than non military cities. The Army Times is a private publication with no affiliation to the military, what makes them so different?
These businesses are doing nothing wrong or illegal. Increasing your prices is not a crime. Besides did you buy anything from them? Why the wrath?
I seriously doubt if the BBB will pay credence to your rant, you must show proof of wrongdoing.
I appreciate your service (I also served) but, that doesn't entitle you to better treatment than everyone else. To serve is an honor and also your duty. Let's not trivialize that duty by expecting more than you deserve. You had your moment in the sun when you came home, leave it be.