State of Affairs Examines the Challenges Facing the Military Community
Ray Zardetto, Editor and writer of ROI-NJ’s Military Matters, joins Steve Adubato to discuss the impact of New Jersey’s military bases on the state’s economy and the challenges facing the military community, including food insecurity, and mental health.
As part of the interview, Steve Adubato speaks with Zardetto about the most pressing issues facing Veterans today. Zardetto says one of the most significant issues is food insecurity. “A Rand corporate study two years ago said that about 25% of military families deal with food and security issues. Food insecurity is defined as not getting enough food or not getting the right amount of types of food that they need for families.”
Zardetto also addresses the high cost of moving from location to location which erodes family finances. The third most pressing issue Zardetto says is how military spouses have trouble finding jobs due to the transient nature of military life.
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As a military child, military veteran, military spouse and now military Mom, there are enormous number of challenges however, three stand out for me. First the cost of living is difficult to adjust to every 2-3 years. As enlisted we make just enough to get by, we qualify for food stamps and WIC which the nation should be ashamed of. However, the second is the Diorio’s children to transition between civilian public schools. There is not a single national curriculum, nor is there a specific standard for evaluation of curriculum. This cane make changes in high school extremely challenging (which we have done twice). Finally, breaking into civilian communities with meaningful relationships. I have often felt civilians do not feel we are worth the time investment. Knowing we will be gone soon they aren’t willing to extend relationships, which I understand but in NJ especially I feel as though there is a snub from civilians, who view military members are a “necessary evil”. I do not see the Vietnam era signs flaming in my front yard but I have certainly felt the glare of disapproval from those who have no concept of what it means to serve. It’s a hard pill to swallow. I would ask 3 things in response. 1) grocers including the commissary re-evaluate the surcharge they place that causes groceries to meet the civilian cost. 2) schools nationwide develop a transition track for military families making it easier for students to smoothly transition. 3) NJ families, I know you have all grown up together, lived here all your lives, but please consider bringing military family into your flock. Yes, we are strong and self sufficient but YOU are what we do our job for. YOU are the people at home, help us believe that our work matters.