Young men returning from war are finding themselves without many prospects in the current job market. The youngest veterans – those under 24 years old – have an unemployment rate of well over 20%. Compounding the problems these young men face, many veterans’ wives left them while they were on tour, taking advantage of the generous benefits the armed forces provide to soldiers’ ex-wives. Out of work and owing child support, a number are finding themselves on the street or forced to check into homeless shelters.
Older pro-veteran activists have expressed surprise at the number of young, homeless veterans who have children. Sister JoAnne Talarico, of Des Moines Iowa, has been protesting war and helping veterans since the Vietnam War, but even she was shocked by the preponderance of fathers of young children amongst the young, homeless veterans.
Given the ruthlessness with which the state prosecutes divorced and single fathers, the sister shouldn’t be surprised, but few people are aware of just how bad it is due to media apathy concerning the subject. Not only are military wives notorious for fooling around on their husbands while they are overseas, they are given clear incentives to divorce, all the while courted by attorneys who hover around bases hoping to get a cut of a divorce settlement. In conjunction with their attorneys, military wives can often put such a financial burden on a young veteran that he has no choice but to sleep on the streets or in his car, even if he is lucky enough to be employed.
Persecution and abandonment of young veterans has had dire consequences before. In some countries, it has been enough to tip the balance in favor of revolution. While this appears unlikely in the United States (for the time being), disgruntled veterans have options for expressing their dissatisfaction in manners beyond the capabilities of most others.
