The money invested in savings bonds directly helps finance our country's borrowing needs and is spent according to congressional appropriations, which include anti-terrorism initiatives. Savings bond rates are fairly competitive with other insured cash investments such as certificates of deposit. You don't pay any state or local taxes on the interest the bonds earn and federal taxes are deferred until you cash them. Ask someone at your credit union for more information about investing in savings bonds. Chitwood had to file for bankruptcy after returning from the Gulf War.
Most reservists earn more from their civilian jobs than they do from the military.
One benefit is his income will be tax-free during a hostile situation. Congress recognized in 1940 that when reservists are called to action their finances suffer, so it passed the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act. The protections start the day that active service begins and ends as soon as it ends. For example, a credit union in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., set up a special department that members could contact to have their bills paid for them while they were on active duty during the Gulf War.