Americans are outraged after thousands of National Guard soldiers were asked by the pentagon to repay their re-enlistment bonuses.
The bonuses were about 15-thousand dollars offered during the height of the Iraq and Afghanistan war following 9-11.
Nearly 10,000 soldiers received letters to pay it all back.
Local veterans from other branches of the military said they were offended by the government’s request.
“By asking for this money back from this particular group of soldiers, we're disrespecting every veteran in the United States, including me. I take great offense to that,” said Chuck Suderman, an Air Force veteran.
The issue created a statewide bipartisan effort to keep the repayments from happening. Both Congressman Kevin McCarthy and David Valadao signed a letter asking the Department of Defense to halt the requests for repayment.
The Kern County Veteran's Services Department says they will help anyone who received a letter, but so far no one has come forward.
“When it comes to something like this and one of your brothers and sisters is down and there's something going wrong that affects them, everybody chimes in and everybody comes to their aid,” said Dick Taylor, director of the department.
If you received a letter and need help call the Kern County Veteran's Services Department, Congressman McCarthy or Congressman Valadao.
Kern County Veteran's Services Department: 1110 Golden State Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 323-8387
Congressman Kevin McCarthy: 100 Empire Dr #150, Bakersfield, CA 93309
(661) 327-3611
Congressman David Valadao: 101 North Irwin Street
Suite 110B
Hanford, California 93230
Phone: (559) 582-5526
