Combat Duty Stipend The Least Our County Can Do

It appears the Highlands County Commission is going to step up and do something good to support our troops who have been serving in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's a wonderful gesture and sure to help any local soldiers who have been serving their country and placing themselves in danger.

If approved - and it appears it will be - any soldiers who have served in a combat role will receive a $75 per month stipend, for every month they serve in combat, from the county, which could mean an extra $900 per year depending on amount of time. Commissioners are considering this instead of giving a property tax break, which would only benefit troops who own homes.

Veterans officials suggested making it a stipend for all combat soldiers, instead of just property owners, since so many of the troops in harms way are young and just getting started with their lives. Some other Florida counties are offering the property tax rebate, but Highlands County would be one of three counties offering stipends.

Seventy-five dollars a month might not seem like a lot of money to some, but when dollars are tight, it can help make ends meet. The impact of families with a loved one serving in the military can be devastating, especially for members of the National Guard who leave good jobs to serve our country. Their family often is left with all the bills and nowhere near as much money to live on.

This money is limited to combat veterans, the ones who were on the front lines facing danger every day. They deserve this stipend for their contribution and willingness to serve our country during dangerous times.

We're impressed with our commissioners for considering this and so far it seems like a slam dunk to be approved.