Unit of Deployed Upstate New York Soldiers Getting Unfairly Taxed
As the United States celebrated their 18 million veterans across the country, a group of active military members, deployed in Kenya are not receiving a designated tax break from the Federal Government and New York State. "The Fighting 69th", which includes "Charlie Company" from the New York National Guard’s 2nd Squadron, 108th Infantry in Utica, and a western New York's cavalry troop 2nd Squadron, is not receiving a "combat zone" tax exemptions.
A report says that such tax credits are being given to soldiers deployed in boarding countries of Kenya to fight global terror. So why wouldn't these soldiers get the deserved break? According to Carl Campanile of nypost.com, former Staten Island congressman Max Rose, a combat veteran who served in the 69th Infantry is outraged by the slight. “As a former member of this unit, I sincerely hope that every one of the 69th soldiers serving in harm’s way receives the tax benefits they deserve and are entitled to,” Rose said in nypost.com. “We can’t let policy jargon get in the way of doing the right thing.”
The article stated that the Tax return software firm Intuit Turbo Tax claimed that the "combat zone" tax break “translates to a significant tax saving for the active service member in combat and his family back home.” U.S. Congressman, Lee Zeldin, who just lost the New York State governor's race, served in Iraq as a member of the U.S. Army. Zeldin commented, “As the global war on terror has evolved, so should the combat zone recognition for those military service members who are stationed in harm’s way. On Veterans Day, we’re especially cognizant of the service and sacrifice of these brave men and women around the world. It’s critical that combat zone designations and the benefits associated with them recognize the threats our service members have faced on the ground.”
Deployment is difficult on soldiers and their families. Yes, this is what they signed up for. However, "combat zones" aren't as clear-cut as they used to be. The global war on terror has few boarders. These soldiers are not being sent to Kenya because everything is cool over there. Tax breaks can go a long way to the happiness and survival of our military personnel protecting us back home.