The Importance Of Marriage In The Military

When I was assisting the United Services Organization (USO) in Hampton Roads Virginia, there was a soldier in need of a car. She had received orders a permanent change of station (PCS) move to Fort Lewis in Washington state. She was adamant about buying a new BMW X5 SUV, at a price point well out side her pay grade. Even though she did not posses the budget to support the monthly car note or maintenance fees associated with the luxury brand. Burdened also with abysmal credit score, suspended license and no one willing to co-sign the vehicle loan. As time grew closer to her PCS date, she was was unable to find anyone willing to assist her eventually asking an abusive ex-boyfriend. He seized the opportunity for a chance to produce a degrading sex video in exchange for co-signage.
Devastated, but determined she still had her sights on the BMW. In a last ditch effort a soldier who was assumed gay during the “don’t ask/don’t tell” era also was to PCS to Fort Lewis proposed a sham marriage. This union would increase both of their monthly incomes. Sham marriage’s are frowned upon in the military because they pull resources under false pretenses. Against disapprobation from her peers, family, and valued Non Commission Officers (NCO) advice they married a month before moving to Washington. Armed with a husband to co-sign, the additional income a sham marriage brings she purchase the the BMW. 3 months after the director of the USO informed me that both soldiers were kicked out of the military with dishonorable discharges. I remember feeling during the soldiers quest for the BMW the feeling of concern, not for her military career or personal shame she endured for a