How does a retired Air Force Colonel end up homeless?

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 12:32:45 -0500

http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/01/06/3124001/retired-pentagon-aide-homeless/

Something doesn't seem quite right with this story.

This Man Retired From Being A Pentagon Aide At The Rank Of Colonel. Now He’s Homeless.

Retired Air Force Colonel Robert Freniere, a 30-year veteran and former Pentagon aide to retired General Stanley McChrystal, now lives out of his van.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 8 at 2014 12:54 PM

SFC James Baber — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 12:54:19 -0500

I think this is very sad and a true statement of how the VA and the government is really towards our veterans if it is true.

I would need more on this to give a honest opinion if this is accurate in the writing.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 8 at 2014 12:56 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 12:56:38 -0500

This makes no sense to me.. He makes more in retirement than I do on Active Duty. How extensive was this debt that he's now homeless?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2014 1:03 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 13:03:51 -0500

First of all I want to set the record straight and that this homelessness has not actually gone down. In point of fact, the definition of homelessness has changed and I was told that by the VA.

Secondly, That Colonel could serve as the Poster Veteran for the homeless. Up until about two months I was homeless, drifting and unsure about my own future. Thanks to Sen. Burr that situation has been resolved. These homeless need to know what to do and where to go.

And finally, politics should be set aside. Discretion amongst leaders have to show this. Pettiness can lead to this kind of thing and to imagine, a 30-year veteran. God bless him for the courage to try and if you think it cannot happen to you, it can.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2014 1:06 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 13:06:30 -0500

This whole story doesn't add up.

Response by SFC Cornelius Walsh made Jan 8 at 2014 1:44 PM

SFC Cornelius Walsh — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 13:44:17 -0500

That was, sadly, the same reaction I had when I read the story. Unfortunately, money management is a critically needed area of training for the military, and this story is a reminder that such training would include our Officers as well.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 9:33 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 09:33:16 -0500

I would guess that 80% of people at all income levels live paycheck to paycheck. This includes full colonel's.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Jan 11 at 2014 12:29 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 12:29:46 -0500

Sir, yes something is very wrong with this, fact is that it happens. It happened to me when I got out and I seen doctors whom had PHD's also homeless with out jobs.

I can talk because I was there Homeless. How ever if you ever meet me in person when I was homeless you would never know I was. I never asked for anything from anyone, I never dressed like I was homeless, I never let anyone know I was homeless.

It was not that I was ashamed, for me it was like being in the military (In the Field undergoing training), My assignment to use any means to find a place to live and get a job. 6 months later, I had a place to live, I had an office and worked as security chief with 50 security officers and 25 LAPD off duty officers. I was 3rd in command. But that was then, and this is now. So in a few months in April, I'm going to have to find another job in IT because this contract ends in that month, Only thing is I have a family that includes a 4 year old. So things will work out, I will make something happen. I don't blame the VA nor any one, just some times things happen that's all.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Mar 15 at 2014 4:24 AM

SSG Mike Angelo — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 04:24:28 -0400

we all have choices.

Response by MAJ Dennis Malone made May 28 at 2014 3:05 PM

MAJ Dennis Malone — Wed, 28 May 2014 15:05:43 -0400

Colonel Freniere is now in my prayers. The man, without a doubt, has more to offer to society than he as ever accorded the opportunity to. I know that he feels the same thing in his heart...he is a great man and warrior. I filled out a job application today. In two months I will leave Abu Dhabi and go back to Kansas. One of the places that I applied for employment to doesn't even recognize the United States Military Academy at West Point as a certified university. How sad! The Topeka Journal may have a column on this in the near future. I do wonder how M3 LET THIS HAPPEN TO ONE OF HIS FOLKS THOUGH...he is welcomed to email me at [login to see] .

Response by PFC James (LURCH) Janota made Jul 18 at 2014 9:07 AM

PFC James (LURCH) Janota — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 09:07:17 -0400

Then Help us out. We can get all homeless working and housed at the same time. Just help them get an opportunity and end this issue of all homeless people. http://www.gofundme.com/homes4veterans

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Aug 6 at 2014 12:29 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 12:29:09 -0400

I know of an MD doing the same -his PTSD got the best of him.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 7 at 2014 10:17 PM

SGT Richard H. — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 22:17:46 -0400

As a retired 0-6, his retirement should be in the ballpark of what? $5k or more a month? I would think even if he's losing half to a divorce or something he should be able to swing at least a modest apartment. I agree that something doesn't sound quite right.

With that being said, homelessness is more often than not a mental issue rather than a fiscal issue. There are plenty of people who just "snap" one day and just wander away from whatever life they were living.

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Oct 7 at 2014 10:17 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 22:17:40 -0400

The man went through a divorce and has debts. Not the least of which are the attorney fees, alimony, rent, debt servicing and so on. Not hard for me to believe at all.