National Guard member denied his
promised re-enlistment bonus money

Originally published by www.woodtv.com June 17, 2005

By Dan Bewley

A re-enlistment bonus offered by the Michigan National Guard has a West Michigan couple confused. The couple says they were told they would pocket $15,000, only to find out later they can't get the money.

"I'm absolutely heartbroken, this was a decision he made...that he wanted to get back in the military," said Carrie Bunker.

Carrie's husband, Tommy, decided last month to re-enlist in the National Guard. He spent most of the 1990s serving his country. Now, hard financial times and deep patriotism helped spur the decision.

"He wants to serve his country but every door we go to they're closed on us," Carrie told 24 Hour News 8.

The Bunkers thought they would be eligible for the National Guard's $15,000 re-enlistment bonus. They say their recruiter even told them it was going to happen.

"I was qualified for the bonus because of nine years. I got out with an honorable discharge," Tommy Bunker said.

The Bunkers had the paperwork, one with a note referring to the bonus. But, he's not eligible because he had already received a bonus in 1997.

The bonus requirements are very strict. The National Guard says they simply have no leeway. The rules are set by Congress.

"They do ask us what we need and what we would like to accomplish with our bonus program and they develop the statutory requirements to go along with that," said 1st Sgt. David Dunckel of the Michigan National Guard.

As for the $15,000 bonus, Sgt. Dunckel says the recruit must prove prior service, enlist for six years, and have not received a previous bonus.

"That's where they need to change something," said Tommy Bunker.

24 Hour News 8 discovered that all's not lost for the Bunkers.

"What he can do, what he has the option of doing is one year from now he can re-enlist with the National Guard, since his commitment is only for one year and there will be a bonus available then...the same amount," said Major Dawn Dancer of the Michigan National Guard.

But Tommy and Carrie Bunker say by then it may be too late.

The National Guard insists they explained the eligibility requirements to the Bunkers and say he signed up knowing that he may not be getting the money.

Tommy & Carrie Bunker

Denied a $15,000
Re-enlistment Bonus

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