Illegal aliens have driven my only son into the Army Reserves
By spalladino
@spalladino (17891)
United States
February 25, 2009 4:00pm CST
I'm not a happy camper right now. As some of you know my son, who is 31 years old, worked in the construction industry for many years. He was a drywall finsher and a painter. He also did some electrical. Then the illegal immigrants started hanging out in front of Home Depot and Lowes, the real estate market started to sag, the economy started to sag and it was cheaper for the general contractors to let their legit employees go and to hire these illegal day workers for cash and no benefits.
(I know, blame the general contractors but that doesn't make me feel better, does it?)
So, my son has been working at various jobs ever since he lost his last construction job...along with his insurance. He has a family to think about...he's been working two jobs when he can and cutting wood in the evenings to sell on the weekends to folks with woodstoves and fireplaces.
But, it's not enough and one of his buddies who's in the Reserves has convinced him to enlist. It will mean more income every month...possibly medical benefits...definitely medical benefits if his unit is activated.
Activated???? That means that they're going somewhere far from home to fight in a war! It took every ounce of self control that I have in me not to cry while he was on the phone talking about all the benefits of this decision.
This is my only son. My first born. My heart. He hasn't signed anything yet but he will. He will sign the papers that could cost him his life and for what? Because he can no longer earn enough to support his family because some slimey, non-English speaking creep took his job? I don't even know why I'm posting this because if anyone gives me any cr@p I'll probably end up getting banned from this website. Can you guys understand...this is my SON! He would not be taking this risk if our boarders were secure and we didn't have upwards of 12 million illegal aliens living in this country stealing jobs from Americans.
So, I guess I have to put a question in here to make it a legit discussion. Here's one....can you feel my pain? If a mother has to worry about her son it SHOULD be because he feels the need to serve his country...NOT because he needs the income to support his family...along with the risk.
2 people like this
15 responses
@mgmagana (3618)
• United States
26 Feb 09
yeah putting your son in a coffin is a great way to think positively! like someone else said...if contractors didn't hire them then they wouldn't be out there...it's even better when people like u don't hold them accountable because then they think they do nothing wrong....if you'd rather your son beg u for money then start giving him some...show him you'd rather support him maybe then he won't go. n i meant give up like killing themselves n killing their families...would that be a better route for u? i doubt it!
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
26 Feb 09
You must have misread my post. Want to play word games? How about law breaking, cheating, liars who intentionally undercut American workers so they can steal their jobs? Is that better than aliens? If our laws were ENFORCED and ICE was parked in those lots the general contractors wouldn't be able to hire them in the first place. I've already made it pretty clear that I'm upset and not willing to look at this situation from the viewpoint of some scumbag who snuck across some boarder and managed to go allll the way to Maryland in order to steal my son's job.
Yes, my son is a bigger man. He's 6'2" so I'm sure his coffin will have to be specially made. Funny as it sounds, I would prefer that he gave up, that he called mom every week for money. I would feel more secure sending a check to his house every week then sending him letters overseas.
@flame2000 (99)
• United States
26 Feb 09
"humans r not aliens"
If someone wants to live and work in the U.S they must do so as legal immigrants.
"alien" by law is any person not a citizen or national of the foreign country in which they live...(alien means foreign to an area or country )not green and from Mars.An illegal alien is a foreigner without a illegal right to work.
1 person likes this
@lilnono (228)
• United States
26 Feb 09
I think you're son should really think this over. The annual pay for a private E2 is only $3240. Maybe you could loan him some money to start a business and hire some illegals of his own. The "if you can't beat em join em "attitude may be cynical but it's a lot better than being sent to war for $3240 per year. His recruiters may be telling him that he isn't likely to be sent to war. Let him know that they are desperate for people right now and will say anything to get people to enlist. Obviously if he gets sent to war he will be a lot further from his daughter than if he just went ahead and moved in with you.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
26 Feb 09
The recruiter talked about $1,500 a month for the Reserves but I told him that that seemed pretty high and that he should get everything in writing before signing anything. He actually has been trying to work as an independent contractor but, with the economy the way it is, people aren't doing many home improvements and the little bit of new home construction that is going on in Maryland has already been locked up by the larger companies.
1 person likes this
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
27 Feb 09
Good advice. I talked to him tonight and he's not going to do anything until after his daughter's birthday in June...and work has picked up so, if it stays up maybe he will reconsider. My husband agrees with your husband 100%. He's totally and permanently disabled due to his service in Nam and they constantly asked for copies of certian documents while we were fighting for his compensation. Fortunately, he kept all of his paperwork in order and can come up with anything they want in less than a minute!
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
26 Feb 09
Yeah, recruiters are good at that! It's how they talk so many young kids into joining. When they do drills and training they are paid for training. This may be what she's referring to (though I'm not 100% certain). I know when they are deployed they are then considered active duty.
http://www.armytimes.com/static/money/pay_charts/2007reservedrillpay/
My husband also said to make sure he keeps his paperwork in order. He's known a lot of guys who got out and lost their GI bill, etc because of loss of paperwork. For most benefits he's got to be able to prove time and service, and rank-so he'll need to make sure he keeps excellent records, or if ever goes active duty so that he doesn't loose rank.
http://www.army.com/enlist/reserve-duty-pay.html
@avonrep1 (1862)
• United States
26 Feb 09
I understand your frustrations and your fears. Though my son is only 9. His father is in the Military. It changed who he was, he had been a sweet nice guy before he joined the Army. I don't know what happen, but he became a violent person after joining. That is why he is now my ex.
Things are bad out there. Its part because of people being here illegally, but it is part because of the free trade agreement. I say screw free trade, I want FAIR TRADE. My husband is in the manufacturing industry, and we have watched a good 75% of the manufacturing jobs in our area get shipped overseas, to Mexico and Canada. Shops are closing down left and right.
We too fear we may get into a situation, where we have no choice, but for my hubby to join the military. That scares the crap out of me. Because I have been there and done that once, and it wasn't a good thing. I worry if he is forced to join, that he too will become a different person. I don't want him to join. I love who he is as a person, but I also understand we have kids to feed and support. Its a rough situation to be in.
I hope things get better for him, and he don't have to join. I believe that its worst for the families than for the soldiers because families are waiting wondering if the ones they love are okay. I too believe if you serve in the military it should be more about a calling not about money.
Blessed Be
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
27 Feb 09
I talked to my son this evening and he's definitely waiting until after his daughter's birthday in June before signing anything. I shared the advice I have received here with him without sharing too many of my fears...but I think he knows how hard this would be for me. My husband came back from Nam changed. He has severe PTSD and was totally normal when he went over there. The recruiter promised him and his two buddies that all three would go to Germany. One went there, my husband and the other boy went to Nam and the other boy came home in a casket. My husband struggles every day and I wouldn't wish his problems on anyone. I will say a prayer for your family as well.
@miamilady (4910)
• United States
25 Feb 09
I can feel your pain. I have a son. Too young to serve right now, but the thought of that possiblity does scare me sometimes. I feel your concern.
I can't completely agree with your sentiments about illegal aliens though.
Many of them are simply trying to do the same thing that your son is trying to do.
Put food on the table for their families.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
25 Feb 09
Thanks Miamilady. I'm assuming from your user name that you're in Florida like I am and I've said before that I have nothing aginst the Cubans who risk their lives to excape the persecution they face in their homeland.
But, my son is in Maryland. The illegals he competes with for every dime...every bit of food on the table...are from Mexico. Maryland is not near any boarder. Those people are there to undercut American workers and I've seen them laughing it off in the parking lots of the liqu0r stores up there while downing their Coronas. Let them work in their own coutry to put food on their family's tables. Don't force America's young men to join the military in order to support their sons and daughters.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
27 Feb 09
If you move out of state, pick the state carefully because they are everywhere! I hope that you're able to find work and I also hope the the worksite checks continue so that these people will not have such an easy time stealing jobs from American citizens. Good luck to you. 
@connierebel (1557)
• United States
26 Feb 09
If the illegals are trying to put food on their tables, there are plenty of jobs for them in Mexico. If you look at almost anything in the stores, if it doesn't say "made in China" than it almmost certainly says "made in Mexico". That's wheree all our jobs have gone. If we don't have enough jobs in this country for Americans, than we don't have any extra for aliens. And the job situation is so bad in New York state that I was seriously thinking about enlisting myself when I finish school, although I'll look into moving out of state first.
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
26 Feb 09
I watched Desert Storm unfold as I was pregnant with my only son. Now he's 17 and the whole thing scares the hell out of me. I'm so right there with you.
The worst part of these illegals is the work they do is substandard just because the companies want it cheap.
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
26 Feb 09
There are people here who think I really am the guy with the foot. 
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
26 Feb 09
Thanks Irish. It's hard to remember that you're a mom with that foot staring me in the face. I have never been prejudiced in my life and I took pride in that, even when things got rough for members of my family when the illegal aliens started to focus on the construction industry. But now things have changed. When I was still in Maryland I noticed the influx of Mexicans and wondered how they would survive since there weren't that many innocent little crops for them to pick. It wasn't until after I moved to Florida that it became clear what they were after. And, you're exactly right. The work is substandard...they're not skilled or trained....so essentially, folks are paying the same price for cr@ppy work while skilled technicians like my son are forced to look for work elsewhere...and to sign up to risk their lives for the wrong reasons.
I have never been prejudiced in my life and I took pride in that, even when things got rough for members of my family when the illegal aliens started to focus on the construction industry. But now things have changed. When I was still in Maryland I noticed the influx of Mexicans and wondered how they would survive since there weren't that many innocent little crops for them to pick. It wasn't until after I moved to Florida that it became clear what they were after. And, you're exactly right. The work is substandard...they're not skilled or trained....so essentially, folks are paying the same price for cr@ppy work while skilled technicians like my son are forced to look for work elsewhere...and to sign up to risk their lives for the wrong reasons. @Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
26 Feb 09
Spalladino-
If he's going to join tell him he'd do better to join the Army itself and go as a lifer. He'd have more of a chance for special training and career potential then with the reserves. Not that any Vet is really treated fairly after they are out, but if you are going to do it, then do it. The reserves are great for those who are doing the weekend service, occassional deployment, but lately the reserves are being the first ones called up. We just saw two deploy again for Afghanistan and Iraq. It's a tough job.
I am sorry if this comes across harsh or anything. I'm married to a former Army man. Served over 6 years in this man's Army.
I can understand the fear you have as a mother, but remember it is his choice. Even the reserves are trained well. He'll be trained, and the men he's with will make sure to give him all the protection they can. You become very close in your unit.
I will say though, men (and women) come back different from war. Once he's seen war he'll no longer be the same son. I'm not saying this to scare you, but to help you prepare yourself. My husband is a different person then he was before he joined the military. However, there is truth in the Army's new slogan "Army strong", because they are.
My heart is with you and I wish you all the best and your son.
Namaste-Anora
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
26 Feb 09
Thanks for the advice and I will be sure to pass it along. I'm married to a Vietnam vet so I know how war can change you. I just pray that my son will never have that experience. I do agree with the concept of being "Army strong" and I'm sure the experience will help my son to grow as a person. What you posted about his training and his unit looking out for each other was helpful. Thanks again.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (40976)
• Philippines
26 Feb 09
Well I guess he should have more motivation than money in it. Love for his country and service to his countrymen. That is the reason why we have to join the military. I really think that joining the military is a noble career because you son is serving his country well. But if he is joining just for the money well I guess he should motivate himself more because his life would not be comfortable doing all this stuff.
As a mother you concern is just as valid. Blaming the illegal immigrants may have some points for you, but if these employers won't hire them these illegal immigrants won';t even be interested to stay in your country.
@Savvynlady (3684)
• United States
26 Feb 09
Saplladino,
I almost didn't want to answer this discussion, but let me say this. What these folks are doing is cutting costs. No it isn't right I agree. There ought to be a way where everyone should be able to work in peace without legitimate honest US workers can also make a living alongside those who are not US citizens. OK, a bit Pollyannaish, but to me, I know in the building industry they going to go for the one they can get for less money to keep more money in their pockets. If your son is unionized, I have heard of an order passing to keep all jobs unionized so that can be of some relief for him. All I can say of this country is we just went down a wrong road looking for the cheap way out and being dishonest and greedy, and now we got millions of Americans being beggars basically.That is not right. It just isn't. Because of this, you now have a President trying to make it right, but so much wrong has already happened.It's gonna take a heap of money to turn it around, and only Lord knows where it's coming from. That's a bit too much for one to do. As for your son going into the Reserves, although administrations have changed, there are still folks going to Iraq. that can still be on his horizon. I have always worked constantly but I haven't worked for almost five months now. I had two jobs last year, now I have none. So yes I can feel your pain most definitely. So much so that I thought about rejoining the service myself. I was in there for a while.
@xfahctor (14113)
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
25 Feb 09
If he is joining the service for the money than he is joining for the wrong reasons. I hope and pray deep down he has deeper motives and realizes them. I can understand your concern and sympathize, I'm torn between telling you to talk him out of it and telling you to support his decision and be proud of him.
The fortunate side to this is that Iraq is winding down and the surge in Afghanistan may more involve troops leaving Iraq instead of fresh troops. With the economy as it is, we may not nessesarily see quite the militaristic tendencies we have seen as of late.
You, your son and your family are all in my thoughts, for what ever you feel that is worth. Best of everything to you.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
25 Feb 09
Thanks xfahctor. He's definitely joining for the money...that extra income is his main motivation. I tried talking him out of it without letting him know how opposed I am to it because he is taking some pride in doing it but he's in bad financial shape and he sees this as the only way out. I just hope nothing breaks out someplace else.
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
26 Feb 09
OMFG! I do hear you loud and very clear and I agree with you
110%! That so does suck! And it is happening here in NY too!
In fact it is happening every phucking where and I hate it
and wish the phuck that there was something that we could do
about it! THEY ARE EVERYWHERE! THEY STAND EVERYWHERE! THEY
TAKE AWAY JOBS, ANY JOBS THAT SHOULD BE OUR JOBS! I no longer
can say that I am not prejudice and that is truly sad! I
hate THEM for what THEY do! It so does suck! I won't even
apologize for my rant! I so do feel your pain Spalladino!
I am not a mother, but I am a woman who cares deeply and
you are my friend and I don't want to have you be in pain
and I don't want your son to have to do this because he has
to support his family! He does not have to go fight in a war
to support his family! They are wars we don't even belong in!
There has to be some other way! How can it possibly come down
to this? It really breaks my heart to hear this!
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
26 Feb 09
Hi Opal! Thanks for caring so much...I don't think I've ever seen you so fired up! It's not an accident that these people have relocated in every state in this country and, more and more, they'll take jobs away from not only American citizens but also from those who played by the rules and came here legally.
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
26 Feb 09
Spalladino, as a mother my heart goes out to you and I appreciate your fears for your son. I live in Australia and although I agree with and appreciate your sentiments I am not informed enough to state a view as your post is the first time I have had to think about such an issue.
One thing I have to say though is that I think you should be very proud of your son; he sounds like a very decent hard working young man and he has made what he thinks is the best decision to support his family.
The situation certainly does not sound fair. You are right in saying that he should enlist as a calling and not a need for money; it isn't right.
I expect your son is a proud man and he is doing the best he can. I responded to your topic because I feel for you so very much and I wish I could resolve the situation. All I can do is send some prayers out into the Universe for you and your son and hope something comes along real soon before he enlists.
In the meantime give yourself a pat on the back, you are a good mother and have done well raising your boy and you have every reason to be proud of him no matter what happens. 
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
26 Feb 09
Hi Paula. I am very proud of my son and always will be but I so don't like this idea. He's a hard worker...always has been. He's been working for a concrete company for about six months or so but work has slowed for them, too. Thanks for your kindness and your prayers.
@flame2000 (99)
• United States
26 Feb 09
I 'm really sorry to hear it.Construction has never been very stable,but the illegals will work for nothing now.....The Union doesn't have much power anymore....sigh....With Obama in office,we don't have much to look forward to.My sister's only son just got back for Iraq last year...I understand your frustration.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
26 Feb 09
Thanks Flame...and for your comment under the other response, too. During the real estate boom new home construction was so active that there was more than enough work to go around. My son was even doing side jobs on the weekends and life was good.
@renemouche (843)
• United States
26 Feb 09
I know this isnt and funny situation but when you metioned them standing infront of Lowes and Home Depot it just made me laugh because I guess it was just nieve of me to think that picture only happens in my city. Im originaly from a small town and we don't... well if we do have any illegals they don't hang around lowes or home depot so when i moved to the city for my job that scene was a shock for me. There are two Home Depot's close to were I live and I pass them on the way when Im going to walmart and they are always out there. They are also always at this gas station that is underneath a major freeway all the time. Cars pull up and they get in. Its quite sad really.
The whole situation is sad. I feel for you and your son and I know you don't want to hear this but those workers are just trying to support their familes too. Granted they should not come here illegaly but as long as there is a way for them to do it and get away with it they will continue to and that goes for the people who hire them too. I don't believe that companies should hire them knowing that they are not in this counrty legally just so they can save a few bucks. The system is completly broken. I don't understand why the police don't do raids at these stores because its so obvious as to whats going on.
I don't have any children, but I was devested when my cousin joined(I know its not the same) but i know what it is like to have a loved one in the service and to be scared for them. I pray that your son can think of another way. Joining the service should be because you truly want to serve your country not to make money. It's so hard right now. I just hope everthing works out for him.
@Xxmookie621xX (269)
• United States
26 Feb 09
i heared that the troops are comming back in 18 months... my uncle is an immigrant, so are my parents. my father and his brother are islanders and my mother is european. yeah well, my uncle and two of his sons are in the middle east fighting. were all sp worried about them. my cousin benji's son was born while he was in the war, and he was so upset because he couldn't come to see his wife or his first son. my brother robert was in the war and was badly injered, he was shot 5 times, and lost some limbs. my mother was histerical. my aunt lost her husband, she saw the officer come to her front door, with a flag and a slip and she just broke down, they have 4 children. it is a very scary situation.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
26 Feb 09
Yes it is...for everyone in the family, not just for the serviceperson. It sounds like your family has a lot of the same worries that I do and I'm sorry for the losses that they've suffered.
@DoriLentrich (1016)
• United States
26 Feb 09
I do feel your pain. My family has been associated with the military throughout every generation that we can remember. I know what it feels like to worry about a loved one on the front lines. And all of mine were active duty from the start.
While it is ideal for someone to join the military because of a deeply held conviction about defending his/her country, that's not the way it's worked. Your son is a member of a large and illustrious group. Believe it or not a lot of men joined the military because of a steady paycheck and "three squares a day." (In fact, the expression a square meal came from the fact that the military served meals on square plates). Your son is no different and should be applauded for his sacrifice for his family.
Does this make it any easier for you as the mother at home, worried? No. But don't deride his choice because it's made out of fiscal desperation. He's going Reserves, that's a long way from active. However, he could be activated and that should make you more concerned about how his government will treat him. While there are threats abroad, as a military man, your son will also have threats at home. Those medical benefits and income are prey to the whims of politicians. His sacrifice may become meaningless if his government supports his service but doesn't want to pay for it.
